How to Not Suck 📝
Overcoming Mental Hurdles in Language Learning
The Japanese public elementary school where I am currently employed has gained a reputation in our city for its exceptional ability in mathematics. Intrigued by this, I tested my students’ skills by challenging them to add three sets of numbers in the hundreds, all in English. To add a bit of a twist (read as: happily torture them a teeny bit), I imposed a random time limit for each round, forcing them to calculate as quickly as possible. Then, I braced myself for the possibility of the lesson to potentially be a disaster, but to my delight, it turned out differently. I was thrilled to see my students’ determination as many of them performed mental calculations instead of using the optional worksheets I handed out for them to compute on while also being vigilant about self-correcting their English.
Here’s an example that I hope you try in your target language. Complete it in time before lightning strikes!
In one of those classes, I have a student who consistently experiences performance anxiety, even though they seem highly competitive. Whenever they expect not performing well in a task, they express their frustration, easily giving up without even trying and often stating, “This is too difficult!” So, it came as no surprise when I asked them if they had questions, their hand shot up to ask, “How do you not suck at this?” “Well,” I replied, “you have to keep trying until you don’t.”
Of course, it is a bit more complicated than that.
How to Not Suck (Address Your Mentality)
Issue #1 Neuroticism and Anxiety: It’s no surprise that negative feelings and self-perception can significantly affect language learning progress. In fact, personality traits can play a role in shaping these negative emotions and attitudes towards language learning. Research has found that individuals with higher levels of neuroticism may be more prone to experiencing anxiety and self-doubt in language learning, which can hinder their ability to take risks, make mistakes, and engage in effective language practice. Anxiety can also impair memory and cognitive processing, making it harder to retain and recall language knowledge.1
What to do: Developing effective strategies to manage anxiety is important for individuals with higher levels of neuroticism. These strategies may involve practicing relaxation techniques, setting attainable expectations, breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, seeking support from language teachers or peers, and directing attention towards positive experiences and progress.2
Issue #2 Self-Efficacy and Confidence: Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in a specific task or domain. Low self-efficacy in language learning can lead to feelings of incompetence and a lack of motivation to persist with learning efforts. 3
What to do: Building self-efficacy involves setting achievable goals, breaking down language learning tasks into smaller steps, celebrating small successes, seeking positive feedback and reinforcement, and engaging in self-reflection to identify strengths and areas of improvement. Developing a growth mindset, where mistakes are opportunities for learning, can also help boost self-efficacy. 4
Issue #3 Openness to Experience: Openness to experience is a personality trait associated with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. Individuals with low openness may be more resistant to trying new language learning methods, engaging with unfamiliar cultural contexts, or stepping out of their comfort zones.5
What to do: Encouraging individuals with low openness to experience to approach language learning with an open mind and curiosity can help overcome resistance. Highlighting the benefits of exploring new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities for personal growth through language learning can motivate individuals to embrace new experiences.6
Issue #4 Perfectionism: Perfectionistic tendencies can lead to high self-imposed standards, fear of making mistakes, and a focus on avoiding failure rather than embracing the learning process. This can hinder experimentation, risk-taking, and the development of fluency.7
What to do: Encouraging a growth mindset and reframing mistakes as valuable learning opportunities can help individuals with perfectionistic tendencies overcome their fear of failure. Emphasizing the importance of progress over perfection and celebrating incremental improvements can foster a more positive and growth-oriented mindset.8
Honestly speaking, the student I mentioned earlier reminds me of myself as a child. We even share a birthday! 🤡
I, too, struggle with the issues outlined above and have been working on them for the past few years. It's not always easy but it is definitely reassuring to understand that personality traits aren't set in stone and can evolve over time. By acknowledging how personality influences language learning and implementing strategies to counteract negative emotions and mindsets, we can adopt a more positive and effective approach to language learning—and hopefully, to other aspects of life as well.
