How to trick yourself into good (Japanese) study habits

There are a few sneaky things that will “trick” you into studying Japanese and getting yourself into a good habit. It all comes down to analyzing what makes habits into habits, and taking advantage of those things so that you can create a habit without actually having a habit.

Creating action associations

The idea is to create associations with things and associate those things with Japanese study. Some examples of what you could do with Japanese studies:

1. A particular bean bag that you only sit on when you are studying Japanese.
2. A colored light bulb you turn on only when you study Japanese.
3. Certain music you play during Japanese study time, and nowhere else (I’d vote Mozart).
4. A certain part of the house that’s a Japanese study area.

Writing down exactly what you plan to do

• This tricks your brain into thinking this is something you always do in this place and at this time
• The more specific you get, the better all this works
• When the time comes, you are more likely to get out the study tools and get studying

Make The Road Easier

• Habits are habits because they’re easy to do.
• Make the things you want to be habits easier by planning ahead and knowing what you’re going to do the next day
• Take an extra five minutes at the end of every study session to decide what you’ll study next
• Plan out flashcards for tomorrow so you don’t have to put them on top of a huge stack

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