10 In Japanese learning journey (:/ Korean learning journey (:

No bigger failure than the lack of effort

Earlier in January this year, I came across the following quote.

노력하지 않은 것보다 더 큰 실패는 없다

It struck a chord in me. When I was a lot younger, I used to think that failure was a terrible thing. Well, nobody likes to fail, but these days I feel that I would rather try and then fail, rather than not putting in any effort or not bothering at all to even attempt it.

There are a couple of so-called “failures” in my life, but at least I know I did make a good attempt and there are no lingering regrets.

Put in effort, whenever you can.

I guessed many have noticed that I haven’t been as active as previous years when it comes to language learning or blogging. I was scrolling past some of my older posts and suddenly I feel quite upset with myself for neglecting my language studies. I could clearly see that my motivation level has dropped and procrastination level has increased. While I did do other things in the meantime, it does seem that I have put language studies on the backseat for too long.

So now that I have some free time, I plan to put in as much effort as I can (:

Goals:

  • Revise Japanese, listen more, read more, get my basics right
  • Study Korean, write more
  • Read more in Mandarin Chinese, especially non-fiction
  • To be a more relaxed and happier person

And yes, blog more. I have quite a number of books waiting to be reviewed! hahaha.

If you have any language-learning related questions, please drop me a comment!!

You Might Also Like

10 Comments

  • Reply
    korean1984
    14 October, 2016 at 9:51 PM

    I love that quote. Sadly I have quite a few regrets. Not that I have failed as such at things, except in attempting to do certain things with my life. I find fear of failure quite intimidating. However you are right. Not having tried at all is worse. You have only yourself to blame. I am trying to make more effort now, hopefully I will have better success or at least enjoy trying.

    It’s lovely to see you blogging again recently. I confess I have missed your posts. However, don’t blame your self too much. As long as you are happy and fulfilled that’s what’s most important. Be happy. 🙂

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      15 October, 2016 at 11:18 AM

      It’s natural to fear failure but hopefully that won’t discourage you to attempt it (: but of course, there are times where we would not try, it just depends on how much that thing matters to you. I hope everything will go well for you! Thanks for liking the blog, it means a lot to me ^^

  • Reply
    Catherine Mullis
    15 October, 2016 at 12:59 AM

    I have reached a point in my life where my daughters are all grown up. One is 21 and the other 16. My 16 year old has recently become obsessed with a kpop band called BTS and through her I have become fascinated with the Korean language and culture ……so now I am embarking on my long journey of learning Korean and I look forward to reading your blogs.

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      15 October, 2016 at 11:21 AM

      Hi Catherine! Thanks for leaving a comment! It’s cool that you are introduced to it via your daughter 😀 have fun learning the language

  • Reply
    Blossom
    15 October, 2016 at 2:56 AM

    I’ve never commented before (anxiety orz) but I have read your blog for many years c: It really pumps me up and inspires me to see other people pumped up about language learning.

    I really love the quote you shared! I’ve never heard/seen a quote like it before but I feel like it fits me well. Even if it means being dragged through hell and back again, i’d rather put that effort in even if it was all for nothing becuase then you can say you tired and still learn new experiences 😀

    Although I feel like if you’re not really feeling something forcing it too much can have some bad sides too it but in your case it seems you have that spark and want to blog again. That (and I’m sure other people will agree) just pumps me up as a reader and makes me want to do well too~!

    I really hope you’re able to have fun and your goals come true c:

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      15 October, 2016 at 11:22 AM

      Hello!! I’m always happy to see people commenting for the first time (and hopefully not the last)! 😀 it gives me a lot of motivation too.

  • Reply
    lauren
    15 October, 2016 at 7:20 AM

    well lately I’ve been following steve kaufman on youtube and it’s been motivating since he’s doing the 90 day language challenge with Korean. His philosophy on language learning is learn and read a lot. from my language learning experience I feel the exact same way. I’ve, like you, been trying to procrastinate less with the smartphone bullshit etc. but shana why you still do textbooks??? I say keep reading and listening to your target languages. I think that gives the most results. also it’s effective and enjoyable.

    I was going to write a blog post about how I have no desire to read any textbooks on Korean because it would be so pointless for me.

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      15 October, 2016 at 11:23 AM

      Hahaha. I learn and read a lot too, but I still love textbooks / grammar dictionaries etc cos I like to get down to the specifics and detailed linguistic explanations. It’s a personal choice and while it may not work for everyone, it’s something that I enjoy (:

      • Reply
        kauren
        16 October, 2016 at 4:29 AM

        oh I meant read and listen NOT learn and read.

  • Reply
    Catherine Mullis
    15 October, 2016 at 11:09 PM

    Thanks for replying Shana, I have just purchased the Simple Korean book from twochois after reading your review on it. It seems that by learning to read hangul first is the best way forward. Am I starting in the right place.☺

  • Leave a Reply to Blossom Cancel Reply