The Mind: Are your thoughts blocking or boosting your English?

If you’re learning English for work, do any of these thoughts sound familiar?

👎 I hated English at school; I’m no good at it. 

👎I feel like a loser when I hesitate or make mistakes. 

👎My colleagues all speak much better than me. 

👎I don’t know enough English to participate in meetings.

👎I’m much less effective in English than in my native language.

If they do, believe me you’re not alone! Practically everyone I’ve coached over many years has shared one or more of these super limiting beliefs. And I’ve seen remarkable progress, sometimes in a matter of days, as learners transform these into affirming and encouraging ones. The confidence this builds makes them less afraid to take risks, so they can be part of the conversation, and use English more effectively and accurately. It also underpins engagement, enjoyment, focus, and ultimately success in their learning journey.

A language coach will support and motivate you in this transformation, but here’s a quick guide to get you started. 

💪 EMPOWER YOURSELF

Identify the negative thought “I’m no good at English”.

• Challenge it 

Ask yourself if this thought is accurate now. What evidence do you have?

• Reframe it 

Think of positive statements that are true and empowering, for example “I have enough English to make myself clear and understand when people speak slowly. I am improving every day.” 

• Catch it 

Whenever you catch the negative thought, be kind to yourself as you would to a friend. Tell yourself this is normal; it takes lots of practice to change an ingrained pattern. Then call up the positive thought. 

Over time, your mindset will shift.

😊 ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

Identify what’s going well and appreciate it. Build this habit – it helps strengthen your mindset.

🙏 BE GRATEFUL

for your barriers, the gaps in your speech or understanding, and your mistakes. Step by step they are showing you what you can improve.

I think you’ll be amazed by the changes. Let me know how you get on! And contact me if you want to know how I could help you.