Stay Motivated with “Why”
Is This You?
Do you sometimes get frustrated because you are not motivated to learn English? Is it hard to do your homework? Is it hard to force yourself to speak English or study? Here is an easy idea that will help.
Forgetting
One reason that people lose motivation is that they forget. What do they forget? They forget why they are doing the thing that has become so hard. English is a very good example. Most people will tell you that learning English is a long process. It is easy to lose the motivation to do something that takes a long time. So what can you do to help with this problem?
The Why List
An easy way to stay motivated or get motivated again is to keep a why list. A why list is a list of reasons why you are learning English. But it is not just a basic list of reasons like this one:
I want to improve my grammar.
I want to sound better.
I want to talk to more people.
These are very good reasons to study and learn English, but they are big goals that take a long time to reach. You need to make a list of reasons that are easy and part of your real life right now.
Keep it Specific
your reasons must be very specific. Use names. Use specific verbs that are connected to events in your life. Here is a possible example of a short list.
I am learning English because my sister Olga wants to have conversations in English with me.
I am studying grammar because my boss, Rinaldo, can see my progress.
I am learning English because it will help my sons, Jan and Jakob, if I can get a better job.
I am studying English because it makes my husband, Sasha, proud.
Do you see that the examples have specific names and are connected with the person’s life right now? This is the way to make your own list, with specific examples that remind you about the positive ways English is helping you in your life. And, as an extra benefit, the list is in English, so it gives you extra practice.
How to use Your Why List
there are many ways you can use the list. You can put it on the desk top of your computer. You can take a picture of it and save it as your screen saver. You can print it out and attach it to your wall. The important thing is that you can find it and look at it easily. And you must make a way to add to the list. Each time you find a new reason why learning English is helping you, add it to your list.
One Note
One important thing to remember is that this list is for motivation. The English practice is an extra benefit. For this reason, it is okay to write the list in your native language, or to write it in your native language and English. The most important thing is to follow the directions and use specific, positive reasons why you are learning English.
Your Turn
So create your list today. Don’t wait. Comment below to show me your list or tell me how it is helping you.
Extra Tips
Below is an audio recording of this motivation activity. If you like this tip, subscribe below and you will receive 4 more fabulous audio tips about learning English.