As 2024 comes to a close, there’s something about this time of year that feels both reflective and full of possibility. It’s a season to look back on what we’ve achieved, the challenges we’ve faced, and the lessons we’ve learned. It’s also a time to look forward, thinking about the opportunities and changes we want to embrace in the new year.
If you’ve been working on your English this year, I’d invite you to pause and celebrate every small win you’ve had along the way. Maybe you introduced yourself in a meeting, shared a joke with colleagues, or even just sent an email without overthinking it for hours. Each of these moments matters — and they all add up to progress.
But for many people, the end of the year also brings frustration: “Why don’t I feel fluent yet? Why is this still so hard?”
If that’s you, you’re not alone. And the problem might not be what you think.
The Problem with "Perfect English" Resolutions
At the start of the year, it’s tempting to make resolutions like, “I’ll finally become fluent in English!” But what does that really mean? And how will you know when you’ve achieved it?
Too often, these resolutions set us up for disappointment. They focus on vague ideas of perfection—knowing every word, speaking without mistakes, or mastering grammar to a textbook standard. The reality? Language isn’t something you ever fully “finish.” Even native speakers don’t know every word or get it right 100% of the time!
Instead of aiming for a fantasy version of fluency, what if your goal was simply to use English in a way that lets you connect, communicate, and thrive in the situations that matter most to you?
A Better Approach for 2025
Let’s flip the script on language-learning resolutions. Instead of chasing perfection, what if you focussed on building confidence and connection in English?
Here’s what that might look like:
- Instead of “Learn 500 new words,” set a goal to speak up at least once in every meeting.
- Instead of “Master English grammar,” aim to write emails that are clear and get the response you want.
- Instead of “Sound like a native speaker,” decide to have a real conversation with someone—even if it’s not perfect.
These goals are measurable, achievable, and most importantly, they’ll help you use English in real life, where it matters most.
Why Confidence is the Key to Success
Confidence isn’t about having perfect English—it’s about trusting yourself to use the skills you already have. That’s what makes all the difference when it comes to applying for a job, speaking in meetings, or even just chatting with a stranger.
I remember one of my clients, who came to me frustrated and confused. She’d been at the top of her English class all through school and university, but when she moved to Australia, she found herself effectively mute. She was terrified of speaking, worried she wouldn’t understand others or be misunderstood herself.
At work, she excelled in her tasks and was regularly the highest performer on her team, but colleagues who weren’t as skilled were being promoted over her. The problem wasn’t her ability—it was her confidence.
We went right back to basics. She started by simply smiling and saying “Hi” at the beginning of meetings, without any pressure to say more. Slowly, she built up her comfort and trust in herself.
Within four months, she’d not only attended and enjoyed her work Christmas party but had also begun holding solo client meetings and connecting with colleagues daily. Her team even commented on how much her personality seemed to have “changed.” But, of course, her personality hadn’t changed at all—it was simply confidence unlocking her true self.
Your Gift to Yourself This Year
As you think about the year ahead, consider how much more fulfilling your personal or professional life could be if you felt truly at ease communicating in English. Confidence isn’t about having every word or grammar rule memorised—it’s about trusting yourself to handle whatever comes your way.
Imagine what it would feel like to stop hesitating, to stop second-guessing, and to start expressing yourself authentically, without fear of mistakes. This could be the year you finally step off the endless treadmill of learning, and start doing.
If that resonates with you, it’s worth exploring ways to work on your mindset and build confidence in a way that’s tailored to your unique needs. It’s not about endless practice or expensive solutions—it’s about finding the right support to guide you through.
A Holiday Challenge: Start Small
Here’s something you can try this week to kickstart your journey toward confidence:
Think back to a time this year when you felt nervous or unsure using English. Now, reflect on that moment and identify just one thing that went well. Did you manage to get your message across? Did you stay calm? Did you try, even though it felt scary?
By shifting your focus to what went right, you can start to quiet the voice of self-doubt and build trust in yourself.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of recognising how far you’ve already come—and the confidence to keep moving forward.
For more information about my language coaching services, contact me at info@rhiannonelt.com
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