Are you struggling to feel motivated in your English Learning? On January 1st, it’s easy to feel pumped up (excited) about your new year’s goals. But then life happens, you get busy or maybe sick and your motivation starts to fade. I have been there! I get it. Here are a few tips to STAYING motivated all year round.
1. Remind yourself “why” you’re learning English.
For real, it’s so important. If you haven’t written down your reason, be sure to write it down now. Come back to read it often.
2. Envision yourself at your end goal.
It helps to imagine yourself traveling to America, speaking English easily in restaurants and with shopkeepers. Spend time envisioning yourself speaking English fluently.
3. Make learning as easy as possible.
If possible always learn at the same time in the same place. Maybe it’s 9am at your desk or 9pm on your bed. Try to set a goal of at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time everyday. Have a plan. I recommend going through a book or a course or a series of YouTube videos. (I have all of those things available for you)
4. Take a break.
Maybe you actually DO need a break. It’s okay to take a day or a week or even a month off from language learning. Just give yourself a time limit so you know that you will come back to it!
5. Reward yourself.
It’s good to reward yourself for studying. It doesn’t have to be anything big, maybe it’s a bath or a coffee or a little chocolate. Celebrate even the small victories. We don’t take enough time in life to celebrate things.
6. Try something new!
Maybe you just need to CHANGE your methods. Maybe you’re tired of always watching YouTube videos. Join an online group English club, go to a meet up in your city if possible. Do something that’s different to keep learning exciting and fun.
7. Remember: motivation will always come and go. What makes lasting change is cultivating discipline.
Really a little work goes a long way. If you can set up a daily habit of discipline, you WILL continue to learn. On days that I’m super motivated, I study a little longer but on days that I’m not, I try to discipline myself for those 15 minutes because I know it’s better than nothing.
