2024 Q1 📑 Quarterly Language Learning Reflection

Finding balance and sustainability all while still progressing towards proficiency

Hello! How has the first quarter of the year gone for you? Mine was off to a rocky start as I had to make several lifestyle adjustments and readjustments, which affected my language learning routine. It's been tough, but I'm staying positive and determined to find the right rhythm by Q2. One way to help is to by adapting

Oleg

’s No Zero Days — even if it’s just for 10 minutes!

In case you're still uncertain about how to evaluate your language learning progress over the last three months, I've prepared a set of reflection prompts that can be found below the subscription button of this article!

📅 Q1 Stats, Q2 Goals & Habit Tracking

101 hours, 43 minutes, and 19 seconds total from January to March of 2024

For Q2, I aim to maintain a balanced focus on both language studies and general life maintenance. Along with Toggl Track, I'll be using a Google Sheet Habit Tracker to ensure that several activities turn into daily habits. The sheet will open automatically whenever I start my browser to remind me of what I need to do. And although it’s designed for language studies, I’ve adapted to track everything I want to do so that I don’t have too many apps/trackers at once.

🤔 Quarterly Language Learning Reflection Prompts

Remember my end-of-year reflection prompts post? Well, I’ve made a shorter version for this quarter:

Progress Assessment

• Did I successfully reach my language learning objectives this quarter?

• What progress have I made in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the target language?

Consistency and Practice

• Have I been consistent with my language learning routine?

• Have I practiced with native speakers or language exchange partners?

Vocabulary and Grammar

• What new vocabulary words and grammar terms that have I learned?

Resources

• What language learning resources have been most helpful to me this quarter?

Challenges and Reflection

• Have I encountered any challenges or difficulties in learning the language?

• What are my goals and priorities for the next quarter in terms of language learning?

⭐ Small Wins

1. The Konbini Call - In February, I forgot around 800 yen in change at a convenience store’s copy machine. Previously, I would’ve simply accepted the loss because of my apprehension towards talking to a complete stranger in a second language over the phone. However, I promptly located the number on my receipt, called, and requested them to hold on to the money until I returned. I didn’t even have to force myself!

2. Public Speaking - This month, I had to deliver two speeches and again, the old version of myself would’ve spent the entire night writing and memorizing my lines. This time, I didn’t worry about it and spoke as I normally would. Despite my performance anxiety skyrocketing and my smartwatch misinterpreting my activity as cardio, it still felt like a small win to me.

3. Student Relationships - Although this is not limited to Q1, I experienced the accomplishment of my efforts when the auditorium filled with a thousand students enthusiastically responded to my speech. A few even gleefully shared that their classmates became emotional and cried when they found out I was leaving. I think my level of closeness with them is directly linked to the time I invest in studying Japanese. I’m happy to dedicate extra effort after going through this.

💭Your Turn

How has the start of your 2024 been treating you? Any good news or hurdles you'd like to chat about?