Language learning is generally a long journey. A bit like getting fit or learning a musical instrument. There’s no quick fix. So, we all need some motivation from time to time. Here are 5 of my favourite motivational quotes which can actually be applied to any type of goal, not just language learning. Perhaps there’s something here for you:

1. Slow progress is better than no progress (Author Unknown)

We’ve all been there. You have the best intentions to work on your vocabulary or watch that Spanish film and then the week gets away from you and nothing has been done. It would be easy at that point to just give up. The key though is to realise that you don’t always have to invest a big chunk of time in order to make progress. Just 10 minutes of something is better than nothing at all. Slow progress yes, but a whole lot better than no progress.

2. Don’t wish for it, work for it! (Estee lauder)

Like I said, there is no quick fix. No magic pill. And while it’s good to visualize what it will be like to reach your goal and how it will feel, it’s not good to spend the whole time daydreaming. Better to take some action to reach that goal, no matter how small that action might be. Which leads me to the next quote…..

3. The secret of getting ahead is getting started. (Mark Twain)

Take one small step today towards that goal. It will encourage you to keep going tomorrow.

4. Practice makes progress, not perfect. (Author Unknown)

This is extremely importnat when learning a language. If you are always aiming for perfection, your journey will be tiresome, long and frustrating. Keep your targets in check. If I was aiming for perfection in Japanese I would have given up long ago or perhaps never even started at all! I’d be over the moon to make it to level B2 and even that is probably a bit too ambitious for my needs. Make sure your targets are realistic and that you’re not setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.

5. It’s not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices. (Albus Dumbledore)

Talent isn’t everything. And saying you just don’t have the ability to do something is an easy excuse not to pursue it. If you really want to learn that language, go and learn it. Find a method that works for you, set a realistic goal, take small steps as often as you can and just get started. Make that choice!

Do you have some favourite motivational tips or quotes? Please share them below and as always, add your email to the box over on the bottom right to get more content like this straight to your inbox.