I don’t normally talk a whole lot (you might have noticed?) because my thoughts happen too fast for me to get it all out. But I’m really pumped about what I’m doing this year so I thought I’d give you something to be excited about too!
“Arm’s length” goals
Things I can definitely do this year if I stick to it.
Video courses
I started this end of last year because so many of my students were taking sessions off between courses.
Now you can review on your own even if you have to miss a class and can’t make it to Office Hours.
It’s also an affordable option if you want to have someone in your back pocket but can’t do the live classes.
Crystal ball says:
Might have entire Beginner Japanese track done by year end.
Rewards program
I’ve been kicking this idea around since I started teaching Japanese.
I mean, who doesn’t love getting stuff in the mail? You can earn Points in a lot of different ways but the way you’ll get the most Points is by turning in 100% correct and complete worksheets.
The Rewards store will have some really unique Japanese items and they go to whoever grabs them first. So, send over those worksheets now!
Crystal ball says:
Rewards store launches in June. Rewards Points are piling up in your accounts already for some things; the rest of your Points will be confirmed in May.
The Principal Principles of Speaking Japanese
I’ve been gathering my 15+ years of knowledge and sharing all the ways that you can study Japanese. I’ll give you food for thought and step-by-step actions so you can make a study plan that really works for you.
Crystal ball says:
Book ready by October?? Some parts have to be written while making the course.
Japan Planned, Packed, Primed
From helping plan your trip to making sure you have the words you’ll need while you’re there, this book is packed with info. It’s hit a 100 pages and I’m not done writing yet!
Crystal ball says:
On pre-sale now! The book comes out March.
“Need a ladder” goals
Things that are probably not happening unless everything falls into place.
In-person physical Japanese classes in Chicago
Wow, there is so much that goes into renting a space! I would need to make 3x what I’m making now to keep the location open. And then there’s all the paperwork . . .
I’ll make a deal with all of you (and I don’t offer many discounts):
Buy 3 of a lesson or course offering from this list and get the 4th one free.
Let’s make that reserve fund!
Crystal ball says:
One month after we hit $27,000 in net revenue I’ll open a physical location.
A new way to flashcard
A step up from your typical flashcard, it’s 3D and guides you through Japanese grammar on top of teaching you the meanings of words.
I’ve been working on paper prototypes so far but this has a lot of moving parts. And I can’t say much more if I want to patent it. =D
Crystal ball says:
Most likely not out this year. Hoping to lock down what will stay in the final product.
Japan Planned, Packed, Primed PALS
Audio, video, checklists and flashcards to make Japan trips worry-free.
Lots to put together here so the timeline will probably extend into 2024.
Crystal ball says:
On pre-sale now! The first round of content will drop in July.
conclusions/final thoughts
I don’t know why but I’m more hopeful than I’ve been in a while. I think the inspiration I’ve been reading has helped a little: I’ve started listening to myself again.
Whatever the case, I’m going to ride this wave. (And, then if I get into a funk, which happens when I make a mistake, I won’t end up behind.)
Anyway, I’m really seeing things come together and I know they’ll change the way you study and take in Japanese. To big dreams with less heartache!