Willingness to make mistakes means being ready to put yourself in potentially embarrassing situations. It’s the only way to develop and improve.

If you don’t have a good reason to learn a language, you are less likely to stay motivated over the long-run.

The key to learning as quickly as a child may be to simply take on certain childlike attitudes. For instance, lack of self-consciousness, a desire to play in the language and willingness to make mistakes.

Different languages make different demands on your tongue, lips and throat. Pronunciation is just as much physical as it is mental. 

Think of some fun ways to practice your new language: make a radio play with a friend, draw a comic strip, write a poem or simply talk to whomever you can. 

Finding some kind of partner on your language adventure will push both of you to always try just a little bit harder and stay with it.

You must learn to listen before you can speak.

When you have no one else to speak to, there’s nothing wrong with talking to yourself in a foreign language.

Use the 360° maximalist approach: no matter which learning tools you use, it’s crucial to practice your new language every single day.