by Vennisa Owusu-Barfi

One of the greatest hurdles language learners face is how to integrate their learning into their daily lives. It seems nearly impossible to create consistency and prioritize learning when we are hard-pressed by other priorities in our own lives.

 Achieving fluency in a language demands unique sacrifices that are unlike other forms of learning or skill-building. A unique opportunity is created to truly experience cultures distinct from yours, view the world through a different lens and for most people, connect to a lost heritage or a loved one who speaks their target language. Though other mundane reasons may exist, for example job opportunities or for school, achieving fluency in a language requires us to step outside our comfort zones.

Stepping outside one’s comfort zone could either lead to frustration and burnout, or on the other hand, a seamless integration into our lives. It is at this stage that language learning becomes natural; a hassle-free hobby we love and enjoy.

As a member of the council of broke college students, travelling to another country in the hopes of full immersion in my target language is as remote as dreams can get. Nonetheless, I have been able to create a pseudo-immersion to achieve my goals faster using habit stacking.

Habit stacking is building new habits by combining them with already established habits; for example, listening to a podcast on your way to work. By combining the new habit (podcast) with an already established habit (daily route to work), introducing a brand-new activity feels natural and easier. Although simple, if done correctly, habit stacking has the power to help achieve your language goals faster.

Here are some tips for implementing Habit Stacking into your daily routine:

1. Start Small

   It is easy to overwhelm ourselves with the excitement of building something new which eventually leads to burnout. Starting out with smaller achievable goals which you can scale up gradually is a more efficient method in achieving your goals. For example, watching a 15-minute video in your target language while having lunch is easier to implement than a 2-hour documentary every day.

2. Make concrete plans

   Practice writing down goals and habits in your language learning journey. By simply writing them down, you push yourself to make clear, concrete plans to build long lasting habits.

3. Celebrate your successes

   Within each little step in your grand plan, celebrate your successes along the way. Whether this includes, visiting an African restaurant to treat yourself, or having a glass of wine and a movie (preferably in your target language), rewarding yourself provides motivation and makes the journey much more enjoyable.

4. Hold yourself accountable

   Though rewards are great at keeping us motivated, care must be taken to not fall into indulgence. Holding yourself accountable may include documenting your journey on social media, setting daily physical reminders (post-it notes etc.), or simply setting alarms to remind yourself during the day. 

Final Note

One important habit to practice is one of self-forgiveness. Reaching a goal or building a new routine does not equal neglecting our needs or mental health. Learning to reset and review goals, as well as forgiving ourselves when we face setbacks is just as important and necessary in achieving our goals.

Sample Habit-Stacking Routine 

Here’s what my routine looks like:

7:30-7:35 AM Listen to a short podcast as I get ready for the day

7:40-7:55 AM Walk to class. Listen to longer podcast/music in target language

8:00-11:00 AM Class

11:00-Noon Join target language (speaking) practice group  

Classes or activities during the day.

6:00-6:45 PM Watch YouTube video or catch up on a show/series (in target language) during dinner

10:45-11:00 PM Review grammar/vocabulary (as it normally takes me about 15 minutes to fall asleep)

Repeat

Sources:

1. “Achieve Your Goals: Research Reveals a Simple Trick That Doubles Your Chances for Success.” James Clear, 6 Jan. 2021, https://jamesclear.com/implementation-intentions. 

2. “Habit Stacking: Make New Health Habits Stick!” Corporate Fitness Works, 4 Sept. 2020, https://corporatefitnessworks.com/habit-stacking-make-new-health-habits-stick/. 

3. Languagecuriouss. “How to Effectively Build Language Learning Habits.” Language Curious, Language Curious, 18 July 2020, https://languagecurious.com/how-to-effectively-build-language-learning-habits/. 

4. “Ways to Reward Yourself for Achieving Goals.” The Better Business Network, 29 Nov. 2021, https://thebetterbusiness.network/goal-setting-and-rewards/.