First Steps

Intro

Alright, before we go charging up that language learning mountain, let’s pause and figure out where we’re even starting from.

This isn’t about making a “perfect” plan. In fact, let’s just toss the idea of perfection out the window.

It’s more about getting a solid feel for why you want to learn a language, setting goals that actually make sense for you, and figuring out where you’re at right now in your journey (spoiler: wherever you are is perfectly fine).

When things get tricky, you can check back in and remind yourself why you’re on this adventure.

Ready to get started? Let’s make these first steps kick your whole language journey in motion. It’ll be fun, practical, and totally you.

Want a deeper&detailed worksheet?

Download a PDF to fill on your tablet or use it to intro your fresh new language journal.

Step 1

Define Your
Why

Step 2

Set Your
Goals

Step 3

Track Your
Progress

Step 1: Define Your Why

Clarify your motivation, and identify what keeps you going.

Instead of just saying, "I want to learn this language because I like it," dig deeper with creative prompts that make your motivation personal, visual, and exciting.

5 prompts to help you discover your "why":

1. What sparked your interest in this language? (A place, a person, a book, a movie, a dream?)

2. How will your life change if you become fluent? (Picture a day in your future - how do you use the language?)

3. What excites you the most about learning this language?

4. What challenges are you willing to embrace? (Because struggles will happen - what will keep you going?)

5. If your language journey was a book or a movie, what would the title be?

Take a break, you're nailing this!

Step 2: Set Your Goals

What do you actually want to achieve?

Not the vague “get fluent” kind, but actual, doable steps that won’t make you want to quit in a week.

5 prompts to help you define reasonable, creative, long-term goals:

1. How do you define "success" in this language? (Fluency? Conversations? Reading books? Travel confidence?)

2. What small wins will make you feel proud? (Think of mini-milestones: Ordering food, writing a journal entry, watching a show without subtitles.)

3. How will you measure your progress in a way that feels fun? (Regular journaling? Voice recordings every month? A progress map?)

4. What’s your ideal time commitment? (Daily? A few times a week? A weekend deep dive?)

5. What’s your “language emergency plan” for when you feel stuck? (A favourite playlist? A reminder of your why? A small challenge to shake things up?)

Have a snack, you deserve it!

Step 3: Track Your Progress

Where are you starting? And how will you track progress?

Assess your real-life ability instead of relying on tests.

5 prompts to help you track your progress, make learning more rewarding, and keep you motivated:

1. What can you already do in this language? (Even if it’s just recognizing a few words or sounds.)

2. Make a chart of language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Rate yourself 1-10 in each.

3. How would you describe your level without using official labels? (Beginner? Explorer? Casual dabbler? Language adventurer?)

4. Challenge yourself to create a "before" video recording, or record a one-minute voice message, just a quick "Hi" you would send to your best friend (or your future self).

5. Write a short paragraph about yourself in the language.