Are you lacking confidence in speaking English?
Scared of making a mistake?
Worried other people might judge you?
Are you concerned about making yourself look a fool?
Do you avoid situations where you have to communicate in English?
I have felt like that too, not in English of course, but in other things like going live on Facebook!
It took me months of research and courage before I went live for the first time. Then, one day, I pressed the button and I was live for the first time!
The next week and the following week it got a bit easier. Mistake after mistake, I learned to go live, now I’m fearless, well, almost!
I had the same issue with maths.
For years I believed I was no good and avoided it at all costs. If I was put on the spot I would freeze up and my mind would become cloudy.
Then, one day, I decided to go to a free open evening at a local college and signed up to a maths course!
The first day I was so nervous that my palms were sweating. Week after week I attended class and found it became easier and I actually enjoyed it.
I began to gain confidence and started to understand a little more every time I went.
There were times when I came out of the lesson and cried.
There were times when I felt like giving up!
It was my children who told me that giving up wasn’t an option.
Now I am fearless, well, almost!
I passed my maths exam with a high score and went on to be able to work as a supply teacher in local high schools for English and maths!
Don’t get me wrong, my maths isn’t perfect, nor are my Facebook lives, but I am not afraid of them anymore. I have learned to embrace them.
So, whatever your fear of English is, I want you to understand that it is normal, however, by practising, you will instantly move a step closer to your goal.
I have learned a foreign language and have become quite fluent, although not perfect. Living in Italy I had to listen and speak every day, day in, day out!
They say the best way to learn a language is to surround yourself with it. With all the covid restrictions, that’s not easy.
An online, like-minded, English-speaking community would help!
So, go ahead, take a step out of your comfort zone and get practising, whatever it may be you want to achieve.
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