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Caution: Thinking Can Make You or Break You.

22 Feb Posted by in Blog, English Tools | Comments

Are you working to learn English?  This this quote is for you:

Maybe you’re thinking “Who cares about Sigmund Freud? I’m learning English here.”

But have you ever stopped to think about what you think about AS you are learning English? Let me rephrase that question: Have you ever stopped to think about what you think about when you try to use your English?

That’s an important thing for you to take notes about. Seriously! What you think about is what or who you will become. So my question for you today is simple: What do you think about when you are about to use your English? When you’re about to write that English e-mail, or participate in that English telephone conference? Or meet that colleague from the U.S.?

Have you ever stopped to pay attention to what you think about? Are your thoughts negative ones? Maybe something like: “Oh no, I hate these conference calls – I NEVER understand them.” Or something like: “I always forget the little English I know when I see that guy from head office. I get so nervous.”

And if those thoughts continue along in your head, they often get bigger don’t they?  And when they get bigger, what do you notice about your behavior? You’ll probably notice that your behavior is exactly like what you were thinking about – True/False?  (Be honest!)

So Freud does have a lot to do with learning English. What you think about is who your are, and what you do eventually. So instead of thinking negative thoughts about your English skill, replace them with positive ones.

Instead of thinking: “I can’t do this.” Think: “I can do this, and I will do it well!”

Instead of thinking: “This is impossible.” Think: “This is a challenge for me! But I will do it!”

For more help, try reading this article about Nine Things Successful People Do Differently.  by Heidi Grant Halvorson.  I think you’ll see some ideas there that apply to how and what you think and how those thoughts determine successful/or not successful actions.

Question: What thoughts are you allowing to influence your actions today? Are they negative ones? Are they positive ones?