Why do some second language learners achieve at very high levels by studying independently, while others make very little progress after many years of formal instruction? Why is second language acquisition often regarded as difficult and painstaking? Polyglots and other high achieving learners have discovered or invented their own methods to acquire outstanding levels of second language proficiency largely outside of conventional classroom environments. Such learners know the how and the why of great second language acquisition. Their learning is autonomous, methodical, and highly enjoyable. Their approaches are, in many cases, structured around pursuing a language within the context of exploring personal interests. Attendees of this workshop will examine the best second language acquisition methods and habits of highly successful second language learners through their own videos and written accounts. We will identify and list the common elements of the most effective and pleasant pathways toward second language acquisition. Finally, we will evaluate these learning behaviors for their potential in enriching our curriculums and instruction as well as for their usefulness in our own second language acquisition journeys. The best methods of second language acquisition are not a mystery. Under the right circumstances, they are natural and enjoyable processes that we can study, analyze, personally adopt, and share with other learners. These beliefs and values are the foundations of this workshop.