The top six excuses for not practising your English

Why are you learning English? I'm sure you get asked that a lot!  How about this question: what’s your excuse for not practising English today? Not such a common question, but a really common problem. Today? I’m too busy, I’m too tired. We all know the feeling. We all know we should do a little everyday, and practice makes perfect. But, life happens and suddenly you’re falling into bed at the end of the day and - oops I forgot to do some language study. 

Think about the excuses you used today and over the past week. Why didn’t you study? Write down ten excuses. Go on, write them down. 

I bet having no time was quite high on the list, wasn’t it? And no money? How about no motivation?I know, I’ve been there, I am there everyday with learning Japanese. Man, it’s hard!! I have all the excuses in my top pocket ready to go. 

Let’s beat these excuses. I know them, you know them, and really we all know they are rubbish, and with a bit of logic and application we can overcome them. 

Here are the top six excuses I use: 

I have no time. 

All-time number one excuse for not doing anything, isn’t it? Sure, some days are so busy there is barely time to scratch your head let alone concentrate on the finer points of English grammar. But everyday? If you honestly can’t find five minutes to study you really need to think about if learning English is a priority for you at the moment. And it’s okay to say right now I don’t have time, but next month I’m going to find five minutes a day to study. A way to make time is to link study to something you already do everyday. Brush your teeth, eat meals, watch TV, take a bus, drive a car, wash the dishes. What learning tools can you use at the same time? Do your flashcards on the bus, listen to a podcast in the car, conjugate verbs while you brush your teeth. If you try to connect a new habit with an old one, it’s much more likely to stick.  

I don’t know where to start. 

I get it. There are so many materials out there, and so many tools, courses, apps and books you could use. But let’s start where we are, not where we want to be. First have a look at the books and apps and materials you already have. Some you’ve never really looked at, right? Go take another look at them and see if they fit your needs now. Secondly, what is it you really need to do right now with your language? Pass an exam? Give a presentation at work? Talk to a school teacher? Find the materials that will help you do that, and use them. And here’s a really great tip: find a resource you love and stick with it. Try to wring as much out of the material that you have chosen as you can. This is because a book or a course will progress, and a well designed course will help you progress more. You will progress if you stick with one thing and use it. If you keep switching, you might progress, but you might get lost starting over and over again.  

I don’t know how to practice

All the materials, courses, books and apps out there can be overwhelming, and you can spend a lot of time planning your study rather than studying. So, keep things simple, stick with a few chosen materials and then use them. Focus on what you need to do in this language, and think of the steps to do get there. For example I want to be better at speaking in Japanese, but I often don’t understand what people say to me, so I need to be better at listening. But I don’t understand when I’m listening because I don’t know enough words. So I’m going to focus on vocabulary learning at the moment. Try to break down your problem into small steps. If you’re stuck on how to practice ask a teacher to help you direct your efforts into effective study methods. Check the Elevate directory of English language teachers here, to find your perfect teacher

I’m too tired

Sleep is really important for your brain. Research shows that memory is strengthened by sleep and puzzles are solved more efficiently if you can sleep on it.  1 Your brain will not love you if it can't rest, and research also shows that tired brains can’t learn effectively. 2 Go have a nap now. Afterwards pick up that book and study for five minutes. You’ll feel so much better. 

I have no money

There are things that you do need money for. If you want a teacher then it will cost some money, yes it’s true. But a teacher will help you not only with the grammar and vocabulary but also can give you advice on good ways to study, and tools to use. Teachers can help you with your confidence and even dig into those deep dark feelings or fears you might have about learning English. There are thousands of resources online for free, to practice writing, reading, listening, finding a language exchange partner, practice your grammar. Find something or someone that you like, and stick with it. You don’t need loads of apps or books, just one good one for you. 

I have no one to practice with

Of all the excuses this can be the hardest to deal with. But it is essential to have someone to talk with in English. And I don't mean your boss, your clients or your colleagues. You need a friendly face to chat with informally. This could be a teacher, someone who is also learning English, or someone you can exchange languages with. Conversation clubs are a vital way to practice English in a totally different way to lessons or work situations. You might have to try a few things before you find the perfect solution for you. Here are some teachers that run groups, communities or clubs to help you find friends to chat with.

So, what else was on your excuses list? Did I cover everything? Next time you feel an excuse bubbling up inside you to avoid practising English, will you give into it? Or will you say, that’s rubbish, overcome it, and reach your English goals?