Learning a language is a lot of work at the beginning, nobody who’s experienced it will dispute that. Your brain is challenged with hundreds of simultaneous tasks, doing acrobatics with vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation all at once.

When I’m inducting beginner students I see this all the time, and it’s not always a comfortable experience for them. Nonetheless, it’s a wonderful moment in our learning.

This month I came back to the drums after several years, and even rusty as I am, I know I’m fortunately past my initial learning stages as a teenager. I have a lot of work ahead, but at least I don’t have to (completely) start from scratch.

I’m of course constrained by the skills I’ve developed up until now, but still, I can have a blast. That’s why in this article, I’ll share with you what I believe is a healthy mindset when embarking on the journey of language learning learning anything.

Cheers to Small Wins

Progress at the beginning is relatively fast.

Being able to appreciate your newly developed abilities is essential. These are your small achievements, and they add up quicker than you think. So, even though the language learning journey might feel neverending (because indeed it is), developing the ability to acknowledge your achievements will get you far.

Set Realistic Goals

This takes us to this second suggestion. Break down your language learning journey into manageable goals.

Now, in terms of goals, focus on practical skills, and not just on the theoretical side of things. It’s very easy to fall in the trap of thinking you need knowledge in order to develop a set of skills, but oftentimes that assumption does not hold true.

Use a language notebook

Most students have a notebook or a collection of sheets of paper, at least. But few really take it for what is worth. Don’t underestimate the power of a language notebook. Whether it’s new words, class insights, or catchy phrases, it’s your personal language repository. Each scribble is a step towards proficiency, making your notebook not just a record but a living map of your linguistic journey.

Leverage your learning with technology

Make use of language-learning apps, online resources, and digital flashcards to supplement your learning. Technology can add an interactive and dynamic dimension to your study routine.

Embrace Natural Input

I’ve talked many times before about the importance of natural input. Don’t underestimate the power of exposing yourself to real Spanish.

Turn INPUT into OUTPUT

This one is arguably the tip that will push you towards your ultimate goal of actually speaking Spanish. Unless you find outlets for however little you can say at every stage of the learning process, you’ll give up before seeing the results.

If you watch a movie, make a short summary of the movie plot inyour own words. If you listen to a podcast or read an article, do the same. Always use your target language, even if you need to look words up in the dictionary.

Learn to learn from mistakes

Embrace errors as opportunities to learn. Mistakes are stepping stones to improvement. Analyze them, understand the corrections, and move forward.

Build up your confidence

All the effort you’re making in order to tame the language must help you feel confident and on path. Don’t let negative thoughts to creep in.

Surviving the Language Plateau

Now, after the initial language fiesta, even if you follow this advice, you’ll hit what is commonly referred to as the language plateau. It’s that moment when you realize the progress isn’t as rapid as in the beginning. Don’t panic, it’s the calm after the linguistic storm. It’s a moment to gather your thoughts.

As you navigate through the language plateau, it’s essential to take a closer look at your journey. Recognize where you stumble, whether it’s grappling with grammar rules, expanding your vocabulary, or refining pronunciation. Being aware of these challenges is a roadmap to improvement. This will allow you to tailor your learning experience, focusing on areas that need a bit more attention.

It’s the journey, not just the destination

Add lastly, always remember, becoming fluent proficient is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not about how quickly you can reach the finish line; it’s about enjoying the ride.

Take it easy, enjoy it.

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