New Year Resolutions: Setting Goals for Success (90' Lesson Plan)

Help your students start the year with purpose and confidence. This 90-minute lesson plan teaches high school learners how to set clear, realistic, and meaningful New Year resolutions. It goes beyond wishful thinking and focuses on real-life goal setting skills.

Students explore why resolutions often fail and how mindset affects success. They learn to spot weak goals and turn them into strong ones using the SMART framework. Step-by-step activities guide students from vague ideas to clear action plans. The lesson includes pair work, class discussion, and individual reflection to keep students engaged.

There is a comprehensive worksheet for students. It helps with planning, brainstorming, progress monitoring, and conquering challenges. Students develop a single personal goal and divide it into doable steps. They also plan for accountability and create a tracking mechanism.

This lesson increases motivation, self-awareness, and accountability. It is ideal for the beginning of a new semester, life skills workshops, and advising sessions. Very little preparation is required. It is simple to teach and has value for pupils because to its clear framework and useful assignments.