So you've hit a wall...

Starting to learn a new language is tough.  Especially when you're going at it alone.  The keys are moderation and consistency.  Basically, don't bite off more than you can chew (or, as my mom used to say, "Take human-sized bites!").  Attack a small amount of vocab at a time, and while we're on the topic, go ahead and learn a good chunk of vocab before attempting grammar.  Here's a list of more beginner's tips:

1.  Go to Your Room:  Pick vocabulary words by category.  To keep it simple, you can go by rooms.  You can start by learning the names of each room (la sala, la cocina, la habitacion/dormitorio, el bano), or you could start with each room - if you wanted to begin with the kitchen, you could use:  La cocina, el horno, el microondas, el fregadero, and el nevero.

2.  Break Them into Chunks:  Aim to learn about five vocabulary words at a time.  This keeps your list manageable and easy to remember.  Five words should be enough to challenge you, and not so many that it would discourage you. Replace words as you memorize them, or try to get your whole list before making a new one. Whatever works for you!

3.  Which One of These is Not Like the Other?  Couch, television, chair, dog.  Making random vocabulary lists might cause you to forget to include a large vocabulary.  It might help if you learn furniture words together, and later animals in a separate list.  Knowing that you've already listed all kitchen furniture, silverware, and fruit will be a big help when you're running low on ideas for new vocabulary - you still have vegetables, cleaning supplies, and dishes to learn!

4.  Open the Door:  Instead of learning verbs in isolation try learning them in conjunction with vocabulary you already know.  For example, do not just learn the verb leer. Learn the phrase "leer un libro" to help you remember the meaning.  This will also help develop your fluency.  By repeating the phrase as a whole, you will be practicing the flow of the language, and you will be well on your way to preventing chronic Chopped-Speech.

5. Substitution & Submersion:  Challenge yourself daily, substituting your native language vocabulary with your target language vocabulary every chance you get, until you are completely comfortable using the vocabulary in everyday speech.  When you learn a new set of words, continue using your previous word lists to maintain your vocabulary.  Submersion is an incredible tool, and this is a great way for beginners to dip their toes in the language!