Dealing with setbacks: How to keep going when progress feels slow
- Cami
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Hey there!
Let’s be honest… learning English is not always smooth sailing. Some days, you feel like you are making real progress. Other days, you forget a simple word, struggle to form a sentence, or feel like everyone speaks too fast. It is frustrating, right?
But here is the thing: setbacks do not mean you are failing. They mean you are learning. The key is knowing how to handle them so they do not knock your confidence. Let’s talk about how to stay motivated, even when things are not going your way.
Reframe the setback
Mistakes are not failures, they are proof that you are trying. If you never struggle, you are probably not pushing yourself enough. So next time you mispronounce a word or get stuck mid-sentence, remember: that is how real learning happens.
Watch your inner critic
We are often our own worst enemies. If a friend made a mistake, you would not tell them they are terrible at English, so why say it to yourself? Instead of thinking I will never get this right, try I have not mastered it yet, but I’m improving. Words matter, especially the ones you say to yourself.
Zoom out
A bad day does not define your progress. If you are feeling stuck, take a step back and think about where you started. A year ago, would you have understood this email? Would you have been able to hold a conversation? Progress is not always obvious in the moment, but it is happening.
Change it up
Sometimes, setbacks happen because you are stuck in the same routine. If studying feels like a chore, mix things up. Try watching a British TV show, listening to a podcast, or reading something different. Learning a language does not have to mean sitting with a grammar book every day.
Find support
No one learns a language in isolation. Whether it is a study partner, a conversation group, or an online community (*cough* The English Life Academy *cough*), having people to share the journey with makes all the difference. Surround yourself with those who encourage you and remind you how far you have come.
Setbacks are not a sign to stop. They are a sign that you are growing.
Keep going, and you will be surprised by what you can achieve.
Benjamin & Cami