Just one more day to go.  It seems like it was only yesterday that I started all of this yet it feels like I have been learning to speak Spanish for years now!!!

I have been discovering somereally interesting things about Spanish, how to learn a language and about myself too.  I thought today I would give you an overview of some of the things I have found to be really beneficial when it comes to learning a language, Spanish in particular.

I haven't gone into great depth with these just yet but wanted to give you a taster of some of the ideas that have worked for me.

Here they are:

• Have clear objectives - know exactly what it is that you want to achieve and get really specific.
• Tune into the language by listening to Spanish radio, watch Spanish movies and read Spanish newspapers
• Start small with useful stuff like numbers, days of the week and months of the year
• Use flashcards to help you remember new vocabulary and phrases
• Use Mind Maps to harness that amazing brain of yours that is left semi-dormant if you use "conventional" notes
• Plan your day the night before so that you know when you are going to spend some time to learn Spanish in your busy day
• Do something everyday, no matter how small, to keep up the momentum of learning.
• Practice speaking Spanish as often as you can especially with Spanish speaking natives.
• Don't worry about grammar - you'll pick it up as you go along
• Remember you are not on your own (though it might feel like it sometimes!).  Use forums and discussion groups to help you deal with any areas of learning Spanish that you find difficult or confusing.

I suppose the key thing I have omitted from this list is your attitude and belief about your abilities to succeed.  You must believe you can do it and you must move forward with a positive and upbeat attitude otherwise it will seem like hardwork or you will give up.

This is just the start of my journey and I know that realising these top ten tips so early on will save me a lot of work and a tremendous amount of heartache.

Let me know what you think.