Why Learning A Language Should Be Your #1 New Year’s Resolution
Why Learning A Language Should Be Your #1 New Year’s Resolution
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Why Learning A New Language Should Be Your New Year’s Resolution
Have you ever wanted to learn another language or go over what you learnt when you were younger? Is one of your New Year's Resolutions this year to learn a new language?
It's that time of year once again! No, not the holiday season. It's the perfect moment to reflect about what you want to accomplish in the new year as the champagne corks explode at the end of the New Year's Eve countdown.
Let's fast forward a little. I'm referring to the time of year when you create unrealistic resolutions that will almost certainly fail before the end of January. You're aware of it. I'm aware of it. Let's be honest about it.
Around this time each year, we all start making plans to change our routines, break old habits, better our lifestyles, and try new things like lose weight and eat healthier, read more books, or work to improve our happiness - what are known as 'New Year's Resolutions.' How about learning a new language as a New Year's resolution?
This year, I recommend that everyone learn to speak another language. Did you know that there are more bilingual speakers than monolingual speakers on the planet? A typical New Year's resolution is to learn a foreign language.
You may have had a challenging year, and it's normal to start thinking about what you want to accomplish in the coming year.
Every January, we begin with a blank book, which we commit to filling in with our experiences and knowledge. We deliberate, plan, and imagine what will make each page valuable.
We are ecstatic whenever we reach a goal, and we are confident that deciding to learn a new language will be a great inspiration for your New Year's resolutions, as it will keep you motivated while also providing various benefits.
Here are a few compelling reasons to take advantage of the opportunity. Well, it turns out that, despite the fact that many people fail to fulfill their resolutions, one study reveals that over half of those who make them retain them after six months.
Even better, people who set New Year’s resolutions are nearly ten times more likely to achieve their goals than those who do not.
So, if you're on the fence about making language learning resolutions for the New Year, go for it. Imagine strolling along through Italy's canals and ordering pasta in Italian, or getting directions to the train from Beijing to Shanghai entirely in Mandarin Chinese.
Yes, I know: you make New Year's resolutions every year, but you only keep them until February. So, what's the big deal? That isn't to say you shouldn't prepare a resolution list for the new year. Every year, we strive to be a better version of ourselves than we were the year before.
One of our life's tasks is to develop and learn on a continuous basis. So don't abandon your New Year's resolutions. Make a list that includes "learn a new language." It's never too late to start, and with a little drive, you may find yourself in places you've never imagined, with people you've never met before.
However, deciding to "learn a language" is a rather vague goal, and only 9% of those who made it did so in the new year. What can you do this year to ensure that your language learning is a success? This is it. This is your year to learn a new language.
Many of us make resolutions at the start of each year, and a large percentage of us fail to maintain them. But, let's face it, keeping our New Year's resolutions may be challenging. Failure generally occurs before the end of January, whether it's to clean the garage, lose weight, or generate more money.
While people make different resolutions depending on their circumstances, learning a new language is one of the most common and gratifying pursuits. You may have considered learning a new language as a New Year's resolution, but decided against it in favor of a more common goal like losing weight. It's all too easy to keep putting off your ambition of learning a new language.
This is particularly true given how hectic life can be. Perhaps you long to communicate in the native tongue of your parents' homeland. Perhaps you'll need to learn a second language in order to advance in your work. Our power to communicate with others has never been greater than it is in today's globalized society.
Despite the ease with which technology links us, our inability to communicate in another's language separates us. Perhaps you'd want to set a New Year's resolution for yourself. That is why learning a new language is one of the most worthwhile New Year's resolutions.
There are no shortcuts or magic programs that will teach you a language in your sleep or during your morning commute, regardless of the language you select. According to experts, in order to truly learn a language, you must stay motivated and expose yourself to it on a daily basis. You won't be able to achieve that until you put down your book and engage in conversation with a native speaker.
However, I believe that learning a new language should be at the top of your priority list, and making it a New Year's resolution is a great way to get started. If we approach New Year's resolutions correctly, we can achieve them! So, what can you do this year to ensure that you keep your resolution?
How do you ensure that anything new becomes a long-term habit in order to become proficient in a language if that is your goal? Below, we take a deeper look at some of the most common reasons people fail, as well as the excuses they make, and offer answers and recommendations to help you stick to your language learning New Year's plan.
Photo Credit: Suti Stock Photo/Shutterstock
Many people make resolutions or establish goals for the coming year around the New Year. Every year, I make language learning one of my New Year's resolutions since it is something I want to improve every year.
Technology, how I love you! Fortunately for you, we live in an age where our digital gadgets can be manipulated to our will. There are many choices available whether you've never attempted a new language or dropped out of language studies in high school - the time at which most individuals finish studying a language.
It has never been easier to study a language in the age of smartphones and social media. Foreign language training is accessible in a variety of ways almost everywhere. Beginners have access to a wealth of tools, including apps, language learning forums, and one-on-one Zoom sessions.
Look for an online course or just go to your local library and get some language guides, podcasts, or audiobooks to listen to at home. A local language meetup group is an excellent alternative if you already have some language skills and wish to mix and mingle with other speakers. There's no reason why you shouldn't give it a shot.
I want to provide you with some motivation to get you started on your New Year's language resolutions, as well as some recommendations on how to make SMART goals that you can really achieve, and finally, some advice on how to keep your New Year's language resolutions.
In this post, I'll provide you with a plethora of new ideas and tools to help you with your language learning. So put your excuses aside and get started on your language learning journey in the new year. You'll be speaking a new language in no time if you include these helpful tips into your daily routine.
While it may be tempting to spend a large portion of this free time binge-watching on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and other streaming services (because there are certainly some excellent shows to watch), investing a small amount of time each day in learning a language can be a very rewarding endeavor that will provide satisfaction long after the thrill of watching an episode has worn off.
We might fall into the habit of thinking that our way of life is normal (such as being a monolingual English speaker in either America or Britain). The human species is making significant progress in terms of internet communication. Why should you deny yourself the opportunity to learn a second language?
While knowing many languages has many practical advantages, such as making things easier on a vacation or increasing job chances, there are numerous additional reasons to learn.
It should be at the top of your priority list to learn a new language. Language and languages have an important role in defining an individual's identity. Learning a new language helps us to get a knowledge of different cultures and communities that we would not otherwise be able to obtain.
Our language and cultural identities are inextricably linked. That is one of the reasons why locals appreciate any effort made to learn their language when you travel. And knowing even a few phrases of the local language may transform your trip into a fantastic and interesting journey, whether you're traveling abroad during the summer or planning a winter getaway in the new year.
It is never too late to begin studying a foreign language. And after you've mastered a second language, the abilities you've picked up along the way will make learning a third or even fourth language much easier.
In just moments you’ll discover:
14 Reasons language learning should be your #1 New Year’s Resolution.
When learning a new language, don’t use these 10 excuses!
How to use the SMART Method to keep your language learning resolutions this year.
29 Ways to make your language learning New Year’s Resolution a reality.
How to stick to your New Year’s Resolution a reality.
How to stick to your language learning New Year’s Resolution and remain motivated.
How can you learn a language?
We've all had a challenging year full of ups and downs, so it's only normal that we start thinking about what we want to accomplish in the coming year. Every January, we begin with a blank slate that we commit to filling with our experiences and knowledge. We consider, plan, and dream about what will make each page worthwhile and memorable.
We are ecstatic whenever we reach a goal, and we are confident that deciding to learn a new language would be a fantastic New Year's resolution since, in addition to keeping you motivated, it will provide you with a number of advantages. A plethora of studies have demonstrated that learning a new language has several benefits.
Not only that, but there's plenty of proof that learning a new language may expand your brain and even create new neural pathways. Here are a few compelling reasons to take advantage of the opportunity.
Some of the many benefits of learning a foreign language include:
It’s enjoyable.
It boosts your income.
You have a higher chance at getting hired.
It’s beneficial to your health.
It enables you to make more connections.
It will improve your travel skills.
You’ll improve your multitasking skills.
Prevents Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
You’ll improve your memory & focus.
There are several reasons to learn a new language, including the following: First and foremost, you will learn a great deal. It may help you become smarter, find a better job and earn more money, and even enhance your love life.
Second, you'll meet a lot of new people who will have the potential to impact your life. Furthermore, understanding another language makes visiting that location much more pleasurable for both you and the locals.
Thinking about all the locations I could go to and the different people I could meet inspires me the most to learn another language.
Personally, I think you'll learn a lot more about things (culture, art, music) and have a lot more stories to tell. Do you find it difficult to see it? Try watching and speaking with people who are learning a new language. When I see polyglot videos, I usually imagine myself learning five new languages at the same time.
14 Reasons Language Learning Should Be Your #1 New Year’s Resolution
Photo Credit: Manzrussali/Shutterstock
This Is The Year To Learn A New Language
There are obvious advantages to learning many languages at a young age, but this does not exclude adults.
Learning a second language can also benefit you with things like:
Improving your confidence
Getting a raise in wage or a promotion
Improving your ability to communicate across cultures
Increasing your multitasking abilities
Assisting you in gaining a better knowledge of your native tongue
New possibilities for personal and professional relationships are created
And so much more!
When you consider how learning various languages benefits your career and personal life, the benefit is enormous.
1. It’s Achievable
Although learning a language requires time, consistent effort, and patience (particularly with oneself), it is undoubtedly one of the most attainable goals you can set. In reality, 60-75%of the world's population speaks at least two languages, so those of us who aren't multilingual are missing out big time.
Learning a second language is far from an impossibility when you consider that's approximately three-quarters of the world's population. If you put your mind to it, everything is possible, and people are living proof.
2. The Value Of Learning A Language Isn’t Just For One Year - It’s Long Lasting
It may even become permanent if you're consistent. You can achieve intermediate fluency by taking an intense course through an online platform such as Pimsleur.
So, although this year's New Year's resolution may be to learn a language, next year's goal may be to finally ask for that raise you've been wanting or to travel somewhere new that you couldn't before due to language barriers. You never know how many doors a new language may open until you begin to study it.
3. Accessibility And Convenience
Weight loss, quitting smoking, and eating healthier are common New Year's resolutions, but they often fail to keep because they are inconvenient (and not so enjoyable, either). Learning a language is convenient and accessible, but how you learn it matters a lot. That is, you will discover what works best for you.
You don't have to go across town to take a late-night lesson. You don't need to set aside the same amount of time each day or week. You don't have to look for a class or lesson that is in the same time zone as you. You learn when it's convenient for you - from the comfort of your own home or workplace - online.
4. It’s Enjoyable
Here's a pro tip for making New Year's resolutions: if they're too difficult to keep, you'll probably give up in two weeks (about 90% of people do). This is why it's critical to make resolutions that are attainable, practical, and, most importantly, enjoyable.
I can personally attest to the fact that online programs and apps were among my favorite methods of learning a language.
Learning a new language is by far the best decision you could possibly make if you're looking for a hobby that is entertaining, allows you to interact with other people, and is a beneficial use of your time.
5. It Will Help You In Preparing For A New Digitally Globalized Environment
Zoom meetings across time zones, multi-language workplace environments, and countries that are a melting pot of cultures and languages exist in today's globe. This is a huge benefit since we can now learn from each other more efficiently and effectively than ever before.
Nonetheless, the main issue is that we don't speak each other's languages. Yes, we can use Google Translate, but how much information is truly lost in translation? Most likely, more than we understand. The more languages we know, the better we will be able to communicate in our personal and professional life.
Making language learning your major New Year's resolution this year is the ideal method to individually contribute to the globalization shift in a positive way that is beneficial to both others and yourself.
6. You Have A Higher Chance At Getting Hired
The ability to communicate in a second language may open doors to a variety of job opportunities, help you stand out in a sea of resumes, and offer you a competitive edge in today's global economy.
If you go through the job listings, you'll likely find hundreds of positions that require the ability to speak a second language.
Employers nowadays are searching for well-rounded individuals who are global citizens with a grasp of diverse cultures, and knowing another language certainly checks those boxes.
7. Boosts Your Income
This year, there is also a financial incentive to learn a new language. Of course, learning a language isn't only about making more money; there are lots of other reasons to do so.
The fact that learning a second language increases people's annual salaries by an average of 2% might provide the motivation you need to keep your New Year's Resolution of learning a language. Although 2% may not appear to be a significant amount, it adds up over time.
Keep in mind that the language you choose has an effect on how much money you make. German, for example, is the most profitable, with an average annual growth of 3.6 percent.
8. It’s Beneficial To Your Health
Mental health is the most compelling reason to study a new language this year. Your brain is like a muscle: if you exercise it now, you'll reap the benefits later.
Learning a second or third language is also an excellent method to exercise your brain. Even if you're still in your twenties, it's been shown to strengthen your ability to resist dementia.
9. You Will Delay Dementia By Five Years For Each Language You Learn
Learning a new language has a profound influence on the brain and can even prevent dementia, according to a study conducted by York University of Toronto. According to the study, people who learn a new language develop dementia five years later than those who solely speak their native language.
Specifically, research has demonstrated that learning a new language is connected to a slower rate of mental deterioration in Alzheimer's disease patients and dementia prevention.
This is remarkable, especially in light of two diseases that have taken the lives of our loved ones much too soon. Consider learning a language instead of taking preventive medications to keep your brain healthy.
10. You’ll Recover From A Stroke Considerably Faster
Stroke patients who speak more than one language are more likely to regain cognitive abilities, according to a University study published in the American Heart Association journal.
The study's 400 stroke sufferers who spoke two or more languages were twice as likely to maintain intact cognitive abilities after the stroke as those who spoke only one language.
According to the theory, learning multiple languages creates a type of cognitive reserve - a protective barrier, if you will - that helps the brain deal with harmful impacts like stroke or dementia.
11. It Enables You To Make More Connections
You can form friendships and professional relationships that you would not have been able to form if you hadn't learnt another language.
A new language serves as a bridge between you and new opportunities, making it not only a vital New Year's resolution, but also one of the most important life achievements in general.
12. You’ll Improve Your Travel Skills
When traveling, learning a new language has several advantages, from understanding menus to recognizing whether you're being mentioned. You will be able to enjoy traveling to a greater extent if you are aware of what is going on around you because you understand the local language.
Even if you aren't completely proficient, understanding basic vocabulary and grammar will be much appreciated by those you communicate with in their native tongue.
Having a better understanding of the local language will help you to engage in meaningful conversations with the people you meet, as well as establish new friends and network with prospective business contacts.
To go back to the point, learning more about a country's culture naturally piques your interest enough to make you want to visit it. Knowing the language transforms you from a "tourist" to a "traveler," which is a whole new kind of adventure.
13. Your Productivity And Happiness Will Increase
If you don't have any other reason to learn a language, do it because it will make you a happier and more productive person!
Learning a new language enhances your memory and attention span while also helping you in solving problems, multitasking, and making judgments. It also enhances your overall well-being.
14. You’ll Improve Your Multitasking Skills And Improve Your Memory & Focus
People who speak two or more languages are adept at moving between speech, writing, and structural systems. Because they are used to flipping between different structures, they are adept at multitasking. Working in a different language causes you to think and act differently.
Furthermore, studying a foreign language will greatly improve your memory. In fact, it has the potential to expand the size of your brain! When Swedish scientists utilized brain scans to track what occurs when someone learns a second language, they discovered this.
RELATED: How Long Does It Take To Learn A Language? Shocking Truth!
When Learning A New Language, Don’t Use These 10 Excuses!
1. “I Don’t Have The Time”
We all have busy lives, and it sometimes feels like there aren't enough hours in the day to do all we want. Many people feel that learning a language requires a significant amount of free time, but the fact is that even if you lead a busy lifestyle, you can find time, even if it’s just for 30 minutes.
RELATED: Pimsleur Review: How To Learn Any Language With This Super Easy Method.
Speaking of 30 minutes, do you want to learn a new language but need some extra motivation? Try the Pimsleur app, which combines audio lessons that are 30 minutes long per lesson with Premium practice features to provide you a strong foundation in your language learning.
Learning a language doesn’t require major sacrifices; it simply requires improved time management. You'll be astonished at how much progress can be achieved in a single one-hour lesson, and if you can rearrange your week to fit in a few more, you'll be able to pick up the language rapidly without having to sacrifice other interests.
2. “I Can’t Afford It”
When it comes to learning a new language, cost is a reasonable concern, especially in today's economic situation, and traditional classroom-based courses may be costly.
3. “I’m Too Old To Pick Up A New Language”
Many of us have read or heard research showing that children do better in language learning, which explains why children raised in bilingual and/or multilingual households can often speak both languages well. However, if you believe you are no longer capable of learning a new language, you should reconsider.
Adults outperform children when it comes to learning new language rules, according to research. Adults also outperform children when it comes to learning how to pronounce words correctly. You have the advantage of understanding which learning tactics work best for you as an adult.
4. “I Don’t Feel Like I’m Making Enough Progress”
Another common issue people have when attempting to learn a language as a New Year's Resolution is that they set unrealistic expectations. When people don't see the results they want early on, they often lose interest or give up completely; nevertheless, the trick is to set realistic goals to begin with.
Learning a new language is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Furthermore, there will undoubtedly be portions of the learning process that you struggle with and that cause you frustration.
This is natural and requires a certain amount of patience. At the same time, don't lose sight of the progress you've made thus far.
5. “At School, I Didn’t Earn Decent Grades”
It's understandable that for people who have failed academically, actively returning to a learning experience might be intimidating. Nonetheless, your academic performance in high school or college will have minimal influence on your capacity to learn a second language.
You studied a variety of disciplines at school with the goal of passing final exams. You have the ability to devote more time and effort to learning a language, and the final aim is personal development.
Furthermore, because you are choosing to study a language rather than being forced to attend school, your entire approach will be different.
6. “I’m Not Able To Travel To The Country”
This is a typical excuse, although it isn't very valid. While you may not have the time, resources or money to travel to a country where your chosen language is spoken, and while being around native speakers is undoubtedly beneficial, learning a language in your own country is completely achievable.
You can talk to native speakers on a daily basis with the help of online platforms like iTalki. If you want to broaden your exposure even more, consider watching television shows or listening to music produced in that language.
7. “I’ve Heard That This Language Is Too Difficult”
If you try to learn any language, you will surely encounter someone who claims it is the most difficult language to learn. In actuality, all languages include features that are simple to learn and others that are more difficult, and those aspects may differ based on which languages you already know.
RELATED: The Top 25 Hardest Languages To Learn For English Speakers.
According to research, approaching a New Year's Resolution with the mindset that something is "hard" increases your chances of failure by a factor of ten.
Rather than looking for reasons why you can't do it, focus on your desire to study, understand that there will be obstacles along the road, and know that no language is too tough to learn.
8. “Besides, Everyone Speaks English”
This is not only a bad excuse for not trying, but it is also false. The fact is that English is not quite as widespread as some people would have you believe, and both Spanish and Mandarin have a larger number of native speakers across the world.
In today's globe, it is absolutely possible to travel to many different countries without ever having to know a language other than English. Learning the language, on the other hand, will improve your visit if you want to venture away from the main tourist areas and get a more true sense for the country.
9. “I Don't Know Anyone Else Who Can Communicate In The Language”
Speaking with other people who speak a language may be incredibly beneficial to your growth, but not knowing someone who speaks your target language does not have to be a barrier. It is easy to speak with people from all around the world who have a desire to learn and grow using online tools like iTalki.
Meanwhile, the fact that you know no one else who speaks the language might be a significant plus in terms of job possibilities.
We live in a globalized world where companies are always looking for new markets to join. Being able to communicate in a language that your peers do not can help you move ahead.
10. “I've Tried And Failed In The Past”
If you don't succeed the first time, keep trying. If you've previously failed to maintain a New Year's Resolution, it's not a guarantee that you'll succeed this time. Many people who have successfully learned a second language have made several efforts before finding the right method for them.
Examine why you failed the last time and try to use what you've learned. It's possible that your strategy was incorrect, that your lifestyle balance was off, or that your learning technique was inadequate.
This is where iTalki comes in; they provide customizable online lessons taught by native speakers of your target language.
Use The SMART Method To Keep Your Language Learning Resolutions This Year
Do you need additional motivation to stick to your New Year's resolution? Learning a new language is enjoyable, but it requires time and effort.
You'll be speaking and understanding your new language in no time now that you have the necessary materials. Is it time to make a resolution for the new year? This is something you can handle.
“The best time to begin is right now!”
Set Attainable Goals
Are you excited to learn your new language? Then you're ready to make a year-long commitment to study it. Yep. Not next year, not the day after tomorrow, and certainly not on Monday.
Goals can help motivate you, but only if they are realistic. You can learn a set number of words or a rule every week if you require a short-term goal.
You might set a six-month target for yourself to attain a new level of language proficiency. Making your language goals SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) can help you get the best results.
When it comes to making resolutions, our main issue appears to be our inability to view each one as a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Rather than picturing how happy we would be when we achieve a goal, we should imagine the journey to get there and appreciate every moment of it.
A bad new year's resolution, for example, may be something like "this year I want to learn a new language." That is enough to pique your interest. "I want to attain a conversational level in Spanish by the end of December because I want to visit Spain next year," you may write as a SMART goal.
Furthermore, research has revealed a link between motivation and monetary incentive or competitiveness. To receive rewards sooner, break down your resolution or SMART goal into smaller goals, such as "I want to learn 1,000 words in Spanish by the end of April because I want to be consistent in reaching my goals."
And, by the end of April, who knows what will happen? Knowing 1,000 words will enable you to recognize at least 75% of the reading material. That means you'll be able to comprehend a number of sentences before needing to consult a dictionary. Isn't that a great little ego boost?
Returning to my earlier point regarding research linking motivation to competitiveness, you should absolutely enlist the help of a buddy - if only one! According to research, announcing your objectives and goals to the world might have an impact on your motivation to attain them.
You may anticipate social recognition in exchange for expressing your most essential goals, which will work as a reward as soon as you receive it. You'll be less motivated to strive for your goal if you've already been rewarded.
Returning to enlisting the aid of a buddy, certainly, this will assist you. Comparing your outcomes when learning a new language will get your competitive juices flowing. The obvious benefit is that you will improve.
Create SMART Goals
1. Specific
Make sure you know what you want to achieve. Rather than just setting a New Year's goal to "learn German," focus on the specific skills you wish to gain. For example, your goals may be to:
Know how to say hello in German.
Be able to order a coffee at a cafe entirely in German.
Ability to hold a simple conversation with a new friend.
Being able to understand what is being said at a party in Germany.
Capable of giving a presentation on a complicated subject in a professional setting.
These are all very different - and very specific - goals. Making your goal specific can help you focus your learning activities on exactly what you're aiming to do, as well as letting you know when you've succeeded.
2. Measurable
Making your goals measurable serves two purposes.
It keeps you motivated, for starters. It takes time - often a long time - to learn a language. It's a gradual process. As a result, there will be times when you put in a lot of work but don't notice any results.
If you can figure out a way to track your language learning progress, you'll be able to see how far you've come and will be more driven to keep going. The second reason is that by tracking your progress, you'll be able to tell when you've reached your goal.
You'll never be able to "learn to speak Swedish fluently" if that's your goal. There's always something new to discover. If your aim is to "speak Swedish at a C1 level," you'll have achieved it after you meet the level's requirements.
Measurable goals keep you motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment.
3. Attainable
Make sure your goal is something you can truly achieve. You'll give up if it's too difficult. Look for something you may fairly hope to achieve if you put forth the effort.
4. Relevant
Make absolutely sure you truly want to learn a language. Yes, you believe it would be beneficial to be able to communicate with your in-laws in Polish. Is it, however, important enough to you to put in the effort? Choosing goals that are important to you will motivate you to keep working toward them.
5. Time-bound
Set a time limit for yourself. Do you remember how easy it was to compose that school paper the night before it was due? Deadlines put us under a lot of stress.
When it comes to language learning, the same pressure might be applied by a deadline. Setting a deadline for your goal helps motivate you to achieve it.
Putting The Pieces Together
When you put it all together, you get SMART goals that look like this.
With my goal of learning Brazilian Portuguese, I've set the following SMART goals for myself:
By June, I should be able to converse at a C1 level (using the CEFR scale).
By June, I should be able to understand 90% of what is spoken in a movie or TV show.
By December, I will have finished a novel with more than 300 pages.
By December, I should be able to write at a B2 level about everyday topics.
Each of these goals is distinct and has a deadline. They're all written in a way that makes it clear how I can track my progress and determine when I've accomplished them. At my current level, I can do each of them. And they're all essential to me, therefore they're all relevant.
29 Ways To Make Your Language Learning New Year's Resolution A Reality
So, you've decided on your resolutions. How are you going to keep them? Here are some research-based suggestions for keeping your resolutions on track.
How To Stick To Your New Year’s Resolutions And Remain Motivated:
1. Choose Resolutions That Are Important To You
This was the "relevant" portion of the SMART goals, but it bears repeating: you will only keep your resolutions if they are meaningful to you. It's fine if you don't have a strong desire to learn a language.
It is not for everyone to learn a new language. Take the bull by the horns and make this year your year if you've always wanted to be able to communicate in another language.
2. Change One Thing At A Time
The easiest way to achieve a large goal is to take tiny steps toward it on a regular basis. If you intend to study a language for eight hours every day, you are unlikely to succeed. You may burn out if you attempt to do too much.
Start small instead. Choose one or two hobbies to which you can devote yourself. Add another once you've mastered the first two. Then add another. Gradually increasing your workload can assist you avoid becoming overwhelmed and instead continue.
3. Share Your New Year’s Resolution
When we commit to something publicly, we are more likely to stick with it. So share your goal with your partner, family, and friends. Ask them to help you stay accountable.
Better yet, come to an agreement as a group. Find a friend, or maybe your partner, who is interested in learning your language alongside you. Making it a collaborative effort will make it more enjoyable and will also encourage you to complete it.
4. Create Habits
When you make it a habit, everything becomes much simpler. Habits are simple to form; we do them subconsciously. Pair a learning activity with something you already do to form a language learning habit.
For example, when doing the dishes or preparing dinner, I frequently listen to a podcast in Spanish that I enjoy.
It's become a habit for me to instinctively turn on the podcast before pulling out the cutting board to begin preparing dinner. As a result, I am more likely to listen to my podcast than I would otherwise.
Other habits you might develop include:
On your way to work, practice your Pimsleur lessons.
While walking on the treadmill, listen to a podcast in your target language.
Instead of watching Netflix in English, try it out in your target language.
When cooking, use recipes written in your target language.
While sipping your morning coffee, read the news in your target language.
You'll see that after you build a language learning routine that includes your favorite hobbies, you'll notice that you begin to make significant progress.
5. Establish And Stick To A Language Learning Schedule
Although these suggestions may appear time-consuming, they can easily be included into your daily routine to help you stay focused and remember why you're studying. That said, if you're serious about keeping your New Year's resolution, you'll need to stick to a routine.
But how can you create an efficient language study schedule?
Create a task list, set deadlines, and assign priority using apps like Todoist or Trello. These apps will serve as reminders to keep you on track with your language learning.
Do you have trouble visualizing this? I've got you covered.
In addition to utilizing your Pimsleur app for 30 minutes each day, an efficient language learning to-do list may look like this:
Monday: Remind yourself why you're learning a language for a few moments.Take a look at a travel magazine.
Tuesday: Practice with speaking to a tutor in your target language on iTalki.
Wednesday: Label items around your home.
Thursday: In a different language, watch your new favorite Netflix show.
Friday: Check out the latest YouTube video on your favorite channel.
Saturday: While you’re driving, play your new favorite song on repeat.
Sunday: Consider some of the new words you've learned.
Create a weekly recurring appointment in your calendar, and you're good to go. Isn't it simple? You'll want to perform most of these on a daily basis because they're so easy!
6. Every Day, Do A Little Bit More
While you may not need to go to class every day to keep your New Year's resolution, doing something little every day to progress toward your goals will make it much easier to achieve them.
This may be as easy as viewing movies and TV shows in your target language on Netflix (even with subtitles in your target language is ok, too).
You may also listen to a podcast while you're cooking or walking. It just takes a little to make a big difference. In fact, 15 minutes a day over the course of a year equals 100 hours, so you can guarantee that it makes a significant difference in your language skills.
7. Make It A Part Of Your Daily Routine
This concept is directly related to establishing your milestones, because the easiest method to learn a new language is to incorporate it into your daily routine in a natural way.
While Pimsleur assists with the online portion so that you may study anywhere, at any time, you must still pick when is the perfect time for you to learn.
If you're a morning person, consider scheduling your lessons during the first few hours after you get up. You could choose to arrange your lessons after work on Thursdays if you know Thursdays are lesser work days.
The objective is that the schedule you choose does not interfere with other areas of your life to the point where lessons become overwhelming.
8. All Of Your Household Items Should Be Labeled In Your Target Language
There's no need to create endless piles of flashcards to learn a new language. Instead, make a list of all the items in your home that need to be labeled.
All of your appliances, furnishings, and cookware should be labeled. You may also use common words like "pick up your clothes" or "what do you want for dinner?" to help with regular tasks.
If you've taken any Pimsleur lessons, you'll know that spaced repetition is crucial for language learning. Leaving notes for oneself all throughout the house gives the term "spaced repetition" a whole new meaning. Put it to good use!
Take 10 minutes to prepare your grocery list in your new language if you have time. This technique can help you remember simple, everyday words. Want to kick it up a notch? I challenge you to only take the shopping list you made in your new language – it’s all or nothing!
9. Learn About Things You’re Interested In
It's boring to learn about subjects we don't care about. And when something becomes tedious, we give up. Making your New Year's resolution to learn a new language as enjoyable as possible is the best way to stick to it.
Even if you're studying a language for work and need to concentrate on business phrases, include some themes that interest you personally.
What do you need to learn in your target language for and what topics are you interested in (even outside of work)? Once you’ve figured that out, then create your lessons based on those two goals.
This works well, because when you’re interested in a topic, it’s easier to talk about, so it feels less like “learning” and more like an “interesting conversation”.
Depending on your goals, I'd suggest planning a variety of topics. This can contain themes such as business, grammar, speaking, and writing, as well as more unique topics such as mythology and philosophy.
10. Use Your Netflix Binge-Watching Time To Learn A New Language
If you're anything like the rest of us, you like binge-watching Netflix in your spare time. But what if you could kill two birds with one stone by relaxing and improving your listening skills at the same time?
I've got some great news for you: you can! Netflix, in fact, is available in 190 countries and provides content in more than 20 languages. How does Netflix language learning work, though?
It all boils down to this: Netflix international shows are beneficial for language learning because they frequently repeat colloquial vocabulary. To get the most out of your learning experience, just turn on subtitles. It's never been easier to learn new words in context!
In fact, make a list of the words you hear on your phone or with a pen and paper while viewing a new episode. When you're watching the show, have the list handy.
11. Subscribe To Language Learning Channels On YouTube
Rather than viewing yet another funny video (no matter how hilarious it is), start the New Year off right by spending more time on YouTube!
I’m talking about language learning videos, that's right. The best aspect is that there are hundreds of international YouTubers that will speak about the topics you care about in their native languages.
YouTube channels are like having free personal teachers that can help you with lingo, pronunciation, jokes, and insults. Subscribe to various channels to receive notifications when new videos are released.
12. Follow Top Hits From Various Countries On Spotify
In the worldwide music scene, Spotify is a leader. Top Hits playlists are available in 59 countries, and you may use them to see what music is popular in the language you're learning.
Do you want to sing in your new language right away? Attempt to memorize at least one new song's chorus per week!
To delve even further into the culture, look up the most popular musicians in each country and understand what they're about.
13. Take Small Breaks
Never underestimate the power of a good vacation. This is true for a good work-life balance, but it also applies to language learning, especially if you're learning a new language quickly and attempting to grasp complicated grammar.
I find it beneficial to put my language study materials away for a day or two and completely forget about it. When I returned to the material with a clear head, it was much easier to understand since I had given myself the opportunity to relax.
It's evident that you need a careful mix of consistency and long-term work, while also being cautious not to get so obsessed with improving your knowledge that you lose interest.
14. Practice Little And Often
If you’re going to try to find small methods to get extra language practice every day, such as making my to-do lists and grocery lists in the language you’re studying and changing the language on your phone.
I already use a lot of social media in my target language, and I feel that it's an excellent method to read little chunks of text on a regular basis. You should try doing this, and attempt to watch at least one video in the language every day for listening practice!
15. Don’t Be Too Strict With Yourself
Surprisingly, the less we're expected to accomplish something, the easier it is to actually do it. Consider it in the context of your dream boss at work.
When workers are under a lot of pressure to meet stringent deadlines and are micromanaged, they rarely work well. Without someone continually checking in on us, most of us would want to make our own schedule and work in the manner that suits us best.
When learning a language, my point is to avoid being your own micromanaging boss. Allow yourself the flexibility to change your schedule, have fun, take breaks when needed, and even make errors.
Not only is this how we learn, but it's also how you'll keep your New Year's resolution to study a language throughout the next year and every year after that.
16. Be Friendly
It should be enjoyable to learn with a partner. Begin your conversations on a positive note by being open and interested in your language partner. You never know; it may be the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
17. Allow Yourself And Accept That You Will Make Mistakes
Making mistakes is something that no one enjoys. They are, nonetheless, an essential component of the learning process. Frequently, learning something new comes from recognizing a mistake.
Make a mental note of the errors you made during discussions and revisit them afterwards. The most important thing to remember is not to be too harsh on oneself!
18. Practice In Front Of A Mirror
Plan ahead of time what you'll talk about and do some practicing in front of the mirror. This ensures that you will have much to say throughout your language exchange.
19. Make A Recording Of Yourself And Play It Back
Set up your phone to record and listen to the call if you're speaking with a language exchange partner. This will help you spot your own errors and retain any new words your partner used.
20. Get Out There And Start Talking To People
Regardless of how much you know about a language, the easiest approach to learn it is to start with "hello" and immerse yourself in everyday conversations with native speakers.
It's critical to think of a language as a tool of communication and to put it to use as soon as possible. You don't need to be concerned about annoying a native speaker or honing your abilities before using them in a real-life setting.
Accept that you will make mistakes. Begin speaking it every day from the first day. Some people choose to live in a foreign country for a period of time in order to improve their skills. It just requires time and effort.
21. Take Advantage Of As Many Opportunities To Practice As Possible
Make the most of your practicing opportunities. Only if you put up the effort and seek out chances will your language skills improve.
There are several resources available, including free films, podcasts, and articles on the internet. I'll listen to or read these anytime I have free time, such as when waiting for the bus or cooking supper.
If you have the chance to live abroad in the country where the language you’re studying is spoken, make an effort to attend local events and seminars where you can get some listening and speaking practice.
22. See If There Are Any Local Language Exchange Hangouts In Your Area
Every week, native speakers and language learners meet in cities throughout the world to discuss and perfect their language skills. But how can you track them down? Don't worry, it's not as difficult as you would think.
Did you know that you can locate local language exchanges in your region by using Facebook? Try Googling "Language Exchange," and a list of language exchange events within a 25-mile radius will appear on your screen as soon as you hit the enter key.
Having difficulty locating meet-ups on Facebook?
If that's the case, check out MeetUp, an online service that lets you search for events in your area by topic. Simply enter in the category you're looking for and start searching! That's all there is to it.
23. Talk To New People
It's easy to limit your communication to those with whom you're familiar. However, learning a language necessitates stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Tandem Language Exchange is a fantastic platform to talk with individuals from all over the world in a secure environment, so make the most of it!
24. Find A Native Speaker To Teach You The Language
I propose speaking with a native speaker in your target language two or three times each week. Arrange a face-to-face or Skype meeting, and both parties will work through the dialogue without using English.
Wait until you're comfortable speaking the language before you worry about grammar, reading, or language mechanics.
Learning a language without utilizing it in conversation is virtually difficult. If you have that option, engagement with a person is what actually works.
You can also utilize apps like Meetup to discover language study groups. The importance of speaking with a native speaker cannot be overstated.
25. Develop An Ear For The Language
Knowing how to listen to others is an important part of learning a new language. That includes learning to recognize words and subtle intonations in regular speech while a native speaker is speaking fast.
Exposure to as much foreign media as possible might help you build an "ear" for the language, especially if you can discover something you love. You may try reading about one of your interests or viewing a foreign-language film with subtitles in a foreign language.
This is quite beneficial, and you will learn a great deal about the culture if the films are created in the original language.
You can learn a new language by watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, or listening to radio programs. You can even reduce the speed of the video or podcast to half-speed to keep up.
Immersion is an excellent method of learning, but it is not for everyone. It may even push people to seek out other English speakers in a foreign place merely to get by in a more familiar environment. If you're attempting to learn anything new, this might be a disadvantage.
26. Be Confident
It can be intimidating to learn a new language, especially at first. However, it's a good idea to take the jump and start communicating right away! Confidence might assist you in getting out there and improving more rapidly.
This is geared at improving your conversational skills in particular. Your confidence level determines a great deal of your speaking abilities. You'll make every effort to think optimistically and believe in your capacity to communicate.
When you're speaking a language and you want to express something but aren't sure how to phrase it properly, just say it! If you say it incorrectly, you will most likely be corrected and will be able to learn from your mistakes.
27. Any Program Will Suffice
There are several books, apps, and online programs available that claim to teach you a new language in a few months. These programs are helpful, but they will not teach you everything you need to know. You'll need to complete some outside work.
Because people have various learning styles, a text-based method may be more beneficial for some, while a conversation-based approach may be more helpful for others. There's no substitute for speaking with a native speaker, regardless of how you learn.
Rather than wasting time trying to discover the greatest language program or app, I recommend finding one you love and sticking with it. It doesn’t really matter.
The majority of do-it-yourself language programs fail to convey enough of the culture associated with other languages.
You can't separate the language from the culture, and you won't learn the culture with the language (a language program). That is why, while learning a new language, I recommend people to consume foreign media.
Language is a culture's most visible and evident product, and a great deal of culture is dependent on it.
28. It’s Okay If You Don’t Do Everything
When it comes to New Year's resolutions, there's a common misconception that if you don't follow through, you've failed. That's one point of view. But consider this: the more you attempt, the closer you reach your goal.
People who make resolutions are ten times more likely to achieve their goals than those who never make a resolution. Simply thinking about what you want and working toward it increases your chances of achieving it.
Language resolutions are similar in that they aren't all or nothing. If you wish to study your language for one hour a day, every day, but can only manage two hours a week, that's still progress. And you'll ultimately pick up the language.
So get motivated. Then, using SMART goals as a guide, make a resolution to learn your language.
29. If You Drop It, Pick It Up Again
It's natural to become busy and spend less time on our interests. Consider it an opportunity to try again, rather than a failure to keep your resolution.
Making mistakes is a natural part of learning a language, as is sticking to your language learning plan: it's okay to "fail." Don't overwork yourself.
Simply restart when you're ready. You can re-dedicate on any day of the year; it isn't necessary to do so on January 1st.
How Can I Learn a Language?
I believe the issue is that we don’t create specific goals for ourselves with our New Year's Resolutions. Setting specific goals allows us to regularly assess whether or not we have met them. Rather than saying, "I want to learn Spanish," say, "I want to be able to tell time in Spanish by next week."
Tell yourself that by the time you take your next vacation to Spain, you want to be able to order meals in a restaurant. That's a fairly specific goal.
To begin with, we don’t set reasonable goals. Although it would be great to write a 5-page report in Spanish by tomorrow, it’s unlikely it will be possible at a beginner's level.
Begin by writing a paragraph about yourself using beginner vocabulary, proofreading it, and then expanding on it as your knowledge grows.
Finally, congratulate yourself on reaching your goals and recognize that you're making progress! If you started with almost little Spanish and can now say "Hola, mi hombre es Jesse," you've come a long way. You'll be on your way to speaking Spanish in no time if you continuously achieve smaller goals and create new ones!
Get Started With Pimsleur Today!
Pimsleur lessons can be accessed via your smartphone, computer, tablet, or Amazon Echo device. For the same fee, you can learn on your own or share with up to four family members. Learn real-world conversational skills from the comfort of your own home or wherever your life may take you.
RELATED: Pimsleur Review: How To Learn Any Language With This Super Easy Method.
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Start a Free 7-Day Trial and get unlimited access to all levels in your preferred language! After that, you pay an affordable monthly fee.
Conclusion
There you have it - you just learned why learning a foreign language should be your #1 New Year’s Resolution.
I hope that one or more of these reasons persuaded you to make learning a new language one of your New Year's resolutions. If that's the case, I'm here to help you in achieving all of your language learning goals!
Don't squander your New Year's resolution; study a language instead! If you're curious about how long it takes to become fluent in a language, I've written a post on it as well.
RELATED: How Long Does It Take To Learn A Language? Shocking Truth!
Let’s quickly recap the highlights and tips:
You found out that just because you failed to learn a language in your younger years in school doesn’t mean you can’t succeed learning a language today.
You learned how to use the SMART Method for setting your language learning goals.
You found out that learning a foreign language is a great way to boost your income.
You discovered how Pimsleur makes it easier than ever to get you started at learning how to speak a foreign language for 30 minutes a day, even if you’re short on time.
You found out how to establish and stick to a language learning schedule by creating an efficient language learning weekly to-do list.
Plus you even discovered a great way to practice speaking with a tutor in your target language on iTalki.
Bottom line: you now know exactly how to set your language learning goals using the SMART Method and how to take additional steps to learning a foreign language.
So, your next step is easy - take action on what you just learned. Because the sooner you do, the sooner you may reach fluency in your target language by the end of the year!
A TINY REQUEST: IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, PLEASE SHARE THIS?
Ready to have some fun learning a new language? Then take action on what you just learned - you’ll be glad you did! Be a good friend and share this post on social media.
Also, share this post with anyone you know who’s looking to learn a foreign language! Just think how good you’ll feel when your friends thank you for bringing them insight and some surprising discoveries about language learning!
I know most people don’t share because they feel that us bloggers don’t need their “tiny” social share. But here’s the truth…
I built this blog piece by piece, one small share at a time, and will continue to do so. So thank you so much for your support, my reader.
A share from you would seriously help a lot with the growth of this blog.
Some great suggestions:
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Thank you so much!
Question:
So, here’s the question: Have you ever thought about learning a foreign language this year? If so, what language are you wanting to learn? What strategies are you going to implement into your schedule to learn a language in the new year? Let me know in the comments section down below!
P.S. I want to hear from you today. No for real, get out from behind that keyboard and tell us more about yourself! Use the comment section down below and introduce yourself.
Hey, I’m Mara.
I am the founder and blogger of Sololingual helping anyone at any age, from any place, who wants to learn a new language. You can learn how to reach fluency in your chosen language fast, fun and easily studying a short amount each day and spending very little money using different language learning techniques, programs and resources at your disposal. Fluency isn't difficult to achieve. In fact, it’s easy when you find a solid method that walks you through every step of the way, and believing in yourself so that you can achieve your goal at becoming fluent in any language.
