I love starting a new year. I am writing this on 2 January 2021, just before I sit down and make my own resolutions for the year. I’m not 100% sure what they will be yet, but I do know that whatever they are, I’ll be starting them today.

I think that you should approach your own goals with the same mindset, especially your English learning goals. Here are six reasons why:

1. There will never be a perfect time

We’re all familiar with the old excuse, “I’ll start when…” (I have more time / I’m less busy / I’m retired…)

Well, have you noticed that that time hasn’t ever come? And, I’m sorry to say this, but it won’t. 

That means that if you really do want to get into your English studies in a serious way (be honest with yourself – do you?) then the perfect time to start is … well … today.

2. There’s so much content online

If you’ve been spending time online recently (Helloooo!) you will have noticed that English teachers all over the world are creating brilliant work and putting it out there for free. 

They’re pouring their energy into building courses and coaching groups, making videos and vocabulary quizzes, facilitating language partnerships and going live so you can join their discussions.

There’s never been a better time to find a teacher or virtual classmates from around the world.

Make the most of this unique opportunity (and remember to thank your teachers for spending their free time making content for you!)

3. The sooner you start…

How will your life look when you’re a fluent and confident English user? What will you do with these skills? How will you feel? What opportunities will be open to you?

Well, the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be there.

The longer you put it off, well…

One of the most common things I hear my students say is that they wish they had started earlier.

The best time to start learning English was 15 years ago. The second-best time is right now.

4. You’re good enough now

Have you ever told yourself that you’ll get started on your English once your English is better? 

Umm… what?

No, start now. The best place to start is where you are today.

5. That time will pass anyway

It will take as long as it takes for you to learn English, and who knows how long that will be?

(If you’re a really great student, you’ll never stop learning.)

The only thing we know is that the time it will take for you to learn is going to pass anyway.

In the end, you’ll either be more confident in your English, or you won’t be. 

It’s up to you.

6. Online learning is better than ever

One silver lining of this pandemic is the fact that online learning, which was once seen as a lesser alternative to face-to-face learning, is now increasingly the norm.

This doesn’t only mean that we (teachers AND students) are getting used to it. It also means that we’re all getting better at it.

Sure, you can still find many online classes that are just less engaging versions of face to face, but you can also find people who are absolutely smashing it!

I love teaching face-to-face classes, but one of my aims is to use technology WELL to create an online English learning environment with the heart and soul of an in-person classroom.

With the help of some amazing teachers and students, this is going well so far. It’s only going to get better from here.

I hope that this post has, perhaps, inspired you to start focusing on your studies today.

If it has, let me know in the comments THREE things you’re going to do this week to start moving forward. 

If it hasn’t, let me know in the comments what’s holding you back. I’d love to hear from you!

 

If you’re looking for a way to get started, we can help you!

Here are three things you can do:

• Check out our online short courses, starting early January (Get 30% off this month with code JAN2021)
• Book a free chat with Kerrin to talk about your goals and make a plan to move forward.
• Book a free online English class with us using the code EDC-FIRST-FREE

We have great teachers and students waiting to welcome you.