Welcome to Part 2 of 2 in our Learning a New Language as a Busy Adult series! 😃
In the previous article, we outlined three powerful ways to make language learning easier for busy adults. And lucky for you, we’ve added three more to help you jumpstart your journey! Here’s a short recap of the first article’s key points before you move onto this one:
- Set Clear, Small goals – break down learning goals into achieveable, measurable ones!
- Use Microlearning (with the power of Atomic Habits!) – short bursts of progress for longterm success!
- Make it a Part of Your Routine! Integrate using passive learning 😀
While our last article focused on habit-building, this one shifts to a different challenge: speaking—arguably one of the hardest skills in language learning. We’ll also explore the importance of accountability (such as working with a tutor) and how a mindset shift can drastically improve your learning experience.
🗣️ Speak Early, Even If You’re Not Ready
A lot of adults delay speaking until they “feel ready.” That’s a mistake. The problem is, a lot of people do not practice the speaking skill enough and expressing yourself in a new language can be the hardest aspect of learning. Reading and listening are receptive skills – you do not have to produce with them, but you just receive the information through these skills. And with writing, you can take your time with it. But to readily produce language on the spot in a speaking situation – that is something a lot of learners are not ready to handle.
Start small. Use phrases like:
“Hello, how are you?”
“I like tea.”
“What’s your name?”
Although seemingly basic on the surface, you can start by adding variations of the same words and gradually refining their phonetic usage step by step. Over time, you will begin producing language more effortlessly and with less conscious effort. Such is the magic of regular practice—until the habits become unconscious. However, for them to become second nature, an adequate amount of practice is required first.
💬 Speaking early builds confidence—and fluency.
📱 Get the Help of a Tutor (Even from the Comfort of Your Home!)
Having a tutor to stay accountable to can make a huge difference in your language-learning journey. Since money is involved, common excuses like “I’m too busy” or “I’m unmotivated” won’t work—you have something at stake! 😃
Of course, it’s understandable that people can feel demotivated about seeking a tutor, especially when they’re juggling studies and work. Adding another place to go might seem exhausting. That’s why we recommend online tutors—so you can learn right from the comfort of your home! FYI: Learning with others is more fun!
You can get 9 hours of tutoring per per week through our courses right here at Earn Language! The online world is your new school 😃
📅 Pro Tip: At least one hour of practice per day to make it stick.
💛 Change Your Mindset
You’ll miss days. You’ll forget things. That’s okay. Your mindset plays a huge role in shaping your learning.
Linguist Stephen Krashen’s concept of the affective filter highlights how negative emotions—such as frustration, anxiety, or self-doubt—can act as a barrier to language acquisition. When these emotions are high, the filter blocks input, making it harder to absorb and retain new knowledge. This is why self-kindness is crucial—not just because you deserve it, but because it also enhances productivity. 😃
Keeping your affective filter low means embracing mistakes as a natural part of the learning process. The more relaxed and open you are, the easier it becomes to acquire language. Having a supportive tutor can help create a positive learning environment and further reduce this barrier.
Celebrate Small Wins:
- Learned three new words? Amazing! 🎉
- Watched a YouTube video in Spanish? Bravo! 👏
Language learning is a journey, not a sprint—progress builds over time. With the right mindset and habits, you’ll become fluent—without burnout.
Remember, learning isn’t about endless preparation—it’s about taking action today! Start by speaking early. Say a simple yet new phrase you’re learning. Book a tutoring session to stay accountable.
And most importantly, embrace the mindset of a winner—appreciate every single victory along the way. While fluency doesn’t happen overnight, consistency and the right strategies will get you there!
Enjoy the journey as you learn, and know that we’ll be here to support your growth every step of the way. 😃
🔗 Want more?
Check out our other guides:
Learning a New Language as a Busy Adult: 3 Powerful Ways (Part 1/2)
Top 7 Strategies to Monetize Language Skills for Profit | Earn Money with Language Skills
7 Powerful Reasons to Learn Korean (and How Earn Language Can Help You)
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