New Year’s Resolutions: Create a Language Learning Habit

New year, new you—right? As we leap into the new year, many of us are setting resolutions to better ourselves. If your New Year’s resolution is to learn a new language, we’re here to cheer you on and help make it happen!

How do you move beyond that initial excitement and build a lasting language-learning habit? The secret sauce is a blend of psychology, habit-building hacks, and, of course, DuoCards. Let’s dive in!

Get into the habit loop

The habit loop consists of three elements: cue, routine, and reward.

The cue is what triggers you to start the behaviour, the routine is the action you take, and the reward is the benefit you gain.

How to create a powerful habit with DuoCards? By defining your motivation, setting up notifications, and helping Memo to achieve new stuff for his garden!

First thing first – set realistic goals

Dreaming of speaking fluent French in three months? Or do you want to learn just some basic Swedish phrases for a holiday trip?

Whatever your aim, set clear, realistic goals. Whether it’s mastering 50 new words a week or holding a basic conversation, having defined targets will give you direction and motivation.

Tip from Memo: Make your goals based on your current knowledge, available time, and motivation levels.

Know your why

Your motivation is the biggest key to success. Spend some time thinking about why you really really really want to learn that language.

Maybe it’s for travel, relationships, job opportunities, or even just for the thrill of mastering a new skill.

Keep your reason close to your heart and remind yourself of it whenever you feel like quitting.

Your “why” is your strongest weapon against giving up too soon.

Every day is a new year

Sometimes, the urge to learn a new language strikes out of nowhere, even if it’s mid-November. Don’t wait for the New Year—start right away! Use that surge of energy to your advantage.

And what about those days when your motivation dips? That’s where habit formation in language learning comes to the rescue!

Understanding the psychology of habit formation

Creating a new habit involves understanding how our minds work and using that knowledge to make the process both enjoyable and effective.

As James Clear, the author of the famous book Atomic Habits, says, lasting habits are about who you become in the process.

And you are on your way to becoming a confident Spanish or Korean speaker!

Consistency is key

Consistency is crucial for building any new habit.

With DuoCards, you can set specific times for your study sessions and get notifications from Memo to remind you.

Track your progress

Keeping up a streak is motivating and visually shows your progress, making it easier to stay committed. Keep that flame burning and your streak going strong!

Start small – leverage the two-minute rule

Kickstart your language journey with bite-sized tasks that blend seamlessly into your daily routine. Just two minutes a day? Totally doable!

Let’s be real—your phone is always with you. That’s why language apps like DuoCards are perfect for quick, effortless immersion in almost any situation.

Dive into mini-activities like reading an article, watching a short video, or reviewing your latest flashcards. These small tasks can easily fit into your commute or lunch break.

Remember, consistency is key. These small efforts compound over time, leading to remarkable progress.

Set SMART Goals

Set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of saying, “I want to learn Spanish,” aim for something specific like, “I will learn 50 new Spanish words in the next two weeks.”

This way, you have clear targets and can celebrate each milestone, keeping you motivated and on track.

Honor Your Hard Work: Celebrate and Pamper Yourself & Memo!

Turn your study sessions into a fun and rewarding experience! By dedicating a little time each day, you’ll unlock exciting rewards for Memo. Imagine helping Memo gather fire for warmth, build a cosy cave for comfort, and even meet new friends along the way.

We’ve packed plenty of exciting rewards into your learning journey. Study consistently to create a refreshing lake for Memo to splash in, plant trees for a serene hideaway, and build shelters for restful nights.

Each small effort brings a new adventure and rewards to enjoy!

Make Learning Fun

Integrate learning into activities you love. Watch YouTube videos, read interesting articles, and use DuoCards to save new words you encounter.

The Chrome extension and mobile share button make it easy to add words to your study list on the go. Engaging with the language through activities you enjoy ensures that learning is a fun and rewarding experience.

Don’t miss the big start!

Make language learning a part of your lifestyle this year and finally achieve your language goals! Memo and DuoCards are here to help you.

Download DuoCards for free and kickstart your adventure today.