Almost every student learning English is hyper-focused on the technicalities: grammar, vocabulary, and those pesky prepositions. With English being the most studied language in history, it's like having an infinite buffet of resources—freebies, no less! So, mastering English should be a piece of cake, right?
Wrong. Dead wrong.
The Real Problem: English is Art, Not Algebra
Here's the thing: language isn't just a collection of rules. It's art. Imagine trying to appreciate the Mona Lisa by only studying the brush strokes and canvas type. Misses the point, doesn’t it?
And let's face it, learning is a human activity. We, humans, have messy lives—work, family, Netflix binges. And without the magic ingredient—motivation—all the content in the world won't help.
Motivation, my friends, is as fragile as a soap bubble, especially for us adults.
Remember those gym memberships that see the inside of a gym about as often as you see a unicorn?
Same deal with language learning.
Check Your Relationship with English: Is It Complicated?
It's time for some real talk. How do you feel about English? Be brutally honest here.
Do you still drag around the ghost of bad experiences past? Endless workbooks, memorization, tests, and more tests?
Those classes you endured in school, the courses you paid for and bailed on, that exam you flunked, the shame of fumbling in conversations despite years of study?
Here's the hard truth: you need to fix your relationship with English before you stand a chance at success. No one can make you learn. A teacher can guide you, but only you can decide to embrace it.
Success Isn't Permanent: And That's OK
In many cultures, success is seen as a forever thing. One book wonders are failed writers. One-hit musicians are failed artists. If you learn English but then stop, you’re branded a failed learner.
But that’s just nonsense. Language is born out of necessity. When you don’t need it, it slips away. And that’s perfectly fine!
Ditch the guilt, the shame, and the idea of 'wasted' effort. You're not a 'bad' learner; you're human. Forgive yourself.
Today’s the Day to Find Your Reason
If you’re reading this, that spark, that mysterious interest in English, still flickers within you. That's your gift.
True language learning happens when you use language as a tool to communicate about things you care about.
You don’t need 10,000 words to do that; you can do it with 100. But first, you need a reason to communicate.
Remember Epicurus, the Greek philosopher? He said, “We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink.”
Well, I say, “We should look for someone to speak English with before learning to speak English.”
The Magic of Motivation: A Tale of Two Learners
Picture this: Sarah and John both want to learn English. Sarah dives into grammar books and vocabulary lists, feeling like she’s prepping for a never-ending exam. Meanwhile, John joins an online group discussing his favorite hobby—photography. He’s chatting, sharing tips, and learning without even realizing it.
Guess who’s more motivated?
Yep, John. Because he found his reason.
So, find your reason. Connect with people who share your interests, and let English be the bridge.
Repair your relationship with the language, and watch your motivation soar.
And remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding joy in the journey.
Happy learning!
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