Feeling Unmotivated? Not Improving? Feeling Stuck? What to do. 

This turned into Japanese therapy with Misa. Though it's really good advice. It's best not to fuel a cycle of self loathing by comparing yourself with another. I'm sure a lot of people(me included) watch these and always learn some Japanese, but different people will learn it differently. Thank you for the video Misa.

The other day I mentioned to my son's therapist that I was studying Japanese in my free time and she seemed so surprised - she said that must be very difficult, especially while caring for a young child! I hadn't really thought of it that way, because I am always comparing myself to people online with lots of time to study and completely different challenges than I have. It really put things back into perspective, and this video reminded me again that I need to be proud of my progress learning at my own pace 😊 PS: your hair looks GREAT in that color!

To everyone going through this, you're not alone, you got this! ❤️

I was having the worst day... You dont even realize the impact you have on me Misa! Thank you for your kind words!! I really needed this 😭😢

Hey Misa Sensei Back in late 2019, by following your lessons, I became fluent enough to get around Japan in areas where people didn't speak English, including difficult bureaucratic stuff like opening a JP-Post bank account and registering my address at city hall. But I had to leave Japan because of a covid visa delay, and over the past few years, the fight for survival back in England took away all my desire to learn Japanese. But last year I met a wonderful guy from Hokkaido in London and we ended up dating. It was so nice to be able to chat in Japanese, even though I'd forgotten so much. We now have a bet going- if I pass the JLPT N4 in December he's going to gift me the money that the test cost. I can't wait to get back to learning with you Misa :)

I’m 40 and I’ve been studying Japanese constantly for about 2 years now. By myself and for myself. Yes, sometimes it gets a bit frustrating. Thank you for your video Misa❤️

I’m studying Japanese completely on my own, and made myself a super strict study schedule. It was rough, I was getting demotivated because of how vigorous it was, but I didn’t feel like I was progressing much. But 2 nights ago, I got a comment on my channel from a Japanese who wrote out their comment in japanese. To my surprise, I could read the majority of their text, and guess the rest out of context and loose kanji meanings. I was even able to write a decent response in japanese without doing any research first. Then the same night, I tried to comment on a Japanese channel, and I apologized for possible incorrect japanese. And to my surprise, they wrote out: “Thank you! Your Japanese is very good! ありがとうございます!”. I was surprised by how encouraging that night was, and I have started with my schedule again, but more relaxed, and I don’t beat myself up so much if I don’t do everything.

Thank you so much for this! I’m currently learning Japanese and it can be hard when you don’t see progress but this was the motivation I needed 💜

Thank you Misa. I've been stuck at N2 for three years and I feel I still do not understand a single thing whenever I try N1 questions. I have Japanese boyfriend who doesn't speak my language and has limited English and I struggle with extreme language barrier every day. And I've been studying Japanese for around 8 years. Moreover, I just keep forgetting the most of N2 grammar, words etc. So I have been feeling really down and beating myself up for being so low-proficient. And suddenly I saw your video. Even though I don't feel a sudden outburst of enthusiasm etc... But I do feel so much better thanks to you. Thank you so much :') For such kind kind words

The timing for this is impeccable. I've been studying every week for a year straight now with tutoring and my own and I see improvement (especially from when i first started), but I'm really getting burnt out because my output isn't where I'd like it to be. I hope I'm able to get that passion back.

Good advice. Personally, I struggle with just not being able to understand everything after studying since 2018 . Also, love the new hair colour.

Great advice from Misa! I learned Japanese in university and lived in Japan for 16 years, and have been speaking and using Japanese for over 30 years, butI still don't consider myself fluent. I know my strengths and weaknesses. But I look at it like this - there is always someone better than you, and there is always someone who would love to be at your level. I can do what I can do. Strive to learn and improve but Msa is right, there is no one judging you. When you have the opportunity to use Japanese in a real situation, just go for it. Small successes build confidence, and you can learn from your mistakes.

I feel like I hit a wall, I learn a lot of vocabulary, grammar points and listening to a lot of songs, but I still can’t fully understand sentences. I struggle to recognize words that are said in songs even though I have already learned them

Thank you for the motivation and kind words. :) I work full-time and have a 2 year old so I try not to best myself up when I don't study much. Even if I get sidetracked while studying I try to gently tell myself to take a deep breath and keep on studying! Thank you so much for your videos I've been watching them over and over and over again which starts to help!

Educational (and /+) heartwarming motivation = amazing Educational caring content.

This video came at a perfect time for me. I've had self-motivation and self-esteem problems for a while, as well as ADHD issues and I've been subscribed for over a year but kept putting it off. I've pretty much put any personal projects of for a long while and so critical of myself. Just the advice to not compare myself to others, to be easier on myself and love myself. It's hard to, sometimes, but you're right. Thank you so much for this video. While I may not focus on learning Japanese for a while because I have a ton of other stuff to do such as learning linguistics itself which I've put off for months, improving my French which I'd say I'm novice-intermediate at in school, and speaking of which school is coming up in a few days.... I'm anxious but I know I can get everything in order. This was a long comment which you might not see but thank you. I wish that you take your advice and take care of yourself as well. Thank you.

Misa! We love you and we are with you. Sending you a gigantic hug all the way from Mexico

You´re the most wholesome sweetest cinnamon roll ever Misa! 🥰

Purple hair looks amazing on you💜🫶🏻

This is totally what I need right now. I'm currently rushing myself to pass JLPT N3 exam in December and I'm having 0 motivation to study. I feel kinda tired with all those vocabs, grammar, kanji, reading listening and stuff. So keep thinking that I won't make it for N3 cuz there's not enough time for me. Although I passed JLPT N4 I took in July by watching all your videos. 大変ありがとうございました、みさ先生。♡ Also, thanks very much for this video too. 頑張ります。At least, now I feel a bit motivated!

Thank you Misa Sensei. I really need this right now. After failing last JLPT while my peers all passed, I really feel down and demotivated. Thank you so much. I need to learn that everyone has different timelines. Thank you. 🥺

Needed this, thanks :)

Thank you for this!

Wow, great timing on this. I have been in Japanese Language school in Japan since April and it has been a crazy ride. School is Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm, after school I still need to study but then I'm not able to enjoy my time in Japan... We get homework and even homework during summer break etc. We are also told to ask question in class but there simply isn't enough time. My teacher told me I have the worst test scores in my class as if I didn't know lol. Sometimes I sit in my room wondering if I made a mistake by moving to Japan to study Japanese, but I have faith it will get better eventually! When I speak with Japanese people I am able to get my point across so at least I can solve my problems with my Japan life. Slowly but surely I will get there!! Thanks for the video, your videos are fun way to casually study.

Thanks Misa!!!

Thanks!

Thank you Misa! ❤️

You are the best human being on this planet, the care you have for others is amazing! We are all very blessed with a teacher like you :D

I needed this. Thank you Misa.

Thank you so much, I really needed this.

Thank you very much misa 💕

Thank you for such a wonderful calming video!

Thank you that was wonderful.

Thank you for this video.

such a sweet message ♡ thank you ♡

I needed this video, thanks Misa sensei.

thank you so much❤️ needed this kind of motivation🥰

That was so sweet! Thanks misa-sensei

Thank you so much !!!

Thank you very much for sharing. Love your vids 💜

You're awesome Misa! ありがとう！

wow ... Misa you are amazing!

youre so amazing Misa sensei❤

I really, really needed this today, Misa. Thank you.

Thanks Misa, I needed some kind words and motivation today.

Thank you Misa sensei 💖 you give me so much strength

Thanks, I needed that and I didn't even realize it.

i swear you always post just the right thing when i need it. thank you❤

This channel is amazing. Well done and thank you.

Thank you Misa! You have a really good heart.

ありがとうございますみさ先輩。I needed this.

いつもありがとうミサ先生💜

みささん、本当にありがとうございます! ❤️

Thanks for all the kind words, Misa!

Thanks a lot for sharing this video with us. It really helps.

Thank you for this video! You can’t imagine how much I needed something like this today😘 keep up with being so great Misa!✨✨✨

Now this is more than a lesson!! Many lessons here plus much help and wisdom. Thank you Sensei Misa

Thank you so much .

this was very sweet. you care about your community and it shows. thanks for uploading this and thanks for making this community a united community

こつこつが勝つコツ is my mantra going forward. Thank you, Misa!😊

Thank you Misa, you are so sweet, have a lovely day!

Your videos are very comforting, along with your voice. Thank you for advices!

This was an incredible video, I loved it! Thank you so much, Misa-sensei ☺️

I really needed to hear this, especially with how i've been feeling lately, thank you Misa, i too wish to give you a big hug someday for all your help

This video was a blessing, exactly what I needed to hear right now. I have been pushing myself a lot lately, often doing 5-6 hour long study sessions daily. Thank you for reminding me that it is okay to take a break. You truly are the best sensei anyone could ask for, Misa! I wish you all the best and hope that things are going well for you too!!! ✨

great video, your videos are always awesome, sending big hugs right back 🤗

Everytime I watch a video from you is like recharging my motivation thank you for the support ❤️

Really well said , great lesson ! Domo arigatou Misa sensei .

Thank you Misa! I'm not even learning Japanese but I needed to hear this 😭😭

Thank you! I needed that. I found out I do see progress when I go back and read old lessons. They were so confusing then, but now they are easy. If I keep trying I will learn! I learn so much also from your videos! I watch one every morning.

Misa, thank you so much for this video. You seem so kind and thoughtful. Sometimes I do feel guilty for not studying everyday, but I need to remind myself that it's not a race. Thank you for the reminders. I hope you have a lovely week

みさ先生、ありがとうございます！ これが必要だったんです

みさ先生は一番いい先生! 💖

Thank you Misa. Your videos are my favorite because you remind us to just be ourselves and keep moving forward. The different subjects you talk about are realistic and add so much to the vocabulary I am learning. I adore you. Lots of love from the Pacific Northwest 🧡

I am feeling lucky to know this channel and Misa sensei as well

Wow thank you so much for this video, really! For the past 2+ months I've been struggling to concentrate to study and it's been frustrating because I'm not advancing as fast as I feel like I should be, so watching this video was really reassuring that it's ok and I shouldn't feel bad...as long as I'm studying, even if it's just 30 minutes, I will eventually get there! Thank you thank you thank you, I will be kinder to myself and remember that 継続は力なり!

Such a motivational video! Misa sensei is not only an excellent teacher, she's also an excellent therapist! Keep up the good work! I will forward this video to my friends, even those who are not learning Japanese because I cannot imagine anyone who can't find value in this video. みさ先生ありがとう！

ありがとうございました、みさ先生。 Thank you Misasensei.

thank you for the advice and kindness. Even though we don't know eac other personally, it is encouraging to have a teacher who periodically reminds me that it is okay to take things slowly and to not beat myself up for not being as fluent as i want to be. 💙

I was crying by the end of the video. Love you, Misa! I hope you're doing well

Misa is the best :)

Your videos are so extremely helpful! I just started going hardcore on studying about two months ago and your color coding on the sentences have been vital for me on understanding the structure. You’re amazing! Thank you so much for all your hard work 💖💕

Great video Misa, such a wonderful and unexpected surprise. Thanks for the support and i hope you continue to do well also.

This was a lovely little video thank you so much. I really like learning the phrase about going steady is the key to winning. I also really like the idea of using the thinking of words as a method for panic attacks. I really appreciate you and all the videos you put out. ❤️✌🏻

I've been struggling with understanding kanji in recent years, it's kind of setting me back. But as you said, it's important to learn at your pace, and it takes time. I really needed the therapy from this new vid. Thanks so much, Misa-chan 💖 (hugs)

Thank you.

Thank you Misa. I really needed to hear this today. I hope you're doing well too. By the way, the purple hair looks great on you :)

You're such an amaizing person and a wonderful teacher. I've been learning (on and off) for some time now with Japanese from Zero and Japanese Ammo with Misa, I wish I could say that I'm nearly fluent but that fault lies squarely with me and my lack of time and sometimes motivation. These are some really cool ideas I'm definately going to put into practice. Thank you, Misa! You are truly amaizing!!

Simply The Best . . . Teacher, Motivator . . .Personality

Thanks for this lovely video Misa. It can be so easy to become negative when you are so engrossed in learning something and feeling that you are not making enough progress. Thank you for the therapy, feeling motivated once more! 😊 I like your dress by the way. It has a really nice style.

thank u so much >_< im hard on myself and sometimes id downtalk on myself but finding your videos made me feel a lot better ^^

I've told some of my language partners on HelloTalk that I've been studying Japanese since March of last year but I don't feel like I'm where I should be. That kind of makes me sad, but I'm happy you made this video. ありがとうだってばよ！

ありがとうございます先生

Thankyou sensei

That exercise was a really good tip! Especially for distraction during panic attacks! I’ll be honest, my Japanese practice has slipped a lot the last year or so, but I’d like to get it back and I’ve always found your videos so helpful. Keep up the good work - がんばって！x

I just started watching your videos a few weeks ago. I like your approach to teaching Japanese. I have saved several videos on kanji and plan to go back through them, stopping to take notes and resuming when I have copied the kanji. I hope I can get good enough to understand videos that are in Japanese.

I have a really bad habit of setting lofty goals for myself - ones that somewhere deep down I know I probably can't fulfill. Is it to prove something? Or complete a challenge? I don't know, but it ends in disappointment or burnout more often than not. I really needed this video today. I needed a reminder I'm not a total failure. I thought I'd be tuning in for another regular educational video with Misa and it turned into me feeling like I wanna cry! thank you for the video :)

I didn't realize how much I needed to hear this today. I think I've been too hard on myself lately, and not just for learning Japanese. Thank you.

Thank you Misa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Misa-san, thank you for your kindness))