Alone? Not a Problem

So, you’re all alone? No one to help you practice a new language? No one to spar with you? No one to practice a duet with you? Not a problem, here is a list of simple ways to work with yourself and improve:

1) Talk to yourself.

This is especially good when you’re learning a new language. Sometimes, what you can do, is pick a random topic, and just talk about it. Think of it as an impromptu speech, except you’re speaking in a different language other than English. This method forces you to think of new vocabulary you’ve learned and their pronunciation.

2) Smart phones.

This is a really easy method that not many people utilize. Film yourself doing something. Then re-watch yourself afterwards. The benefit of this method is that you can watch and re-watch yourself. You can analyze every bit of detail and understand yourself to a different level.

3) YouTube

I can’t speak for other disciplines, but for martial arts, I have found some videos where somebody simulates padwork drills. Even when I’m alone, I can watch this video and do padwork with the person in the video. Even though this is not as effective as having a real person with you, it nonetheless is still better than not doing padwork.

What other ways do you use to improve yourself when you’re alone?