{"id":152,"date":"2026-01-04T08:19:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T08:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/?p=152"},"modified":"2026-06-04T08:19:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T08:19:55","slug":"how-to-set-goals-for-your-french-in-the-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/blog\/how-to-set-goals-for-your-french-in-the-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Set Goals For Your French In The New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The start of a new year is the perfect moment to reflect, dream and plan ahead.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re currently on the journey of learning French, setting thoughtful goals can help you stay motivated, consistent and inspired throughout the year. But let\u2019s be honest, vague resolutions like \u201cI want to get better at French\u201d rarely stick. So how can you make your French goals practical, realistic and exciting too ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you have ADHD, a busy life, fluctuating energy levels, or simply want a calmer approach to learning, here\u2019s how to set French goals that actually support you and not overwhelm you in the new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\"><strong><strong>1 : Reflect On The Past Year (Without Judgement)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before setting goals for the new year, gently look back on the previous year :.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What moments felt enjoyable or meaningful?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Which milestones in French are you most proud of ?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Which areas were the most challenging ?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What felt heavy, frustrating, or unrealistic?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did you discover a new passion like : French films, literature, comic books, French \/ Francophone shows or conversations ?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><u><strong>This reflection helps you celebrate progress, however small it may be, and identify exactly what you want to do next.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\"><strong><strong><strong>2 : Be Specific<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of setting vague goals like \u201cI want to improve my French this year\u201d, get specific about your objectives. If your goals are measurable, you\u2019re more likely to stay motivated and stick to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cI want to read one book per month in French\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI want to have three 15-min conversations in French per week\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI want to write a short journal entry in French every morning\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Specific goals are easier to track and give you a sense of achievement as you progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>3 : Make Goals Achievable And Realistic (Plan For Your Energy)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s tempting to aim for fluency in three to four months, but let\u2019s be honest with ourselves. Slow, steady progress is more sustainable. Ask yourself :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How much time can I truly dedicate to French each week ?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What does an ideal week of French learning look like ?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What feels doable even on a low-energy day ?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What activities bring me joy while learning ?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Committing to 30 minutes of French conversations or listening or writing is often more effective and sustainable than a 5 hour weekly marathon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>4 : Mix Fun With Discipline<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learning French as an adult doesn\u2019t have to feel like school homework. Combine some fun with structured goals, adapted to your level in French. Here are some fun examples that my students follow :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Level A1 : Read an illustrated book in Easy French (Livres en Fran\u00e7ais Facile)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Level A2 : Listen to a podcast in Easy French<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Level B1 : Read une BD fran\u00e7aise \/ francophone (BD = comic book)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Level B2 : Watch a French film \/ series without subtitles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Level C1 : Read a book in French, note down interesting words and make sentences using them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When learning feels joyful and exciting, learning becomes natural. Pleasure increases dopamine release, which in turn supports meaning, especially for ADHD brains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sayouitofrancais.com\/freeresources.php#freeresources2\">Download my Free E-Book with more than 60 Authentic French Resources adapted to your interests and your level<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>5 : Break It Down Into Micro-Goals<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Big goals can often feel very intimidating. Instead of attacking them, you\u2019re likely to take a step back and do nothing at all. So break them into smaller, doable steps :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Instead of \u201cI want to speak like a native\u201d, start with \u201cI\u2019ll learn 2 new idioms in French everyday\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Instead of \u201cI want to read French literature\u201d, start with &#8220;I&#8217;ll read one page of a novel or a comic book every day\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Instead of \u201cI want to understand profound conversations in French\u201d, start with \u201cI\u2019ll listen to 10 minutes of a podcast every day.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small atomic steps and victories help build momentum and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>6 : Track Your Progress<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep a learning journal (= un journal d\u2019apprentissage), a progress tracker or a digital checklist. Learn to celebrate your wins, no matter how small :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Did you understand a full podcast today ? \ud83d\udc4f\u2705<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did you read a full comic book in French this month ? \ud83d\udc4f\u2705<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did you write a full paragraph in French without translating in your head ? \ud83d\udc4f\u2705<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember how you feel when you cross levels in Candy Crush or Angry Birds ? It&#8217;s the same feeling you\u2019re trying to chase here. The more achievements you unlock, the more your confidence builds and the more likely you are to stay motivated and get closer to your ultimate goal in French.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For ADHD learners especially, seeing progress helps motivation stay alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>7 : Put It On Your Calendar<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A goal that isn\u2019t scheduled often stays just a good intention. If learning French really matters to you, treat it like any other important commitment. Block time in your calendar for French and see it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>20 minutes of French reading on Monday evenings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A conversation class every Wednesday.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A French podcast during your workouts on Saturdays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it&#8217;s written in your calendar, you no longer have to decide whether you\u2019ll study French, the decision is already made. This reduces mental load and decision fatigue, and helps build consistency, especially on busy or low-energy days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start small and realistic. Even two short, scheduled French moments per week can create a powerful habit over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>8 : Be Kind To Yourself<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lastly, learning French is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be weeks when you miss your goals, and that is totally normal. Adjust, reset, restart and continue. The key is consistency over perfection. What matters in returning, not being perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example French Goals for the New Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn 10 new words or expressions every week and use them in sentences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep a daily French journal and write, even if it&#8217;s only 3 lines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Join a weekly French conversation club or a comic book workshop with us where mistakes are welcome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read one French short story a month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch a French film with subtitles every Friday night.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your French journey doesn\u2019t need to be intense to be meaningful. It needs to be sustainable, enjoyable, and adapted to who you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-97901b9ce4ac11c3ae88f9aa8c9cc9c7\" style=\"color:#20bfa9\"><strong>Ready to Set French Goals That Truly Fit You?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking for\u00a0<strong>personalised French lessons\u00a0<\/strong>, a\u00a0<strong>gentle learning plan,\u00a0<\/strong>or support to stay consistent with French, especially if you feel overwhelmed, busy, or neurodivergent, I\u2019d love to help.<br><br>I offer a\u00a0<strong>free French discovery call\u00a0<\/strong>where we:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>talk about your current level and goals in French<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>identify what\u2019s blocking your progress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>design a realistic, sustainable plan adapted to your energy and lifestyle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This free call is ideal if you want to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>improve your spoken French<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>regain confidence in French<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>learn French in a calm, supportive way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>see if private or group French lessons are right for you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No pressure. No obligation. Just a calm conversation to see if we\u2019re a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center is-style-text-annotation has-background has-x-large-font-size is-style-text-annotation--1 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f7f3d9\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/index.php#calendly\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/index.php#calendly\">Book  a Free Discovery Call<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Let this be the year French feels supportive, joyful, and sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/about3-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"French Teacher In Edinburgh\" class=\"wp-image-76 size-full\" style=\"object-position:69% 100%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/about3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/about3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/about3-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/about3-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/about3-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/about3-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/about3-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bonjour ! My name is Jahnavi, I\u2019m a French teacher based in Edinburgh, UK. I work with adult learners in Leith and across Edinburgh city, as well as online. I offer personalised French lessons as well as small in-person group classes adapted to your energy, goals and learning styles<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The start of a new year is the perfect moment to reflect, dream and plan ahead. If you\u2019re currently on the journey of learning French, setting thoughtful goals can help you stay motivated, consistent and inspired throughout the year. But let\u2019s be honest, vague resolutions like \u201cI want to get better at French\u201d rarely stick. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":153,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=152"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":154,"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152\/revisions\/154"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayouitofrancais.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}