Is your motivation in hibernation?

I know it’s tricky to get motivated sometimes, especially now after the holiday break. Aside from the ongoing global pandemic, the restrictions, missing loved ones (which all seems never ending), the weather too has been rubbish this week. Knuckling back down to your studies probably feels like a step too far right now - it’s no wonder you feel as flat as a pancake!

That’s why I’ve written my TOP TIPS to tackle motivation hibernation. Different things work for me a different times, so take a look and see if any of these feel appealing or even vaguely doable. I’ve used them all at various times as I know they’re guaranteed to get me dusting off my workbooks and getting into study mode. 

• Be kind to yourself: if your number one tactic is beating yourself up because you’re not doing what you are supposed to... maybe stop that?
• Tackle your least favourite topic first: no procrastinating, no excuses, just grab a coffee and dive in to a little revision on that subject. Once you’ve done it you’ll feel so chuffed with yourself. You’ve started!
• Tackle your favourite topic first:  reverse psychology - if you’re not feeling brave enough to tackle number 2, ease back in a little more gently with something that you really feel confident with and glance through those notes. This used to be a new/tricky subject and now it’s on your favourites list. Whether you choose favourite on least favourite topic, the key is that you’re taking that first step.
• Do a brain dump: make a list of the subjects you feel you still need to master. Is that a past tense or maybe a future tense? Is SER and ESTAR still challenging you? Do you need more conversation practice? Get it all down on paper and you’ll then have a plan of attack for this term/year. Now action: is there a workshop on my website that meets those needs?
• Pick a sticky note:  I love my Post-Its! Take five notes and write a short everyday Spanish phrase on each. Each day pick one post-it and that’s your phrase (or piece of vocabulary) for the day. This is great for getting you back in the swing and building your confidence too.
• Give yourself a structure: decide what time of day is your best time for learning and plan in say, 3 sessions a week. Put it on the calendar and plan any other activities around those sessions. It only need be half an hour, but commit to it. Once you’re into the routine, the sessions fly by you will start to see real progress.
• Think about WHY you are learning Spanish: what was your motivation to start learning? Does this still apply? Let's keep going!
• A hobby?
• Because you’re living in Spain?
• Your children are learning/speaking Spanish at school?
• Because you like to travel in Spanish-speaking countries?

As I said at the beginning, cherry pick those that you think will work for you. The main thing is to DO SOMETHING. Just taking one step today and another tomorrow, and you’ll be on your way. If not, you can always contact me for ideas to help you refocus with your learning.