My progress thus far

It was last friday when I dared to "tell the world" I would be learning Japanese. By "tell the world" I mean 1) wrote an email to those closest to me telling them I am learning Japanese and why I am doing it. 2) put up a facebook status stating I will learn Japanese and 3) tell all the fellow teachers at my school (I live and work in Japan) that I am going to learn Japanese.

What have I done thus far? Well, my major fear is burnout. Therefore I am taking many measures to prevent burnout. First off, I am trying to make my own goals reasonable yet feasible. My first goal is to study japanese for 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. I have also created a chart which I am tracking this on. I have also purchased a desk and have placed this desk in my home and it is designated for studying Japanese. Anytime i want do do something unproductive (stare at my email, go on facebook, etc) i move my computer away from my japanese desk. I am hoping to create a stimulus (desk) to stimulus (studying japanese) association in time. I have getting everyones opinion on how to best approach learning Japanese.

Another big thing is that I am trying to have fun with it. I went to a hand me down store the other day and brought along my Japanese dictionary. I tried to have a conversation with the cashier regarding the price of an item and if they would deliver it to my house. Now, I was unable to understand anything she said and although she seemed to understand nothing I said it did not deter the cashier from speaking on for a long time in Japanese. I think that because I kept staring at her with listening eyes (cause I was really trying to hear the words and repeat them back in my head) she actually thought I understood her.

Right now, I dont try to translate any japanese words when I hear them (as I only know like 5 words) but instead try to focus on hearing words and repeating them back to my self. I beleive that down the road as I develop a vocabulary my ability to comprehend will improve quicker because of these little moments.

I have identified japanese language classes in the town I am residing in and will be attending those on the weekend (though they are volunteer and i dont know if there is any english taught). I also have signed up for an online textbook called Textfugu. Thus far it is great. i am currently learning the japanese alphabet.

In time, I think the most challenging aspect will be staying motivated. Right now I am very new to Japan therefore it is easy to feel excited. As time goes on i will document my struggles and successes.