For twelve years in LA, I thrived in an environment where English was the lingua franca. However, moving to CDMX (Mexico City) presented a new challenge: learning Spanish.

Truthfully, many people and restaurants in Mexico accommodate English speakers, making it easy to get by without learning the local language. Initially, I faced serious INTERNAL resistance but I realized that truly embracing my home for the time being meant respecting all of Mexico’s OFFERINGS, including spanish.

As a creative person, the idea of enrolling in a structured Spanish class was daunting. I feared that I wouldn't be able to focus or commit to the rigorous schedule; multiple hours a day for four weeks seemed overwhelming. But I signed up for the intensive course anyway, and I'm proud to say I completed the (omit curriculum)program without skipping a single class. 

While I'm not even close to being fluent, I've learned valuable lessons that extend beyond language acquisition that I want to share with you.

The Paradox of Passion and Perseverance

Language learning is often fueled by enthusiasm and a genuine desire to communicate. CUE: Grinning ear to ear as soon as you sign up and rolling your eyes just after you’ve begun. 

The allure of conversing in a new language, understanding different cultures, and unlocking new worlds is what called me forward. Yet, as the initial excitement WANED and the reality of sustained effort SET in, I found myself confronting a deeper, more personal challenge: maintaining commitment.

Why is it that we start with such fervor only to falter as the weeks go by? The past few weeks have led me to the idea that the answer (omit often)lies in our relationship with commitment itself. 

Language learning, with its demands for consistent practice and INCREMENTAL progress, mirrors the broader struggles we face in other areas of life where dedication and perseverance are required.

Language Learning: A Mirror

Language learning acts as a mirror, reflecting back our habits, fears, and attitudes towards commitment. It reveals patterns of behavior that we might not have noticed otherwise. 

Engaging with the language and culture revealed much about myself; my impatience, my tendency to get distracted by the end result, and areas where my time management needed honest reflection. Seeking to understand something external often unveils internal truths, highlighting areas of weakness and opportunity for growth.

Fear of Failure

One of the most common hurdles in language learning is the fear of making mistakes. This fear can paralyze us, preventing us from practicing and engaging AUTHENTICALLY with others.It’s a clear manifestation of our fear of failure, showing us how much we dread imperfection and judgment, (omit not just )in language learning, and in life. 

Improvement requires vulnerability. You have to mess up, say things INCORRECTLY , and fumble over your words to get closer to the truth of what you're learning. Courage and a willingness to look and feel foolish are essential for growth.

As I have fumbled my way around Mexico, I have noticed that many people actually appreciate that you care enough to TRY to speak the language. When you feel like falling out, others lean in and help you along the way. Gift them a chance to lead and guide you as well.

Procrastination and Avoidance

I found myself starting with a rigorous study schedule only to find myself procrastinating as time went on. 

Upon reflection, I learned that this avoidance is a defense mechanism, protecting us from the discomfort of facing our limitations and the hard work required to overcome them. It highlights how we often delay commitment in other aspects of life, from career goals to personal relationships.

The Allure of the New

The initial stages of language learning are frequently marked by rapid progress and excitement. However, as we move beyond the basics, the learning curve steepens.  

There was typically a correlation between someone having a rough day in class and their absence the following day. This pattern reveals our difficulty in sticking with long-term commitments once the novelty wears off. If you can expect this to be a part of the cycle it helps you stay in it. I recognized my desire to quit by letting the feeling pass through me and I kept showing up anyway.

When you experience friction and challenge, where do you go? Do you give up? Skip class the next day? Or do you adjust, pick yourself up, and go again? This journey taught me the importance of resilience and the value of pushing through obstacles. 

Building resilience involves developing a growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Sometimes there isn't a cheat code or a hack—just HARD labor and effort. I kept trying to find shortcuts but realized that simply reading flashcards over and over helped. Sometimes the shortcut is acknowledging the value of the long route.

Fun Facilitates Learning

When you make learning fun, your nervous system relaxes enough to truly absorb new information. Laughter, creativity, and connection with others turn learning into a collective joy, making you want to return. I made sure that every day I was in class I could find a way to make someone laugh, smile or feel safe enough to joke with me. I know that helped us girls continue to attend class. 

You won't be fluent in four weeks. It takes a lifetime to fully connect with new material, but you can make significant improvements in a short time. Setting realistic expectations and finding accurate ways to measure progress builds the confidence to keep going.

The Art of Communication

Learning more of the language taught me that there is an art to communication. It’s not only about learning what to say but also exploring how you want to say it. When we choose how to speak, we are also choosing how to love, learn, and look at the world with different eyes.

Beyond Language: A Blueprint for Life

The lessons from language learning extend far beyond the realm of linguistics. By confronting and overcoming our commitment issues in this area, we develop skills, and attitudes transferable to other aspects of our lives. We become more resilient and capable of sustaining long-term fulfilling efforts.

Becoming fluent in a language is not just about mastering words and grammar; it’s about mastering ourselves. It’s about understanding our fears, confronting our limitations, and persistently moving forward despite the challenges.

So, as you embark on or continue any learning journey, remember that each step is towards that of greater self-awareness and personal growth. In doing so, you’ll not only become fluent in a new language but also fluent in the art of commitment.

All Things,

MG