How to be a successful English language learner

Learning a second language is a very challenging task and so I would like to share with you some ideas on how you can do it the most efficient way possible.

Keep it fun and engaging

Watch funny movies, read interesting books, find an exchange partner. If we are bored we don't learn. So let's do the opposite. If you absolutely love cooking, look for cooking channels in English. Also, keep it short. If you are looking for some grammar, find short videos. They may not give every detail, but you also won't start getting distracted after 10 minutes. Another suggestion is to find an exchange partner, someone who can share an hour a week with. For example if you are a Portuguese speaker you find someone to teach Portuguese and they can teach you English. There are groups on Facebook that offer exchanges for English. Here's an example

Don't be shy

Being shy and afraid to make mistakes is your worst enemy. There are many extremely smart people who will never learn a second language because of their pride. People don't like to feel stupid. When you learn a second language you have to accept the fact that sometimes you are going to feel insecure and nervous. If you want to be successful you have to accept the fact that you will make mistakes. It's ok. It's the only way you improve. And it won't matter how much you study with a website or a book, if you don't experiment with the language you won't improve.

Teach what you learn

Every time and I repeat every time you do a lesson, you need to teach someone what you learned. The best way to learn is to teach. If you don't know someone who is learning English, talk to a family member. They love you so they will give you ten minutes. They won't understand, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that you explained the information.

Focus on examples, not confusing explanations

Many times grammar explanations are confusing and frustrating. Don't focus too much on them. Focus on examples. I guarantee after reading some examples, explanations will make more sense (be easier to understand).

Find time

You're busy right? Of course! Find moments when you can review. In the bathroom while brushing your teeth you can explain to yourself a few phrasal verbs you learned from the website. At the supermarket waiting in line (waiting to buy the food), get the English notes that you put in your jacket.

Personal connection

When you are learning English connect the material to YOUR family, job, hobbies (the things you like to do). For example while studying the verb "to be" in the present tense, you would say "my wife is smart" and my children are energetic. When you think about your wife and children in this context the learning is more real and you will remember more.

Repeat and repeat again

Repeat and repeat. Athletes build muscle memory in order to be more successful. It means they make the same motion throwing a ball again and again, maybe 50-100 times a day! Your brain is a muscle. Learning another language isn't easy. It's hard work, but if you repeat the exercises again and again you will feel and be more successful.