Getting into the habit of learning a language If you’ve been trying to become fluent but feel you lack willpower, this post is for you. With six easy tips, I set out how to turn language study into an easy habit. Buy Post-it notes Post-it notes are essential for acting as your cue. How about an example? Okay, I’ll let you in on how I use them. Be specific about when you will do something With your new Post-it notes, you are going to be exact about what day and time you will carry out your new habit. So, on your note, you could write: “Every morning at 7 am I will learn ten new words”. This instructs your subconscious mind to follow through. Add your new habit to an everyday habit Each morning I have to go into my wardrobe for my clothes. So on the wardrobe door, I placed a Post-it note reminding me of how many press-ups I needed to do. This is what habit specialists call a cue. An item that reminds you of the habit you don’t want to miss. Take your time with any new habit Treat your habit as an ongoing everyday activity, not as something you will stop once you get an award. Don’t punish yourself for setbacks Do not try to make up for a missed day by doing twice as much study as usual. Stick to two hours of revision, not four. If you don’t, your subconscious will begin to associate your language routine with torture, and you will quit before you know it. Factor in a reward Long term goals will not yield immediate rewards. This puts a lot of people off, particularly those looking for a certificate to showcase their achievement. Always factor in a reward that will come sooner rather than later. On days when I don't run, I reward myself by reading fiction and drinking coffee. Conclusion If you’d like to know more about the subconscious, please check out my LinkedIn article on the topic (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-program-your-subconscious-success-mark-jones/). You can also download a PDF copy of the article on my website: www.markjonesmarketing.com