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For many years, “learn Spanish” has been on my list of goals.

It’s part of my April adventure to study Spanish for at least 10 minutes every day.

And with language apps on my smartphone and tablet, it’s easy to study a few minutes a day, no matter where I am.

Why do I want to learn Spanish?

  • First is to be able to work globally. Spanish is the second-most-spoken language in the world.
  • Second is to connect with people more easily here in Southern California where Spanish is spoken by so many.
  • And third is to build my brain with new mental connections.

Yet this hasn’t been a dream with a deadline. Until now.

My daughter is thinking about studying abroad in a year or so. At the top of her list are Spain and Argentina.

That creates a more compelling call to action for me to learn to speak Spanish. I want to be able to visit her and speak the language.

Now there’s a stronger “why.” This is what motivates people to take action. Simon Sinek says this powerfully in a TED talk  related to his book, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.

By “why,” Sinek means, “What’s your purpose? What’s your cause? Why do you get out of bed in the morning?”

Now I have a very specific purpose for learning Spanish. And better yet, it has a deadline.

Why are you pursuing your most important goals?