Notifications work for me, and a genuine desire to learn the language as a personal goal. I want to be multilingual for many reasons, least of which would be to watch Japanese language films, books, and video games. Being able to understand the locals, signage, menus, etc. on a trip to the country would be immensely satisfying to me, but I know it won't come easily or quickly.
I have a similar interest in learning to play piano, which I began in 2021. In five years, I went from knowing absolutely NOTHING about the instrument to a paying piano gig and, as my teacher said recently, playing well above intermediate level. Payoffs like that only come to you if you sit down every day and study. In my case, at least an hour a day.
In short, I think you really gotta want it deep in your bones.
