February is my month of French in the Power of Less Challenge. I committed to studying French at least 30 mins per day for the month. This goal in particular, is really important to me, as I want to come away from this job with a working ability in French.

But first, a quick thought about the language learning tools I’ve chosen. I recently had a discussion with a friend about why I gave up using Rosetta Stone for learning languages. My reasons for stopping have to do with effeciency and adherance.

First, efficiency. I do acknowledge that RS is effective in that it does teach you a new language similar to the way you would pick it up as a child. I simply feel that as an adult (and much more capable of developing and using faster learning strategies) I can do a better/faster job of learning than with the program they’ve designed. But by far the most compelling reason for the switch to my own method: adherance. Rosetta Stone makes me fall asleep. It is extremely repetitive (I know — good for learning vocabulary) to the point of actually falling asleep at my laptop after 15 minutes. Even though it may be effective, I don’t have any interest in the material and therefore it fails. To quote (yeah, I know — again) Tim Ferriss:

By analogy, if sprinting uphill with bowling balls in each hand were the most effective way to lose body fat, how long would the average person adhere to such a program?

So then if I’m not using Rosetta Stone, what am I using? I’ve tried to gather materials that I would be interested in if they were in English: National Geographic Magazines from France (thanks Mom!), comic books and moral fables (Asterix et Obelix and Le Petit Prince ) and I’ve even started playing Chrono Trigger for the SNES in French. The video game thing, despite sounding ridiculous, is actually pretty good, because it forces me to look up and understand what’s written. Also, well, it gives me an excuse to play RPG video games for the first time since I was 16. I’m also now looking at podcasts within my interests to supplement my reading so that I’m building auditory memory (if you know any French podcasts on travel, how-to/personal development, biographies, comedy, etc — I’d love suggestions, comment please! Derek, you might know of something I’d like).

So far in February, I’ve read/practiced French at least 30 mins per day, usually reading for at least an hour (there was also that day that I played SNES for 4 hours straight in French, but I’m reluctant to count that). The important thing for me is that I’m interested in all the material I’ve chosen. I have no problem picking up the books and reading for an hour because it’s something I’d read anyway.

So for the first 10 days it’s been fantastic. I’ll keep posting updates on the process of becoming a Grenouille.

Lessons learned in January

Overall, the Power of Less Challenge was a huge success with my group of young adults. We used a checkmark system and different colored markers on our wall calendar to keep ourselves accountable. This helped us see where certain people needed a kick in the but and kept them motivated.

Personally, with my habit, I’ve concluded that I like the change to higher protein, healthier meals (lentils, lean meat, less white carbs). I’m keeping this aspect and carrying it through.

What didn’t make the cut was the sporadic exercise. Twice a week as prescribed just wasn’t enough to make me feel great or see the results I wanted. I’m going to look at switching to a system where I’m exercising every day, even if it’s only 20 mins. If I look at the people that I really respect and admire, almost all do some sort of physical exercise daily.

In general, I am loving the Power of Less Challenge. I’m now thinking about what I want my next monthly habits to be. I went to a photography workshop last night and am thinking about doing a small photography assignment every day as my March or April habit. If anyone has some crazy/interesting ideas of habits I should test drive for a month, let me know.