4 years ago, I started learning English from scratch.

Today, I write, read and speak it daily.

Here are 7 key lessons about mastering a new skill, quickly.

#1. Get Specific

To reach any goal in life, you need to know where you are heading.

Be clear on that.

Mine was to speak English like a native speaker.

Minus the accent - I enjoy having an accent.

#2. Be Realistic

Choose a skill that you can actually do.

You are not going to become a NBA player if you are 70 years old or if you are 4ft tall.

#3. Immerse Yourself

Live and breathe your new skill.

Want to learn about a specific subject? Buy 10 books about it and read them.

Want to play guitar? Buy a guitar and start practicing daily.

When I decided to learn English, I joined a volunteer program abroad.

#4. Get SUPER Uncomfortable

Be willing to get uncomfortable and receive feedback.

Find ways to practice in public.

While abroad, I hosted weekly presentations about sharks in schools - in English.

I felt SO awkward, and I hated it.

But I did it.

#5. Plateau Is A Thing

I cannot tell you the number of times I've hit a plateau!

It's frustrating.

You just have to push forward.

Suddenly, you'll realize you are 10x further than you thought you were.

#6. Never Stop Trying

Do something *daily* that'll bring you closer to your goal.

Even if it's small.

After I came back from my trip abroad, I started doing all of these things in English:

• Listening to podcasts
• Reading
• Journaling my thoughts
• Watching movies

#7. Question Everything

To keep evolving, you need to stay curious.

For example, if I'm wondering in which instance we say "that" or "this", I Google it.

TL;DR - 7 key lessons about mastering a new skill, quickly

• Get specific
• Be realistic
• Immerse yourself
• Get SUPER uncomfortable
• Plateau is a thing
• Never stop trying
• Question everything

That's it for today - thanks for reading.

Follow me @emihartung for more on self-improvement, online writing & the creator economy.