We’re building your language goals Mad Libs–style ✍️✨

As I mentioned last week, the quality of our questions shapes the quality of our answers. So if you’re learning a new language, please—stop saying, “I want to be fluent.” That goal is too vague to be helpful and too slippery to measure.

You could speak a language your whole life and still struggle to describe a rash in an emergency room—unless you’ve trained for that exact situation. So let’s stop chasing fluency and start planning with intention. Because when language learning is strategic and joyful, progress follows.

When I used to teach Pre-K Spanish, the classroom teacher had a saying: “Walk with purpose.” I loved that. It made me rethink something as automatic as walking. And really, language is the same—we use it every day, but how often do we reflect on how and why we use it?

Recently, I paused my Japanese studies. I had drifted from my original plan and goal date, and my motivation was tanking. So I took a step back and asked: How do I make a plan that’s doable, simple, and fun to follow?

The answer: clear goals. Language planning is just Goal Setting 101—with a twist of linguistic joy.

Here are 3 simple steps to get started:

Step 1: Define your why

Why are you learning this language? What are you working toward? What’s the minimum version of success? What would feel like a bonus?

Sentence starters:

• I’m learning to feel…
• I’m learning to connect with…

Step 2: Set your timeline

“Ten years ago” isn’t an option—so let’s be realistic. When will you actually use this language? Set a goal date and checkpoints.

Sentence starters:

• By [date], I will…
• I’ll check in by [date] to see how I’m doing.

Step 3: Be specific

What do you want to do with the language? Speak? Listen? Read? Write? In what settings? With whom? Are there apps or tools that can support you?

Sentence starters:

• I will speak with [person] about [topic].
• I will write to [person] about [topic].
• I will understand [content] at least 80% of the time.

Put it all together

Use this template:
I am learning [language] to [purpose]. By [date], I will be able to [skill] about [topic]. To stay on track, I’ll check in on [date] to [checkpoint].

Example:
I’m learning Japanese to connect with my niece’s heritage and revisit a culture I briefly lived in. By December 2025, I’ll be able to chat with my teacher about my weekly activities and things I do or don’t want to do. I’ll check in by August 2025 to review simple sentences and five common tasks.

Want to build your plan with me? 🧠💬
Join my free virtual workshop:
Language Planning Made Simple
📅 May 26, 2025 | 🕕 6:00 PM ET
🎟️ Register here

✨ Learn more and sign up at LUPATalks.com

🤟🏼Dr. Xiomara Rivera Pagán