A language learners’ forum

I am a quitter, have always been.

I have started and stopped learning Italian, Swedish, Spanish, Finnish and Ancient Greek, dived into 2-3 programming languages for a while, abandoned needlework, skiing, playing the piano, the violin and the guitar, and probably a multitude of other hobbies that I have meanwhile forgotten. After studying and graduating, I lost interest in chemistry, food science, pharmaceutical biology and environmental law. I changed jobs thrice and careers twice.

When I lose enthusiam, I try to find out why: If the loss is caused by the subject itself, I see no reason in pursing it any further. Interests and priorities in life may change. I see no added value to continue with something just for the sake of it (as long as I do not abandon someone, but that is outside the scope of the question anyway I believe). It has enriched my life for sure, and I do not regret stopping anything; it has freed up resources to focus on the things that I really love.

I admit there is one downside though: I have never learned discipline. There are some things in life that just need pursuing even if you are not thrilled about them (health is an important example); I have to fight extra hard to live healthy because I am not used to do stuff I don't love.

Generally, I tend to try and push through. Keyword: try. This, however, tends to peter out and leads to a break. So I wasn't sure which to pick between "toughen up" and "lighten up".

rdearman wrote:When the going gets tough, the tough go fishing.

While listening to audiobooks in your target language, right? WINNING!

Every time I've noticed my passion for language study starting to ebb, I've realized that it's not language study per se that I'm weary of; it's the particular material I'm reading or listening to. If a story or podcast would annoy me in English, then of course I'll find it more annoying in German because I'm putting in extra effort just to be annoyed. I can't concentrate when I'm constantly thinking, "This crap is absolutely not worth this level of focus and dedication."

I miss these options:

• Take a break
• It depends
• (and possibly) Any of the above
• (or even) All of the above

I usually don't devote time to just one target language.

Totally depends on need, subject, and long-term goals.

I often look for ways to find new enthusiasm by changing how I carry out my activity, failing that I take breaks.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step… but if you’re planning to do it without stopping no way you will be able to make it till the end.

I find I often lighten up to varying degrees. Sometimes that means admitting the book I'm trying to read is way above my level and picking another one. Sometimes it means I'm a bit burnt out on reading as a whole in that language. Other times, I find taking a break and coming back to the language after a month or two will be all I need to say, "Wait, I get this. Why on Earth was this ever a problem for me?" Of course, there are also plenty of occasions where I realize my energy would give me more enjoyment spent elsewhere, and I do just that.

I never do. Is that weird?

...I read a book. Or workout. Or switch languages.