Show notes
Click or tap here to get the free guide to building your language learning habit
Thank you to Bonnie Z for this episode introduction.
Today’s question comes from Elizabeth - here's a summary of what she's asking:
I am attempting to learn Japanese. I’m trying out different methods in order to establish a routine that works best for me. This is starting to frustrate me because I feel like I am going in circles without making any real progress in the language.
I absolutely love Japan, and so I’m trying hard to stay motivated and keep going, but the lack of progress is starting to zap my enthusiasm.
Is this type of “wheel spinning” typical when you are a first time, self-directed language learner?
OMG ELIZABETH I LOVE THIS QUESTION!!!!!!
You’re taking your first baby steps into indie learning and choosing what is right for you, and that’s just super strong and amazing.
In today’s episode, I’ll take the opportunity to talk you through a few key steps as I teach them in the Language Habit Toolkit, my all-in-one package to help you create a great language learning routine.
The idea of this language HABIT is so important because of what a good habit signifies.
5 Steps To Establishing Your Language Learning Habit
Assess your resources - are they right?
You want a guiding resource, some input resources, and a few reference materials.
Learn more about this in my blog article "No More Hoarding!".
Aim for higher levels of COMFORT not skill
Work with the right goals
There are two types of goals you need for language learning:
Vision Goals and Path Goals
Track what you do
If your goal is the habit, progress is coming closer to the language being an absolutely irremovable part of your life. Progress isn’t always about knowing one more word of vocabulary, but instead about one tiny little degree of comfort.
My most basic check-in is the “daily contact”, keeping me feeling accomplished even on super busy days.
Review Regularly
This is where we find out what’s real and what’s not, and that means whether you are actually spinning your wheels. The key is to answer questions like
- What went well, what didn’t go well
- Was there any surprise
- What do I want to do next
- Where am I in relation to my goals
TRUST IN YOURSELF you’re doing an awesome job Elizabeth!!
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