Hi Reader,

I listened to this video today and thought it was immediately applicable to you as you work towards your English learning goals and CELPIP scores.

​Don't Quit: How to survive your first year on Youtube.​

Why I think it relates?

"The Valley of Death!"

Dave talks about a period all YouTube creators go through where they feel like, they're doing everything right, but their channel just doesn't seem to grow.

Learning English has those 'Valley of Death' moments too. One of the biggest and most common ones hits when you are trying to break out of the intermediate level of English. It can feel like NOTHING is happening no matter how hard or long you work at practicing your English.

The worst thing you can do? Give up, or do nothing to change how you are building your skills.

The best thing?

Review your prep and practice process. Often times, you need to take more risks with your English skills, which really means stepping into opportunities to use your English that you have never tried before. I have a whole podcast playlist dedicated to breaking out of these dreaded seasons where you feel like your English skills are STUCK. You can check it out right here.​

Not all growth is obvious!

Just because it feels like your skills aren't getting any better, doesn't mean that they aren't. Dave talks about a tree's root system. It grows and develops unseen in order to support the visible part of the tree. No root system? Poor root system? The tree's visible growth will be slowed or stopped.

Sometimes your English skills are growing roots that will support your more visible growth later.

Vocabulary building is one example. We hear and learn new words or phrases all the time. We hear someone use a new (to us) expression, like it, and try using it ourselves. (Roots growing a little wider.)

You managed to understand everything being talked about during today's lunch break with English speaking coworkers, and even added an idea or two to the conversation. This might not feel like much, but that's also your root system growing.

It might not feel dramatic, but those little moments that don't seem like much add up over time if you keep at them!

Inconsistency stalls your growth.

I talk about this all the time, and I've experienced the effects of being consistent AND being inconsistent. I bet you have too.

The more you use your English skills, the more they'll grow. Consistent use = consistent, over time, growth. There are no hacks or shortcuts.

Work with me?

Need some help being more consistent with your speaking practice for the CELPIP? Would you like to finally kick your low self-confidence with your English skills out of your life? Let's work together!

Join the CELPIP success school now!

• 100% introvert friendly.
• Convenient audio based lessons (like a private podcast) you can take anywhere and work on any time.
• Daily speaking practice that you can do in as little as 5 - 10 minutes a day.
• Unlimited, friendly, encouraging feedback directly from me.
• Practice that actually simulates what the speaking section of the CELPIP is like - so you won't get surprised on your big day.
• New: Need some live coaching? As a member you can set up office hours support with me.
• Stay a member as long as you like - cancel whenever you want.

Just $195 Canadian a month for as long as you remain a member.

Have a great day!

Aaron

PS. You don't have to prepare for the CELPIP alone! We can work together - here's how!​