HAPPY NEW YEAR LANGUAGE LOVERS!
This is the time of the year where we want to start fresh and set new resolutions, goals, or intentions. No matter how you call them, you have to act quickly because soon enough, your mind will start finding excuses to stop you from reaching them. For language learning, I can suggest a proven goal-setting method explained step by step in this video:
Well planned SMART goals will act as a GPS that will take you straight to fluency.
The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound
Specific and small: Reach your big goal by taking baby steps. Instead of saying, “I want to learn Spanish.” Say, “I want to learn how to introduce myself in Spanish.”
Measurable: Find a way to measure your progress. Keep a notebook where you will write down every new word, expression, or grammar rule you learn. You can also use online quizzes to test your knowledge.
Achievable: Trying to do too much too fast can be awfully discouraging. Instead, pick a language learning method that is not too easy or too difficult but still challenges you.
Realistic: Trying to learn three languages at the same time is NOT realistic. Saying that you will dedicate 3 hours per day to your language learning activity when you work full time and have children at home is also NOT realistic. Make sure your language activity is in line with your lifestyle and routine.
Time-bound: Set a date for each specific goal. This is the most effective way to keep track of your progress.
Writing down your goals is a crucial part of goal setting. Studies have proven that you are 42 % more likely to achieve your goals simply by writing them down! Here is an example of a written Smart Goal
“I want to learn how to introduce my self in Spanish by February 28. I will study 10 minutes every day to learn new vocabulary and will participate every week to a language exchange”
Once your Smart goals are set, decide HOW, WHEN, and WHERE you will learn the language.
HOW – decide how you will learn the language: by joining a language school, meeting up with a language partner in a language club environment, or by using a language learning App like Duolingo, Memrise, Busuu, Babel, Flash Academy, etc. (check Language learning apps handpicked by our members).
WHEN – Decide when you will perform your language learning activity. Here is where you have to be realistic, pick a time that will be dedicated only to learn your language without interruptions. This is an appointment with yourself, and you should treat it like any other important appointment you have with anyone else.
WHERE – If you are learning by yourself, make sure you pick a quiet location where you will be able to focus without being interrupted.
As we all know, consistency is the key to success. An excellent way to stay consistent is by writing down the reason WHY you want to learn that specific language. Keep your note somewhere visible as a reminder, and don’t let any excuse get in your way.
You need help setting up some goals, you can contact me at [email protected]