The Power of Habit: Transforming Language Learning into a Daily Routine

Have you ever found it challenging to continue something despite your desire to stick with it? This is a common struggle, and I’ve faced it many times myself. Excuses like “I’m too tired today” or “It’s raining, so I’ll do it tomorrow” often lead to giving up midway. The most effective strategy to overcome this is by embedding your activities into your daily routine, leaving no room for excuses.

Mastering Motivation

Motivation comes in two forms:

1. Initial Motivation: The drive to start something new.
2. Ongoing Motivation: The drive to continue and complete a task.

Many of us can find the initial motivation with clear goals, such as “I want to speak Japanese fluently” or “I aim to build muscle.” However, maintaining ongoing motivation is more complex because the results of language learning or exercise may not be immediately evident, which can lead to diminished drive and procrastination.

How to Sustain Motivation? Set Continuation as Your Goal!

To maintain high ongoing motivation, focus on the act of continuing. This approach is practical, not just theoretical. For example, if your objective is to “speak fluent Japanese,” you might get frustrated by the gap between your current level and your goal. Setting manageable milestones like “study for just 15 minutes a day” or “attend an online lesson at least once a week” can help sustain motivation.

Persistence is crucial in both language learning and fitness. There’s a popular Japanese saying: “Muscles do not betray you.” Regular exercise will undoubtedly build muscle. Similarly, persistent effort in language learning guarantees progress. Hence, making continuity your primary goal is essential.

Ensuring Sustainability: Weave It Into Your Daily Routine

How can you ensure continuity? By scheduling your tasks into your weekly planner. Committing to specific activities at set times on designated days ensures they get done, regardless of your energy levels. Like brushing your teeth, these activities become second nature over time, making learning or exercising a regular part of your life rather than a chore.

A Week in My Life

Here’s how I structure my week:

Minimizing Decision Making

Steve Jobs famously wore the same outfit daily to reduce decision fatigue. This principle is vital for creating and maintaining habits. I wear a white T-shirt every day during summer, owning six to cover the week. Before this, I used to waste time choosing outfits for online lessons, thinking “I wore this last time with this student… Maybe I should change before the lesson…”

Streamline Frequent Tasks

Delaying tasks like cleaning or laundry until absolutely necessary is inefficient. I use my Roomba three times a week and do laundry regularly, which simplifies my routine and reduces clutter.

Consistent Light Exercise

Working from home has made regular exercise essential. I’ve maintained a regimen of light workouts four times a week for six years, making it a painless part of my routine. By not overexerting myself, I’ve found this approach sustainable.

Consistent Meals

I prepare my meals for the next two days every Wednesday and Sunday. My routine meals include tomato salad and bacon and egg toast for breakfast and spinach pickles with steamed chicken breast and rice post-gym for lunch. This routine saves time and keeps my diet consistent.

Weekly Grocery Delivery

Having a consistent diet simplifies my grocery shopping, which I do online weekly. This method prevents impulse buys and ensures I don’t forget necessary items, streamlining my lifestyle.

Regular Wake-up Time

I initially set Wednesday and Sunday as my days off with flexible waking time, but found that a consistent wake-up time helps maintain a stable routine, enhancing overall productivity. Consequently, I opted to work on Wednesday mornings.

Dedicated Blog Writing Time

I write this blog every Wednesday afternoon, a habit that ensures consistency and boosts my productivity. I make my materials earlier so that I can carve out time to write this blog.

Language Learning Is All About Continuity! Keep Learning with Preply!

I teach on Preply, ideal for those committed to consistent language learning. Preply allows students to schedule weekly lessons, ensuring steady progress. The subscription model encourages ongoing engagement, a crucial element for effective learning.

From my taching experience, regular attendance fosters quicker improvement and helps transform learning into a seamless habit. Preply is perfect for anyone struggling to make language learning a regular part of their life.

Register using the link below to get 30% off your first lesson! Join me on Preply and make language learning a part of your daily routine!