Stick With It: How to Keep Your Language Learning Resolution in 2025

5…4…3…2…1…Happy New Year!

It’s January 1st. The ball has dropped and the champagne has popped. And now it’s time to get down to business. It’s New Year’s resolution time! Learning a new language is a common and noble resolution. Some people want to learn a language to travel, for professional reasons, or to speak with extended family or loved ones.

Sadly, most New Year’s resolutions are broken or abandoned by the second week of January. But that’s not going to be you this year! To help you stick with your language-learning goal, I’ve created a list of 10 ways to help you keep going and make this year the year that you learn a new language.

10 Ways to Keep Your Language-Learning Resolution

Sticking with your resolution doesn’t have to be a drag. With a few smart strategies and a fresh approach, you can keep the momentum going—and even make the process fun. Let’s dive into some practical (and not-so-boring) ways to help you keep that promise to yourself and make this year a great one for your language skills.

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

The resolution “learn a language” can be an overwhelming goal. Where do you start? How do you know when you’ve achieved it? Instead of aiming for an abstract idea of fluency, take a moment to think about what goals you can realistically achieve. Maybe it’s being able to introduce yourself confidently, understanding your favorite movie without subtitles, or learning 500 new words by the end of the year. 

Breaking your resolution into smaller, measurable milestones helps you feel like you’re making progress. Each mini-goal you accomplish gives you a boost of confidence and motivates you to keep going. Celebrate what you’ve learned and grow steadily from there.

2. Create a Routine that Works for Your Schedule

Building a language-learning habit starts with creating a routine that fits into your daily life. You don’t need hours of study—just 10 minutes a day can make a big difference if you’re consistent. Choose a time of day that works best for you, whether it’s in the morning with your coffee, during your lunch break, or before bed. Small, regular sessions help information stick better than occasional marathon study sessions. Consistency is the key to progress, so find a routine that feels manageable and keep doing it!

Once you know when you’re going to study, you also need to plan how you’re going to study. Do you like learning with language apps? Maybe you prefer to take online classes. Take some time to consider what method best compliments your learning style. The good news is that most resources have a preview or free trial so you can see if you like it before buying anything.

Take a look at this article if you want to create a personalized language-learning schedule that will work for you.

3. Make It Fun!

Learning a language doesn’t have to feel like a chore—making it fun is one of the best ways to stay motivated and engaged. Incorporate playful methods like using language-learning apps with gamified features, where you can earn points, compete with friends, and unlock achievements. Dive into music by listening to songs in your target language, looking up the lyrics, and singing along—it’s an enjoyable way to learn pronunciation and expand your vocabulary. You can even try language-learning games, crossword puzzles, or even board games designed to teach vocabulary and grammar.

If you enjoy the way you’re learning, you’re more likely to look forward to your study sessions, keeping your motivation high and your resolution on track. When learning feels like play, it’s easier to stick with it and make progress.

4. Find a Language Partner or Community

Language learning becomes infinitely more rewarding when you’re doing it with others. Finding a language partner, whether it’s a friend or an online buddy, provides accountability. If someone is checking in, it’s easier to stay on track with your study sessions.

And if you want more than one study buddy, you can join a larger community of language enthusiasts—either online or in-person—to provide even greater support. There are tons of language groups on social media. Or if you prefer in-person gatherings, local meetups offer spaces to share tips, discuss challenges, and celebrate milestones together. When you’re surrounded by people who understand your struggles and cheer for your progress, learning feels less like a solitary task and more like an exciting, shared adventure.

5. Incorporate Your Interests

One of the best ways to stay motivated in language learning is to combine it with your personal interests. When you connect the language to something you already love, it makes studying something you enjoy rather than a chore. For example, if you’re a foodie, take a look at cooking videos or recipes in your target language. Not only will you learn practical vocabulary like ingredients and cooking techniques, but you’ll also learn how to make authentic dishes from another culture. 

Or if you’re into sports, follow athletes or watch matches with commentary in your target language. While these are specific examples, the concept can be applied to all hobbies and interests. You can easily find websites, podcasts, videos, and more that talk about your interests in the language you’re learning.

The more you integrate the language into your hobbies—whether it’s gaming, gardening, or fitness—the more natural and enjoyable the learning process becomes. Plus, it gives you a reason to practice regularly, keeping language learning stays a fun and sustainable part of your routine.

6. Use Passive Learning

Passive learning is a way to absorb a language by exposing yourself to it without actively studying. While it’s not an effective way to learn a language on its own, it’s a great complement to traditional practice. By listening to podcasts or radio in your target language while commuting, cooking, or exercising, you allow your brain to pick up pronunciation, rhythm, and common phrases naturally. 

TV shows or YouTube videos playing in the background as you do chores can create a steady stream of exposure. This consistent, low-effort immersion helps build familiarity and keeps the language fresh in your mind. Just make sure you’re also dedicating focused time for active studying, as well.

7. Be Forgiving

As with any New Year’s resolution, you might stumble along the way. It’s important to be forgiving with yourself. Life happens—unexpected work deadlines, family responsibilities, or simply feeling too tired—and missing a day (or even a week) is okay.

 Instead of feeling guilty, adjust your schedule and jump back in when you can. Re-evaluate if your study plan is the right one for you and make adjustments if necessary. Every step forward counts, and consistency over time is what leads to success. Treat yourself with kindness, and focus on the long-term goal rather than temporary setbacks.

8. Use the Language in Real-Life Applications

Putting your language skills into real-life use is one of the most effective ways to make them stick. Instead of keeping your learning confined to textbooks or apps, try ordering food at a restaurant, writing a social media post, or even texting a friend in your target language. These practical applications reinforce what you’ve learned but also build confidence and show you how the language is used in everyday situations. Whether it’s asking for directions on your next trip or commenting on a post in an online community, real-life practice bridges the gap between learning and living the language.

9. Experiment With Different Methods

Boredom won’t help you if you want to learn a language. Switching up your routine and finding new and exciting ways to practice can reignite your motivation. For example, you can start by labeling items around your home with sticky notes in your target language, so you learn vocabulary while moving through your day. You could also join a language exchange where you practice speaking with a native speaker or try writing short stories or diary entries in your target language to unleash your creativity. Another fun idea is to switch your phone or social media apps to your target language to immerse yourself in everyday use. 

Experimenting with new ways to learn keeps things fresh, fun, and ensures your language journey never feels like a routine. Experimenting with new methods helps you find what works best for you and keeps the language journey exciting.

10. Remember the “Why” of it All

When the excitement of a New Year’s resolution starts to fade, focus on the reason why you decided to learn a language in the first place. Maybe you want to travel more or you’re looking to add new skills to your resume. Perhaps it’s something deeply personal, like connecting with a loved one in their native tongue or honoring your heritage. 

Whatever your reason, keeping it front and center is key to staying committed. Write it down and place it somewhere visible, like your desk or as a note on your phone. When language learning feels tough, remember your “why” to remind yourself of the benefits and connections waiting on the other side of your hard work.

Final Thoughts

As we start the new year, keep in mind that language learning isn’t a sprint; it’s a meandering (but rewarding) journey. If you’ve hit a rough patch or missed a few days, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, celebrate the small wins along the way—like understanding a word in a song or finally rolling your R’s without sounding like a malfunctioning engine. 

These little victories are what keep you motivated and moving forward, even during moments of doubt. So, give yourself credit for each step you take, whether it’s ordering food in your target language or catching a phrase in a movie. Dust off that app, forgive yourself for any setbacks, and remember that every 你好, привет, and bonjour is a step closer to your goal. Keep going—the rewards are worth it!