Forming habits: the key to successful learning

Learning by reading

Habits are the building blocks of our lives. It’s often said that nearly half of our daily routines are governed by habits. This statistic is both intriguing and insightful. How easy is it to cultivate a new habit? On the other hand, how challenging is it to break a bad one? These questions loom large, and the answers are not always straightforward.

In the realm of self-improvement, there is a plethora of advice, articles, podcasts, and guidance on habit formation and elimination. So, let me share my perspective.

One recent revelation I’ve had is the distinction between habits and routines. Habits are actions we perform repeatedly, often without conscious thought. Routines, on the other hand, involve consciously repeating a series of actions with a specific goal in mind. To transform something into a habit, such as learning English, it must first become part of your routine.

This concept makes sense, but how can you effectively integrate it into your life?

My first piece of advice is not to bypass the routine phase. Typically, when we embark on self-improvement journeys, whether it’s running, learning, or changing our eating habits, we tend to rush into things. We overlook the crucial step of establishing an intentional routine. Before something becomes a habit, we must first pinpoint when and how we intend to perform the activity.

Routines can be uncomfortable and demand focus and effort. Waking up early every morning at 5 a.m., daily meditation for 10 minutes, or adopting regular eating patterns are not easy transitions. In contrast, habits are effortless and automatic. They feel odd to neglect. Imagine skipping something you do daily that brings you comfort and joy. For me, not having my morning coffee is the stuff of science fiction.

So, how can you transform a routine into a habit? Begin with clear intentions. Recognise that some endeavours require effort, concentration, and deliberation. Learning English is not something you can do unconsciously; it demands focus. The duration needed to establish a new habit varies from person to person. Developing an enjoyable habit, like indulging in chocolate every day, might take a day, while committing to 10 minutes of nightly learning may take much longer. Reflect on your goal and understand your „why.“

Next, prepare for potential roadblocks. Identify the factors that have hindered your progress in the past and take steps to eliminate them. Is it a shortage of time? Procrastination? One strategy I employ, which has been highly effective, is blocking out time in my calendar. About a year ago, I set a goal to practice yoga every workday. To ensure I stuck to this routine, I scheduled daily yoga sessions on my calendar. A year later, I can’t imagine not having my daily yoga practice. It’s worth noting that these sessions only last a maximum of 30 minutes.

Consider starting with micro-habits. In my yoga example, I didn’t dive straight into 30-minute sessions. I began small, practising for just 10 minutes, gradually extending the sessions over the first three months. It happened naturally because I enjoyed it and felt better about myself.

Lastly, be compassionate with yourself. Don’t be overly critical. If you miss a day, it’s okay—don’t punish yourself. Avoid associating negative emotions with your efforts or goals. Long-term change takes time, and it’s essential to embrace this reality.

Congratulations on reaching the end of this article. If you’re working on making English a habit in your life, know that I’m your biggest cheerleader. Keep up the excellent work!