37 Ways to Maintain Motivation
Research indicates that intrinsic motivation produces better results than extrinsic motivation when it comes to language learning.
The secret, then, to successfully learn French is to genuinely enjoy it. Since language learning is a lifelong endeavour, it’s particularly important to find joy in the process in order to maintain consistent motivation levels.
Here are 37 ways to have fun with French and immerse yourself in its rich culture:
Food
Cook French food using recipes written in French
Organise a raclette or fondue savoyarde dinner party
Visit your local French restaurant
Buy and try French products at your local grocery store
Organise a dîner en blanc
Watch French cooking tutorials on YouTube
Organise a tea party, serving only French desserts and pastries
Create a French cheese platter and share it with friends
Attend French cooking lessons in your hometown
Organise a French potluck dinner party with friends
Social
Attend French-themed events in your hometown
Build friendships with native speakers locally and/or online
Organise a French karaoke night at home with francophile friends
Attend a French conversation class in your hometown
Invite friends over to watch your favourite French sporting events on TV
Organise a French board games night with francophile/francophone friends
Entertainment
Watch French films
Listen to French music
Listen to French podcasts
Watch French TV shows
Watch your favourite movies (any language!) with French subtitles
Literature & Art
Read material that interests you, in French
Listen to French audio books
Write poetry in French
Start or join a French book club
Buy French-themed colouring books for adults
Keep a journal in French
Create a painting in the Pointillism or Impressionism style developed by French artists
Social Media
Follow French-speaking influencers on your favourite social media platform(s)
Create a Pinterest moodboard that inspires you to learn French
Start an account on your favourite social media platform dedicated to the French language or culture
Take part in conversations on online forums
Watch YouTube tutorials in French
Follow social media accounts that inspire you to learn French
Join French-speaking groups on Facebook
Other
Find and visit local French businesses in your hometown
Download language learning apps that interest you
P.S. Remember that motivational activities don’t necessarily have to be language-based. Anything that inspires you and awakens a love for the French language and culture will improve your intrinsic motivation.