How To Overcome Obstacles When Learning A Language

 

They often say that "we are our worst critics".


Have you heard this before? I am sure that you have. This saying has alot of truth to it although many might not think so. I think that it definitely has its place also when a person wants to learn a language.

Some of the very road blocks or obstacles that learners face sometimes are created by themselves. These obstacles in the learning process are what often hold individuals back from progressing with a language. However, in my opinion, I think obstacles should be viewed as a real challenge. Now what I want you to do now is to consider a few common critical statements, that when used by people often serve as an obstacle in accomplishing their goals.

1) I can't learn because I'm too old...
2) I don't have enough time to learn a language...
3) I don't have the brains to remember things like you do..
4) I will never be able to learn (X language)...because it's too hard..it's too difficult..or even
5) People say that...(riding off of other comments or opinions people make)

These statements represent just a few of the many excuses and exaggerations that many use to get out of learning a language. They even use variations of these to get out learning other things in life. It's just like I mentioned before, we are our worst critics. We can talk can sometimes talk ourselves out something even before giving it try.

How can you overcome these obstacles?

1) Be determined from the beginning that you will succeed at your new venture of learning a language. 
One of the best ways to stay focused and determined is by having goals. Goals keep you on schedule and also motivated not to quit.




2) Avoid making excuses.
My definition of an "excuse" is a "premeditated escape from the truth". We often think hard about something in question and "create" or "invent" a reason to convince ourselves that we can't do something in life. This is simply a quick way to avoid the real truth - that we can achieve it, we just haven't discovered the way yet.

Think about it, if you want to do something, let's say raise money for a vacation or a special event. Although you might not initially count with the resources (possible excuse), you always find a way. Why? Because of its importance to you. This drives you to find a way to raise the money to fulfill that need or goal. The same is for learning a language. Don't make excuses. Focus on your goal and its benefits. Find other methods that will help you to reach your goal.

3) Tell others about your goal to learn a language.
When you tell friends and others, they will likely help you along the way by encouraging you. They also want to know your progress. Natives feel very proud to help others learn their language so why not tell some that you are learning. 

These are just a few things from the very beginning to help you overcome and address certain obstacles that might be presented in the language learning process. By applying these you will learn a language with time and never allow anything nor anybody deter you from achieving your goal!