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Learning English Requires Strength
Strength and growth come through only through continuous effort and struggle. ~Napoleon Hill
Anything worth mastering takes work. We grow through applying ourselves with a ferocity of purpose that keeps us going, and going, and going no matter how hard the task before us. We have all had experiences where we had to fight to succeed, where a win came after a long battle. Do you remember? Can you remember running that race in high school? The long days of training leading up to it, the time that you sacrificed when you could have been out with friends or relaxing at home that you spent at the track? But how sweet did that victory taste when you crossed the finish line a split second before your competitor did? Learning a new language requires the same level of strength and skill, and when you master it, the victory will taste just as sweet, and the results will be life changing!
Taking your English language skills to new heights requires strength!
- Strength of character
- Strength of mind
- Strength of body
Learning ANY language is not for the faint-hearted, it takes time, dedication, and plain hard work. There are ups, downs and plateaux. There may be depths of despair and frustration that makes you want to pull out your hair! And then, of course, there are those seemingly endless lists to learn! As soon as you reach one peak you see others looming in the distance and you just know that you have to pick up your grammar book and dictionary, put your best foot forward, grit your teeth and plod on.
So why bother?
Why put yourself through all that work? You can muddle through with the English level you have already or you can use an interpreter or a translator, people who are clearly experts in this area and can do a better job than you can.
Or can they?
Notice the word – interpret – this gives room for paraphrase, for interpretation. Would this still be YOUR message? Interpreters are certainly experts in what is a very difficult job requiring lots of training, but if you are presenting YOUR product or service, or conducting YOUR meeting with a potential client or looking to move higher in YOUR career, it is YOUR message that is important. Remember, people buy from and relate to YOU, not someone else trying to deliver you!
So, is it worth the effort?
Yes, of course it is – just as you would spend time on other aspects of your work and career your English has to be part of that mix. If you have a dream for your work and your future and English is a part of that dream, then you have to be prepared to do whatever it takes to get the English you really want and this will take stamina and dedication!
How do I get English that really shines?
- Decide on where you want to be with your English – imagine how it would be if you had really fantastic English skills, make this your ultimate goal.
- Decide how far you are away from that goal now and what you need to do to get there – you will probably need to do an assessment for this or find a teacher who can help you. I am an expert in helping students just like you succeed in mastering English, and in passing the IELTS. Learn more about me here.
- Decide how much time you can dedicate to improving your skills daily, weekly etc. and formulate a plan. This is something I can help you with.
- Be realistic, if you only have 1 hour a week then it might take some time – doing a bit each day may work better.
- Get as much exposure as possible, use the ‘dead’ time during your day to practice (travel time, waiting at the station, before a meeting, in the doctor’s surgery –or read the newspaper, listen to songs, the radio – whatever you are interested in.
- Find things that interest you – dedication and graft don’t have to be boring – there is so much English out there and available that you really should choose what is engaging for you.
Doing this alone will not be easy there will be times when you feel like giving up or when you just can’t be bothered or when you feel you can’t make any more progress. It is easier if you have some support from a group of learners with a similar goal or from a mentor or coach. This will spur you on and encourage you to keep moving forwards. A really good coach won’t let you give up even when you feel you want to.
Whether you use a language coach, join a study group or soldier on alone, remember that it is not going to be an easy ride but the rewards are great – keep focused on how sweet your victory will taste – you can do it!
Total immersion, short, residential courses are held at Fleetham Lodge in Yorkshire in the UK (from a weekend to a month). Consider an immersion course to really skyrocket your progress!
Find out more about English language coaching programmes here!
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