Hello Dears, 

Not that I am merely advocating for the English language here, but you know I am because this article is for you – my students around the globe eager to learn spoken and written academic and business English. You know the benefits more than I do and the challenges that set you back. I think about your struggles and goals for learning the English language, and here’s my message:  “Meet the Language where you are, not where you are not!”

I am a little reluctant to use the term “unrealistic goals” because the word itself can mean your goals are too big or cannot be achieved, but no, I don’t believe in impossibilities. These “unrealistic goals” might just be subject to your availability, resources, or your current focus and persistence level. Know that your present reality can make a goal unrealistic, but not impossible. 

Question: How do we overcome “unrealistic” language goals? Where do we start?

Answer: Let your language goals reflect your physical and emotional experience. You can not escape these two factors and you can’t fake them if you plan to get the best from your learning schedules. 

Many scientific studies have proven that our emotions and physical environments are strongly linked to what and how we learn. Your learning process is deeply emotional, so why fake it? Do you have anxiety about anything or lingering feelings that won’t go away? Are you upset or excited about work, life, or family? Are you anxious about a project presentation, an exam, or meeting new work clients? Meet the language where you are!

I once had a student who was digitally defrauded. He spent our session together learning and practicing vocabulary and expressions he would use to lodge a formal complaint at the bank and the police station. 

A language syllabus or curriculum is no good if it does not meet and reflect your physical and emotional realities and language needs. So, get REAL in the hub!!!