Kickstart Your Language Learning New Year’s Resolutions: Tips to Stay on Track!

Language learning is a popular resolution to make at the start of the new year but how do you make this resolution something you can uphold and succeed at?

The best goals are attainable ones.

It may not make sense for you to spend an hour a day on your language learning resolution, so instead, decide on a certain number of hours a week and make those flexible over the course of the week. Setting a goal of 3-4 hours and setting aside structured time every other day may work, or if more flexibility is needed in a busy schedule, this time could be spread out each day and even done alongside other goal-oriented activities.

Habit stacking is an excellent way to support your goals!

Some of the other popular resolutions are often related to fitness, productivity, preparing healthy foods, taking up a hobby, or attaining a career goal. Language can enhance the experience of achieving these goals and provide enrichment and connection along the way!

If you aspire to eat healthier, cook more meals at home, or try something new, language learning is a perfect match for these habits. As you cook, try to learn the names of the ingredients, utensils, and appliances you need to make your recipe. Better yet, you can make recipes from the country whose language you are learning to immerse yourself in the culture!

If fitness is important to you, take a few minutes before your workout session to learn some words or phrases pertaining to your movements, equipment, or workout setting! If you like to work out at the gym, try learning phrases that help you communicate with friends or gym staff members. If you prefer to walk or run at the park, try learning conversational phrases to connect with others at the park, and if you work out at home, try to learn the words for the movements you are doing or even the names of things you see around your home as you work out!

Accountability and support are essential.

If you’re habit-stacking, try learning from a friend or family member who speaks a language you want to learn while you talk and cook together. When you’re headed to the gym, grab a buddy so you can work on your conversational skills while working out! Not only will it support your goals to have like-minded people around, it will keep you accountable, pushing you to continue learning, and it will be more fun to learn together!

Most importantly, celebrate!

Grab a notepad or journal and write down new words and phrases you learn so that you can watch your progress build. There is no better way to succeed than to celebrate your accomplishments! Language learning is a challenging resolution, so don’t be hard on yourself and celebrate even the smallest wins. Day by day, week by week, your language skills will grow and you should appreciate yourself for these meaningful achievements!

Whether you need a personalized learning plan or just an extra push, don’t be afraid to reach out to our talented team of instructors! Our LanguageBird instructors are here to help you develop a study schedule so you can solidify your new skills. To learn more, click here. Happy learning!