When the going gets tough...

...the tough get going.

Frankly, I don't like that kind of sayings. But it got you clicking on the article, didn't it? We don't always have to push through no matter what. Sometimes we can simply go and try a different route. 

So, are you finding it tough to keep up with your learning routine?

How about making time for pronunciation practice? Or vocabulary repetition?

Are the cultural differences in Business English exhausting you? And Technical English still is a book with seven seals?

When I first started studying languages, I constantly saw the picture-perfect university life of my fellow students; how they were always prepared for every lecture we were attending; absolutely KILLING the work/life balance, which left me–juggling a career in engineering, my voluntary work and university– feeling overwhelmed and inadequate that my journey wasn't panning out the same way.

But I promise you CAN learn to master Technical English and Business English, even if it seems challenging right now. 

Here are my best non-grammar related tips on HOW to do just this. 👉

Have a Purpose

Make a list of the reasons why you are learning (Busines+Technical) English. And go over that list whenever you feel like giving up.

Have a support system

Team up with other engineers and encourage each other. Please talk about your challenges and learn how others overcame them. Your friend countered an argument during a site meeting with a cool phrase? Write that sentence down and use it yourself. Make a list of people you could ask for help when challenges arise. And you can always email me.

Fight discouragement

One day you feel as if you've mastered Business English, the next day, you feel as if you know nothing! Been there. Done that. Don't feel bad; everyone learns at a different speed. Make a list with small goals you can set for yourself that will be easy to reach and that will help you to avoid feeling down.

Practise daily

Write down the amount of time you can dedicate each day to learning English. Making a schedule shouldn't be that difficult for an engineer. If you put in a lot of effort, you'll learn faster. And if you're less committed, your progress will be slower. But slow progress is still progress!

Adapt to the culture

Try to learn about the people you're working with: notice the way they do things, how they express themselves. Especially when you are working in an international team: Try their food, listen to their music. There's so much more to language learning than grammar!

"You won't become fluent in a language unless you immerse yourself in it."

And one final love note. Hang in there, my friend, and keep doing what you're doing. I promise you that it does get better! And if you feel you need that bit of extra help, make an appointment using this link, and together we'll figure out a way to speed things up!