Planning your time and using it effectively, this is how we learn a language successfully. It’s not exactly that complicated but it is something that a lot of people neglect. To use the exercise analogy, it’s better to do a little a lot than a lot a little.
Meaning… 15 mins a day for a total of 105 minutes per week is probably going to be a lot more effective than 105 minutes one day a week. Personally, I like 20-25 minute blocks of study as I find this optimal for me. My wife finds 40 minute blocks suit her learning a lot better. Each to their own… experiment with what works best for you and above all else, just be consistent. Even 5 minutes a day reviewing vocabulary is better than nothing!
The main idea of this post isn’t just about consistency though, it’s about planning. The majority of people complain about not having enough time to study consistently and this is why they don’t succeed to their full potential. Your best bet for success is to make a plan and stick with. If you’re one of these people that struggle to study after work or at the end of the day because you’re exhausted, get up 30 minutes earlier and get out your learning material. Idealistically, I love studying in the morning because I can theoretically do nothing for the rest of the day and feel like I have accomplished something.
Unfortunately, I learn more efficiently in the evening… so it takes more motivation on my part to stick with an evening schedule. Alas, poor me…
If you are someone that honestly has no time for a schedule…. ahuh, right!! …then you should have a look at the Borrowing Time article. You’ll get some ideas of how to squeeze more out of your day. But above else… just make a plan and be consistent with your learning. A small commitment everyday will get you there in the end a la Tortoise and the Hare.
