Four Secrets to Staying Motivated

Have you ever lacked motivation when studying a language? Did your language goals seem impossible or just too difficult? If you are like many people, the following "secrets" may help you stay on target.

Secret One: Natural (and fun) exposure to the language. Although you will have plenty of "formal" study time, be sure to find a fun way to gain natural exposure to the language. This may include movies, books, or podcasts - anything which sparks your interest. Your informal time with the language (even five minutes a day) will help you progress during formal study sessons.

Secret Two: Study at your preferred time of day. Are you a morning person? Study right after breakfast. Are you more of an evening person or "night owl?" Study in the evening before bed. If you study when you're at your best and feeling most energetic, you'll be more motivated.

Secret Three: Congratulate yourself on your progress. Studying languages can be challenging. Even if you do not always understand everything in your target language, congratulate yourself on the progress you have made. If you are reading or listening in your target language and understand even some of the content, praise and congratulate yourself on your progress. You'll learn more and more over time!

Secret Four: Reward yourself. Pair study time with another activity you enjoy. Do you have a favorite activity (like movies or shopping)? Promise yourself that after you study, you'll engage in your favorite activity. You might study for an hour, praise yourself for your progress, then shop or go to a movie. Your "reward" will be well-earned and will keep you motivated.

The next time you are feeling unmotivated by your language studies, remember the four secrets: Get natural and fun exposure to the language, study at your preferred time of day, congratulate yourself, and reward yourself. You'll find you are learning more and more and staying motivated.

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