How To Stay Consistent In Language Learning

In this article, you will learn 3 principles that will teach you how to stay consistent in language learning
+ get a template that guides you through the process.

Why Do So Many Adults Fail To Learn A New Language?

In most cases, the problem is not that our brains are not wired for that anymore. Instead, it often comes down to a much simpler thing:

We fail to create systems.

Because outside of school, we might not have a framework that maps out when to learn stuff, how to stay accountable or how to set goals. We don’t know how to stay consistent in language learning and might end up:

doing too much on a daily basis, burning out and quitting
waiting for a period in which we have more time (which will often never happen)
adopting somebody else’s routine

However, the key is to find a pace that is intense enough to make progress – but easy enough to be sustainable in the long run. Here’s how to do it:

How to stay consistent in language learning - 3 Key Principles

1. Less Is Often More

Language learning is about consistency. That’s why small and doable steps are more sustainable than big goals.

For example: The inhibition to sit down and write an essay is certainly bigger than, for instance, writing a diary entry of 30 words each day. That way, you will be less likely to quit if what you’re doing is easy and enjoyable.

2. Find Your Own Way

Creating habits, making plans with Notion, etc.: Just because a system works for someone else, it doesn’t necessarily work for you.
The truth is, while a rigid routine can benefit one person by scaling down their daily amount of decisions, it can make others feel pressured and prevent them from going with the flow.

Instead, ask yourself: How much rigidity in my routine is beneficial, and when should I give myself more space? Can I still commit if I have more freedom? Does my daily input make me feel drained or energized?

3. Think daily and trust the process

People underestimate the power of a year of consistency.
Instead of getting overwhelmed by how far you still have to go, ask yourself: Where in my daily schedule can I incorporate little steps?

Setting up your system

Setting up a framework that guides us through the process can be extremely helpful when learning a new language. Here’s a simple system that might help you stay committed.

Step 1: Create the framework

In order to break down bigger goals into small, daily tasks, we need a system that reflects that. That’s why having a calendar that splits up each day into different segments can be extremely helpful.

Here’s one way how you could do it: Use whatever calendar you are usually using. Then create a weekly overview that is, on one hand, divided into all the days of the week, and on the other, into all the segments that reflect your current priorities. For instance:

• Work
• Appointments
• Projects
• Language learning

Step 2: Fill your days

If you want to find out how to stay consistent in language learning, you will have to figure out what works best for you. Depending on what you prefer:
• Either schedule study sessions, for instance, at the beginning of each week and jot them down in the respective cell.
• Or just check in with your energy level or workload each day and decide whether or not you have space for a session. Then jot down what you did afterwards. For instance: writing a diary entry, reviewing vocabulary etc.

Step 3: Reflect & grow your system

Everyone has their own way of organizing themselves and of finding out how to stay consistent in language learning. Therefore, another person’s schedule can be great to draw inspiration from – but everyone has to establish, grow and adapt their own system according to their needs.

With this in mind, if something doesn’t work out for you, maybe ask yourself:

Did I feel tired by the amount of studying or was it easy? Could I scale it up or down?
Do I prefer fixed days/ times or an open setting? Or a mixture of both?
Which additional tools can I use? Is it beneficial to set weekly/ monthly goals, make To-Do-lists or follow a plan?

The benefits

Commitment

Commitment
Seeing language learning as an integral part of your schedule reminds you to make space for it on a daily basis.
Tracking Priorities
Organizing your entire priorities within the same system allows you to have an overview of where your energy goes and what you focus on.
Measurable Progress
Briefly noting down what and when you’ve studied is not only rewarding, but also shows you that you’re making progress – even when you don’t feel like you do.
Room For Balance
By changing your schedule according to your own needs, you can find out what works best for you. It helps you gradually figure out how to stay consistent in language learning.