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Is it the end of November already? Woah. Where does the time go?!
During the past few months I struggled to keep the blog updated. I had lost my motivation, I couldn’t find the time, I thought I wasn’t making any progress…
DOES IT SOUND FAMILIAR TO YOU?
I bet it rings a bell to all language learners. That’s because the keys to succeed in blogging and language learning are pretty much the same.
I realized how much maintaining a blog relates to language learning while I was trying – and failing – to do both.
I FELL INTO A TRAP
I fell into the same trap language learners usually fall into. I thought I wasn’t going anywhere with my blog and so I almost sabotaged myself and my project. Needless to say I didn’t feel good about myself.
But rather than let all this keep me down I will simply count it as a learning experience.
And this is what I’ve learned: whether you’re writing a blog or trying to acquire a foreign language, the same principles apply.
THE DO’S AND DON’T’S OF A LANGUAGE LEARNER AND A BLOGGER
First things first – why are you doing it?
What’s the reason behind your effort? By asking yourself this question you’ll set a roadmap for staying consistent on the road. You’d better not skip this step!
What routine works best for you? Take your time to experiment and find your own blogging or learning style.
After all, you know yourself better than everyone else. We are all different and what is simple and comfortable for one person might be difficult for another. Do whatever is most comfortable, workable, sustainable, enjoyable for you. This is a key rule, don’t ever forget it.
No matter how good our intentions are and how diligent we intend to be, life often gets in the way. You can make things easier by setting up manageable goals and breaking them into small daily or weekly objectives. Mini-goals are the path to success, especially if you work toward them every day.
One of the things that I always recommend to everyone is keeping a journal – either physical or digital.
By frequently recording what you are doing, you’ll notice how far you’ve come. Hence, you’ll be able to stay motivated and keep going.
- DO Have fun
Any task that takes up a lot of your free time has to be fun – be it managing a blog or tackling a new language.
You’ll eventually abandon everything that’s boring and unpleasant for you. So, enjoy the process. Enjoy yourself. Having fun will ensure that you choose to do it again and again. We all know that time flies when you’re having fun…
- DON’T Be Impatient
You don’t become fluent overnight as much as you don’t become a successful blogger in a minute. It takes time. Don’t be afraid to go at your own pace. Always remember that you’re not in any rush because – as mentioned above – you want to enjoy the process.
- DON’T Compare Yourself To The Others
Comparing yourself to others is not healthy. Seriously, stop doing it. It’ll just make you feel anxious, jealous and frustrated. Therefore, you’ll let your negative thoughts and insecurities take over. Everybody has their own way of doing things, so there’s no point in worrying about what others have accomplished. Focus on your achievements and celebrate them. Be proud of yourself for all your hard work, determination, and perseverance.
- DON’T Be Too Hard On Yourself
I am always extremely hard on myself when I procrastinate. I feel guilty for days and then I end up doing even less than usual because I’m in a bad mood. It’s a vicious cycle. Beating yourself up it is the worst thing you can do. Don’t take me as an example. Be smarter. Be confident that you’ll do better next time.
- DON’T Give Up
Granted, there will be times where you’ll experience frustration. There will also be times where you’ll think that you’re terrible at what you do. Do not, under any circumstances, let discouragement interfere with getting what you want. As long as you keep going, you are on the track to success. You can only fail if you give up. And you’re not a quitter, are you?
Do you have a similar experience to the one I’ve shared in this article? If so, I want to hear from you in the comments.
Massive Black Friday 2015 Bundle
Psst! If you’ve made it all the way down here then I have something for you!
It’s the season of giving. To celebrate, I have made a list of the best language learning deals found around the web, so you can get a present for yourself or for a friend in time for Christmas! Hooray!
40% OFF until Monday with code BLACKFRIDAY – Speak German like a Native
If you’ve been thinking about improving your German, now is the time to do it. Truth to be told: If I was learning German, I would grab this offer before it expires.
40% OFF until Monday with code BLACKFRIDAY – Fluent Language Guides Box Set
I love, love, love Kerstin Cable’s approach to language learning and I can’t believe she’s offering two of her best guides at $14.39 only! It’s a total bargain and I wouldn’t think twice.
50% OFF this weekend only Mastering English Phrasal Verbs Through Story
Normally, this course sells for $97 but this weekend you can have it for the magically low price of just $47. If you know Lindsay and her blog, you know it’s worth it.
FREE until Monday How to Learn French in a Year, Kindle version
It’s free. What are you waiting for? ‘Nuff said.
MORE TO COME…
I suggest you to bookmark this page and keep an eye on it since I’ll update it with more exclusive language offers! 🙂
Some of the links above are affiliate links. By purchasing via them, you’ll support Runaway Daydreamer. I will earn a little commission that will allow me to invest more time and money into the blog.
I only join affiliate programs when I truly believe in the value of the product offered. I would never be an affiliate of something I didn’t believe in.
Happy weekend, happy blogging and happy language learning!