A system approach to language learning.

@drmanjushasusan

10/8/20232 min read

Last week, I found a movie called "Remember the Goal" on YouTube, and it was a fortunate discovery. Unlike typical movies, this one had an important lesson that applies not only to sports but also to our personal and professional lives.

It's about a new coach at a Christian school who trains a running team. She does things differently, focusing on building their stamina rather than focusing on race times. Even though students and parents objected, she stuck to her plan and proved that success lies in the journey rather than the destination.

The movie's main message aligns perfectly with what James Clear talks about in his book "Atomic Habits." He suggests that instead of obsessing over goals, we should focus on creating effective systems that lead to success.

Just like the coach in the movie emphasizes building stamina, it's crucial for us to concentrate on creating sustainable systems to achieve our ambitions.

The Power of Systems:

Whether it's personal growth, professional development or learning a language, having a well-designed system makes a huge difference. It consistently propels us forward, step by step.

Applying Systems to Language Learning:

Language learning is a great example to show how important having a system is. Many learners fall into the trap of trying to cram as many new words as possible into their daily vocabulary. But the real key to language proficiency is having a well-structured and consistent system.

Instead of trying to memorize a lot of words every day, it's more effective to focus on learning two or three new words or a grammar rule thoroughly. This way, we can truly understand and internalize the language's nuances, rather than just scratching the surface.

Benefits of a System-Centric Approach:

#1 Sustainable Progress: Systems create consistency and routine, making it easier to keep making progress over time.

#2 Deeper Understanding: By focusing on a few concepts at a time, we can better grasp the subject matter's intricacies.

#3 Reduced Overwhelm: Learning in manageable chunks reduces the feeling of overwhelm, making the learning journey more enjoyable.

#4 Long-Term Success: Systems form habits that are more likely to stay with us in the long run, allowing continuous improvement and growth.

The movie "Remember the Goal" and James Clear's insights in "Atomic Habits" remind us of the power of systems.

While goals are important, it's the systems we create that drive us toward achieving those goals. Whether it's in sports, personal development, or language learning, a system-centric approach leads to sustainable progress, deeper understanding, and lasting success.

As the famous saying goes, "It's not about the destination; it's about the journey."