Staying Motivated Learning Languages: European Portuguese
I have found that staying motivated to learn a language has ups and downs. Maintaining a growth mindset is crucial to achieving success in language learning.
Some things take time
Dolores River, outside of Gateway, CO
A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence. — Jim Watkins
Paul and I have dreamed of Portugal for years—we even exchanged vows there! We've visited annually and are now on the exciting path to buying a home in the Algarve. Naturally, this dream includes learning Portuguese, a language known for its beauty and complexity. Learning Portuguese is of utmost importance to us.
Growing up, I loved languages, learning Spanish and some French. My time in Mexico and teaching children to ski in Spanish as a ski instructor in Colorado solidified this passion. Now, I'm eager to embrace the challenge of Portuguese.
I have found that staying motivated to learn a language has ups and downs. It's funny, but what I remember about learning new things from growing up is that you are either a natural at it or you're not. It's just one of the other. I believe we call that a fixed mindset. No one got anywhere in this world with a fixed mindset!
I know this! I have taught school and skiing and am a lifelong learner. Yet, I feel like I'm hitting a wall while learning Portuguese. In my recent article on motivation, I identified that internal self-talk sometimes gets in the way.
This week, I felt that familiar struggle. I'd started strong with Liz Sharma's online course, "Talk the Streets." Liz created the course for native English speakers to learn how to sound more Portuguese. She has a significant following on her YouTube channel and has run language courses for years. However, I have recently hit a period of slowdown! I do not have compensation for mentioning "Talk the Streets," it is just my humble opinion that this is an excellent course.
While my Spanish background is helpful, it sometimes hinders my pronunciation. My brain defaults to Spanish, creating unexpected challenges. I'm diligently navigating these pronunciation hurdles and the unique sentence structures of Portuguese.
Despite the expected ups and downs, I recently encountered a steeper learning curve. Instead of self-criticism, I'm choosing a different approach. To speak Portuguese fluently, I must conquer my "Procrastination Monster" and embrace the learning process. I need to rewire my brain, shifting the focus from instant gratification to the joy of continuous growth.
When I consider it, it sounds absurd to expect instant mastery. I learn quickly, but learning is a journey, not a race. Some concepts click effortlessly, while others require more patience. This is perfectly normal!
Lurking alongside the Procrastination Monster is the "Too Careful Creature"—the voice that demands perfection before any action. I believe this inner critic is a subconscious defense mechanism. To overcome it, I'm allowing myself to make mistakes, celebrate small victories, and embrace the "two steps forward, one step back" learning rhythm.
I've also identified that I'm experiencing a learning plateau. While fortunate to be a quick learner, I am also lazy. When things don't come quickly, I start to think something is wrong with me, and then I procrastinate. That lands me right back in the Shire. For non-Lord of the Rings fans, the Shire is a mythical place where Hobbits live, symbolizing your comfort zone. Yep, my brain wants me safe!
Naming this plateau helps. It acknowledges a natural phase in the learning process, perhaps a period of deep consolidation in my learning. Maybe the ski racer's "move slow to go fast" mantra applies here too.
One of the course requirements is finding a language partner. Although this was initially daunting, I discovered a vibrant community of language exchange groups. After sifting through different programs, I found they felt more like dating sites (yikes!). But I persevered, and fortunately, I connected with a wonderful woman in Lisbon who was eager to improve her English.
While her English surpasses my Portuguese, her kindness and encouragement are invaluable. Each conversation, however imperfect, brings me closer to fluency.
I'm also proud to be more than halfway through the course! Drawing on my skiing experiences, I remember the fear of facing challenging runs like "Gauthier" at Arapahoe Basin or the daunting "Bowl" at Aspen Highlands. But I conquered those slopes fueled by determination and the belief in my ability to succeed.
I will approach Portuguese with the same spirit. It's time to leave the Shire, confront the "Too Careful Creature," and embrace the adventure. As the saying goes, "Go big or go home!"
