The degree of fluency, the rate of progress, the naturally sounding vocalization: these you might consider success factors. The notion can vary across individuals. But what if I suggested that you frame language development as a more routine affair not warranting a success metric?
Semantics? Probably. But I rather view it as a relatively trivial milestone demanding a slight bit of time and consistency: weeks to a few months to establish context and render habitual. The self feeding loop subsequently thrusts you forward, provided you devote sufficient minutes per day.
Why the insistence to steer away from success? Because it greatly simplifies achieving it. Take the nature for granted. Hundreds of thousands of speakers around the world acquire multiple languages all the time with relative ease. For a lengthy part of civilization.
Were it a small handful, I might consider questions of extraordinary talent or notably superior intelligence (rationale which I otherwise deem fruitless). Though I’d still explore the factor in greater detail. But with the estimates quiet substantial, it can’t be more complicated than most human feats acquired over a life span. I don’t believe in it. I accept it as an axiom. I know it.
More generally, suppose you pursue a relatively mainstream ability that many have beforehand. You wish to appraise the challenge involved. Imagine the populace spread along the bell curve (Gaussian distribution). Though you probably lack the data, you’ve likely heard of enough cases to construct a sample.
Within that distribution, mostly everyone contents with either the mean or the numbers within one standard deviation. Mostly everyone in that bulk feeds off the feedback, the self perpetuating conceit, uninformed of paradigms more effective. Complicating and discouraging, to say the least. Don’t settle for that.
Rather, focus on the outliers: the favourable side of the curve closer to two standard deviations out. Roughly the outer five percent.
Whatever that group attains, assume that it’s likewise attainable, practical and straightforward. So do as they do. It’s straightforward, since in the case of languages, too many have undertaken the task before you. In it lie few secrets.
The real challenge only manifests in striving to become the world champion, competing with the top few individuals. In the said case, the strategy takes a notably unpredictable course. Otherwise, worry not.
In paying Success the due diligence, I would be perpetuating the very idea of languages being challenging, atypical, demanding effort and discipline.
But whatever the merit, I don’t find the thought or the energy devoted to the respect of any utility. Simply do, as some lesser life form lacking consciousness of its own existence.
Don’t worry about being naive when it concerns a low risk challenge. If you’re Bonaparte, leading a battalion against Austrian and Russian forces numbering in the tens of thousands, then consider an element of caution. But most personal development affairs entail an infinitesimal risk with the possibility of high reward. It behooves you to be assertive, naive, nonchalant or whatever questionable trait you may conceive beyond profoundly malicious. It serves as nothing more than a means to an end.
Don’t misunderstand. Something like language development, while entirely natural and straightforward, still demands time, concentration and consistency. You must prioritize it, and not as a twelfth hobby after evening tea. Were the case otherwise, I’d speak not several languages, but a dozen.
To summarize. Don’t underestimate. But don’t overemphasize the extent. Nothing extraordinary nor mysterious in the milestone. It’s not beyond your grasp. It’s routine, unworthy of a good job. Imagine Napoleon being thus complimented by his marshals. The idea sounds almost offensive. If someone complimented me on thirty push-ups, unless in a sour mood, I would silently disregard. And I receive language compliments in roughly the same wise. So take for granted your natural ability to undertake such matters and proceed to greater deeds.
Questions, comments? Connect.