New Year’s resolutions
“All change is hard at the beginning, chaotic halfway through and wonderful at the end.” Robin Sharma
We are already in the second week of 2015 and, as every January, many people set and set goals for the new year. It takes time to reflect on the changes that can be made to improve our well-being, health and/or skills and abilities; such as joining a gym, changing jobs, traveling more or learning something new, for example, a language.
At FunTalk we are perfectly aware that one of the most common resolutions for the new year is to
learn English
to improve your English or
resume English classes
that you left abandoned in the past. As is normal, learning English is often just one more step in the process of achieving the ultimate goal, whatever it may be. But for many of us, learning a language can be a challenge that requires patience and perseverance. If we want to avoid throwing in the towel or frustration during learning, which can happen when learning a language, it is necessary to set a realistic and achievable goal.
To do this, set specific and precise objectives. For example: instead of saying that you would like to improve fluency, say that each week you want to learn how to use
new practical and relevant expressions
. Or if you are stuck on a particular grammatical point, be very clear about what it is and strive to correct it and use it in the right context. Focus on the things you can put into practice regularly to maintain positivity and motivation to keep studying.
Make English part of your daily routine. Do something, anything, in English for five to ten minutes a day. For example, read a
article on the internet
or in a magazine that interests you; watch your favorite TV series in English (with subtitles in your language and if you put them in English, so much the better); try to learn a new expression every week and use it in various relevant contexts. Change your habits to make English part of your daily life. The more contact you have with English, the better. I’m sure you can think of several ways to achieve this, can’t you?
Yes, of course it can take some time to get used to it, but you have to understand that learning a language is a process and if you follow it to the letter and don’t throw in the towel, you will surely notice the difference soon. Focus on what you have already learned, not on what you have yet to learn, and you will boost your confidence and self-esteem, keeping you motivated to keep learning.
learning English
.
‘All change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and so gorgeous at the end.’ Robin Sharma
So we’re two weeks into 2015 and just like every January, many people are making plans and setting goals for the year to come. We take the time to reflect on the changes we can make to improve our happiness, health, and/or skills, such as joining a gym, going for a new job, traveling more, or learning something new, such as a language.
At FunTalk, we’re fully aware that one of the most typical resolutions in the new year is to learn English, to improve your English, or to restart your English classes. Understandably so, in a lot of cases English is a step in the process to help you achieve your ultimate goal. But for many of us, learning a language can be a challenge, and one which requires patience and perseverance. So in order to not give up and to avoid that feeling of frustration, which can happen when learning a language, realistic and attainable goal setting is a must.
So set specific and concise objectives, for example, instead of saying ‘I’d like to improve my fluency’, say ‘I want to learn and use a new, practical, and meaningful expression every week.’ Or if you’re still struggling with a specific grammar point, identify it, correct it when necessary and use it in a meaningful context. Focus on the things you can do on a regular basis to stay positive and motivated to continue learning.
Make English part of your daily routine, do something, anything in English for only five to ten minutes a day. For example, read an article on the internet or in a magazine of your choice, watch your favorite TV series in English (using subtitles in your language or even better in English), or try to learn a new expression a week and then use it in several meaningful contexts. Change your habits to make English part of your everyday life. The more exposure you have to English, the better. Surely you can come up with a few ways to do this, can’t you?
Yes, it may take some getting used to at the beginning, but we have to understand that learning a language is a process and if you persevere and stick with it, you’ll definitely start to see a difference. Focus on what you have learned, not what you still have to learn, this is a huge boost to your confidence and self esteem, and therefore motivates you to keep on learning.
