I’ve met many people who have tried to learn languages in the past. Almost every one of them has had to face and overcome struggles along the way. The difference in those who actually succeeded and those that didn’t often came down to one thing: commitment.
Being committed to your language learning goals isn’t as simple as telling yourself how hard you’re willing to work at it. It represents very real dedication to the work you’re faced with. When you’re committed, you:
- Put heavy importance on your language learning sessions. Surely, a movie on TV or a drink with your officemates isn’t about to take precedence to your scheduled sessions with a language practice software if you’re committed. While you’re not about to make it more important than family or work, it should rank right up there among your primary focus.
- Take failure at face value. Failure is part of learning. Being committed means accepting that and forging on despite the challenges. Giving up isn’t in the committed learner’s vocabulary.
- Perform all needed tasks, regardless of difficulty. I’ve known many language learners who do things that they find daunting half-heartedly, whether that be seeking out interaction opportunities or long-drawn exercises that can take considerable time. Committed learners do all tasks to the best of their abilities – they know that giving half an effort doesn’t help their cause.