A few months ago, a star student walked into my class: Josh Davis, a young man from Chicago determined to learn Spanish to connect with his Puerto Rican family. Josh was full of energy, responsible, passionate, and soaked up Spanish like a sponge. But suddenly, I noticed his enthusiasm fading. When I asked him about it, he confessed, “At first, I felt unstoppable, but now I forget words, make mistakes, and feel like I’ve hit a wall.” I smiled and explained that these moments of stagnation are normal in any learning journey and that there are always ways to overcome them.
If you feel like Josh, don’t worry—it’s not the end! Today, I’ll share some tips to help you push through these moments of doubt and move forward with confidence in your Spanish-learning journey.
Let’s do this!
Identify Your Blocks and Embrace the Process
The first step to overcoming stagnation is recognizing that you’re experiencing it. Are you struggling to learn new words or clearly recall the ones you already knew? Or maybe, despite studying and practicing for hours, you don’t see the progress you expected? Don’t panic—this is completely normal! It’s simply a sign that it’s time to make a few changes.
Remember, don’t let moments of stagnation dim your motivation to learn. They’re a natural part of the process and are usually temporary. You’ve got this!
Refresh Your Approach and Reignite Your Motivation
Sometimes, when we feel stuck, we blame our abilities. But have you stopped to consider whether your study strategy still excites you? There are many ways to learn, and focusing on just one can become monotonous, causing you to lose interest.
Take a moment to review your study routine. If it feels boring, change it up! Instead of spending hours on grammar, why not enjoy your favorite movies in Spanish? Or join conversation groups or listen to podcasts? The more varied your learning methods, the more enjoyable and effective your journey will be.
Your study methods should be dynamic and tailored to you. Experimenting with different approaches can rekindle your enthusiasm and make the process more engaging and rewarding.
Immerse Yourself in Real-Life Situations
Have you noticed how people who move to countries where another language is spoken tend to learn it much faster? Don’t worry—I’m not suggesting you pack your bags and move to a Spanish-speaking country to overcome stagnation. What I mean is that continuous exposure and real-life situations work wonders for mastering a language.
If traveling isn’t an option right now, no problem. You can bring Spanish into your daily life at home. Listen to songs, immerse yourself in your favorite movies or series in Spanish, and if you have the chance to chat with native speakers, even better! Practicing in real-life contexts can make all the difference between feeling stuck and achieving the fluency you dream of.
Celebrate Your Progress, Even the Smallest Wins
When we feel stuck, it’s common to push ourselves to the limit and try to learn a lot in a short time. But when we fail to achieve it, frustration quickly follows. Sometimes, instead of pressuring ourselves, it’s better to change our strategy and focus on smaller, more achievable goals.
For example, learn 10 new words this week, listen to your favorite podcast without subtitles, or practice a useful phrase in a conversation. These small steps will help you stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. Every little achievement counts, and celebrating them with pride will make your journey to learning Spanish more enjoyable and rewarding. You’ve got this!
Reconnect with Your Initial Purpose
Do you remember the day you decided to learn Spanish? That spark of excitement, the thrill of connecting with new people, and opening yourself up to a world full of possibilities. Over time, it’s easy to lose sight of the purpose that filled you with energy at the start.
Take a moment to reconnect with the reason that inspired you so much in the beginning. Sometimes, all we need is to return to that initial feeling to overcome stagnation and rediscover the joy of this beautiful journey. Learning Spanish is a path filled with small miracles. Don’t give up—keep moving forward with excitement and enthusiasm!
The Journey Continues: The Best is Yet to Come
Stagnation doesn’t signal the end; it’s a pause that gives you the opportunity to reconnect with your motivation to learn. Take a moment to look back and appreciate all that you’ve accomplished so far. Truly, you’ve done an amazing job! And the best part? There’s still so much more to achieve.
Learning a language isn’t just a hobby or another goal; it’s a gift to yourself, a gateway to new connections and experiences. So, stay encouraged—the best is yet to come. And remember, at WorldsAcross, we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Don’t stop now—Spanish is already a part of you!
