Learning a new skill is hard! How to stick to your learning goals and stay motivated this year

Learning any new skill can be daunting, and there will be times when you progress quickly and times when you feel stuck.

I remember when I first started learning electric guitar as well as bass guitar that I was so determined to master the basics that I would practice every single day for at least 15 – 30 minutes, and then also repeat and practice what I learnt while watching TV, sometimes for an hour at a time (much to the amusement and/or irritation of my parents).

I am also trying to learn new languages, including Japanese, Swedish, and Korean, and I have also gone through times where I have gotten stuck on difficult new concepts.

To students who are looking to start learning a new language or even an instrument in 2026, and also for students who have been at it a little longer and are determined to progress, here is a simple, and maybe unexpected, 3-step “lesson plan” for 2026:

1. Schedule 15 minutes a day to practice

Finding time to practice your new skill can be difficult, but if you set aside 15 minutes a day perhaps in the morning, or during your lunch break, or even in the evening before you go to bed, you will see significant progress quicker than you think.

2. Have a lesson with your tutor at least once a week

Learning from an experienced teacher can be so valuable. Taking a lesson with your teacher once a week will ensure that you keep learning new things, and they can help you along your journey by offering you advice and correcting mistakes.

3. Self-study

Your teacher can teach you a lot, but when you also put in the time to do your own research, you will discover so much and take your skills to the next level.

We all start somewhere and it’s never too late to learn something new or keep improving your skills. I am excited to help students on their journey learning English and/or guitar in 2026. I believe in you. You can do it!

Practice makes perfect!