I’ve set numerous goals in my life. I hit some of them and missed others.
Here are a few examples of goals I missed.
How to Learn a Language: a Recorded Course
I spent thousands of dollars and dedicated hundreds of hours to creating a video-based course with 4 accompanying textbooks. I was unable to sell a single book, nor (to my knowledge) did anyone even use the free materials from the course for an extended period of time
My First “Business”
I was making videos trying to spread positivity. I don’t think I had a clear monetization plan. Unsurprisingly, I did not make a single penny
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
This is a non-business example. I planned on taking classes for years. I ended up taking classes for about a month before I got injured and stopped
Swimming
I intended to take lessons until I became a strong swimmer. I ended up taking lessons on and off for about a year. I did not become a strong swimmer
Blackfoot Language Revitalization
I’ll call this a semi-failure. A native Blackfoot speaker and I were able to create a recorded beginner course and we offered a few live courses. We even got on local news twice. However, the project fell short of my expectations
Accelerated Language Learning
This is a recent semi-failure that still stings a little. I thought I’d be able to create teaching methods that, essentially, guarantee fast progress for anyone who signs up for classes. I was only about half-right
Here’s what I realized today: each failure gave birth to something positive.
Let me explain.
How to Learn a Language course: I use the textbooks in my classes as teaching materials. I also learned a lot about the importance of good UX/UI design
My first “business”: I learned how to talk on camera. I think I made about 300 videos if memory serves correctly
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: I got hurt so easily that I realized how weak my muscles are. That experience inspired me to start seeing a personal trainer to get stronger
Swimming: I’m braver. I feared swimming for my whole life. It was one of my biggest fears. Now I am no longer afraid of it in the slightest
Blackfoot Revitalization: The Blackfoot instructor I worked with has become a good friend. Also, it is worth noting that about 100 people took introductory Blackfoot classes from him. That’s not nothing
Accelerated Language Learning: I realized that the effectiveness of classes is not the roadblock for most language learners. It’s either that they don’t put enough time into self-studying and/or they don’t know how to self-study. Since then, I’ve now doubled down on teaching new CLN students how to self-study. I still have room to grow in this respect
I will keep setting goals…and often I will miss them.
And that’s ok. At least a part of me thinks it is. Another part of me is frustrated at how many times I crash and burn.