#10: Get to 80%

hi everyone, my name is Seb and welcome back to Pra Caramba, a podcast I created to help you improve your Brazilian accent, one episode at the time.

The other day, I was listening to a podcast and something came up that really summed up how I think about how to hone language skills: master up to 80% and then move forward. When I recommend that you stick to an episode, repeat the exercise twice a day for a week before moving to the next episode, I really believe that by the end of the week each week, you’ll have reached that 80%: not only 80% of mastering the exact pronunciation of that episode’s exercise, but more importantly 80% of your own reachable potential that week in regards with your growing level. And that’s why,  week after a week, you’ll progress faster and better than if  you’d get hung up on an episode. Moving to a new episode after a week extends the coverage of your skill and plainly compounds what’s already been covered. At some point, you’ll even feel that you’ve reached the 80% of what this method can bring you and I expect you to move on. 

anyhow, today’s exercise. if this is your first time listening, my method is very simple: i’ll say a sentence, give you some time to repeat out loud, then we’ll do that three times for each of the sentences. All the sentences are in the episode description so that you can read along. If you’re having trouble with a sentence, hit pause and repeat it as slowly as possible until you get closer, then continue the exercise. As per use, don’t forget to focus on perfecting, not on trying to be perfect. 

1. Cada dia é uma nova chance para recomeçar do zero.
2. Acredite nos seus sonhos, pois eles guiam o seu caminho.
3. A amizade verdadeira é um tesouro que a gente cuida sempre.
4. O tempo passa rápido, por isso aproveite cada instante.
5. Nunca subestime o poder de uma palavra bem dita.
6. A natureza é sábia e nos ensina com sua beleza.
7. O amor é a força mais poderosa que existe no mundo.
8. Cada passo que damos é uma construção do nosso destino.
9. Os pequenos gestos do dia a dia fazem a diferença.
10. O saber é a chave que abre todas as portas.
11. A coragem de recomeçar faz de você uma pessoa especial.
12. O sorriso é o reflexo do nosso coração mais feliz.

Alright, that’s it for today. As always, I recommend sticking to at least one episode per week, repeating it twice a day, back to back, everyday of the week.  Let me know in the comments about your progress and my method works for you. Thank you so much for listening, see you next time!