When it comes to learning, people usually fall into two camps, and the dividing line is the type of mindset people develop toward this process. Numerous scientific studies have shown that while part of the population grows up believing that talent and abilities are innate traits, another part believes they can be developed through consistent effort over time.
But what are the tangible implications of believing that your talent and personality can be developed rather than being fixed and unchangeable?
The answer is simple: this awareness fosters a passion for learning and the habit of striving to achieve goals and push beyond personal limits. One of the areas where this mindset makes the biggest difference is language learning. But how can you develop this kind of mindset and become a polyglot? Let’s explore five key steps to follow.
Create a learning plan
January is famously the month of good resolutions – but how many of them do we actually stick to? Abstract goals often feel distant and hard to achieve, so it’s time to change strategy. Set a specific goal to be achieved by a clear deadline. This will help you visualize the target and define a practical path to reach it.
Define “micro-goals”
A goal that feels too big, especially in language learning, can become overwhelming and discouraging. The trick? Break your main goal into smaller, easily achievable micro-goals. For example, if your aim is to reach a B2 level by the end of the year, you could start by setting a micro-goal of learning 10 new phrasal verbs per week. Step by step, you’ll reach your main goal almost without noticing it.
Find the tools and methods that suit you best
Learning a new language today is an interactive and enjoyable experience, learning opportunities everywhere. Everyone has different learning preferences: some people prefer studying alone, while others find motivation in group work. Likewise, some learn best from books, while others prefer podcasts, songs, or watching films in the original language. Find the methods and tools that work best for you and discover your own path to becoming a polyglot.
Make the most of every moment available
The desire to learn a new language often clashes with everyday commitments, long commutes, or course schedules that don’t fit your routine. It doesn’t take much for your goal to start feeling out of reach. But what if you could learn a new language comfortably from home? With MLA Language Live, you can do just that attending live lessons from your own room with native-speaking teachers connecting from all over the world.
Make your goal fun and motivating
One of the best ways to stay motivated while studying is to give your goal a real-life purpose. Learning English is great—but imagine learning English so that in a few months you can buy a London Underground ticket sounding like a true local. Quite a dream, isn’t it? With MLA, you can improve your language skills throughout the year and prepare yourself for an unforgettable summer in your dream destination.
