You're tired of your level of confidence and abilities with your spoken English, yes? That's why you're here. You want that next-level you to be the future you already. Well, in this post, we're going to explore how you can step into that 'transformed' you simply by seeing the change that's already here. It might sound abstract, but I'll break it down in simple terms so that you understand the difference between change and transformation while knowing how to tackle any resistance that may be standing in your way. 

Change As Your Catalyst For Fluent English: A Non-Native Speaker's Guide

So, I got this idea after tuning into a cosmically guided talk between astrologer Pam Gregory and the channeled entity, Zac.

Zac said, “Let the change, change you.”

And I started to think about your English communication skills development.

Now, Zac was referring to the current political developments and how we have to allow that change to be the very thing that changes us.  

It didn’t sound like we had to find a strategy to do that, either. It sounded like Zac was saying that change has the power to transform.   

A perfect example of this kind of change is the seasons.

A tree doesn’t try to change when fall arrives. The change of temperature from summer’s warm days to autumn’s coolness is the thing that propels the tree to drop its leaves. Right?

The question is, how can we accept the change around us as the impetus towards our own transformation, just like the tree?

The nudge is there. Will we take the bait? 

In this spirit of letting change be the very thing that changes us, I‘ll use today’s blog post to guide you towards seeing your already-acquired English communication skills as the change that will take you to the next-level you.

Introduction: Change as Transformation

It might sound redundant to say that “change transforms” us, but if you go deeper, you’ll find that while 'change' and 'transform' are related, they are not synonymous.

Change can be small or gradual, affecting specific aspects of a situation or individual.

Transformation, however, denotes a significant and comprehensive shift that fundamentally alters the essence of something.

For example, changing your daily routine to include more speech practice might improve your next presentation, but transforming your mindset about yourself as a speaker of English as a foreign language can lead to a profound and lasting impact on your overall confidence.

Get it?

“Change transforms” emphasizes the depth and extent of the shift, highlighting the lasting power grown out of change.

When you begin to think of change as an alteration and transformation as a metamorphosis, you begin to recognize the profound impact that change can have in your life.

Change and Personal Development

Applying the concepts of change and transformation to personal development, especially in speaking a second language fluently, can be incredibly powerful.

Here’s how:

➔ Embracing Change: The First Step

Change is the initial step in learning a new language, right? I mean, it involves making a commitment to your language studies and putting your practice on your agenda.

This could mean setting aside time each day to study vocabulary, practice your accent, or engage with native speakers.

Embracing this change wholeheartedly requires a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and adapt your schedule to the thing you want to achieve.

➔ Transformation: The Deep Shift

Transformation goes beyond the initial changes and represents a profound shift in your language abilities and confidence.

This transformation happens when you immerse yourself in the language, the culture, and begin to use it naturally in conversations.

You’re moving from basic understanding to fluency, where the language becomes a part of your identity.

➔ The Lasting Impact

When we speak with second-language mastery, we become transformed.

We never see the world the same again.

We gain access to new parts of our brains and, dare I say, personalities.

We enhance our communication skills while broadening our confidence, adaptability, and global citizenry.

So, understand and embrace the change that comes out of language acquisition, so it can transform you. This will lead you to unlocking new personal and professional opportunities.

So, Why Do We Resist Change

Psychology says that we resist change for several reasons:

✔︎ Fear of the Unknown: With change comes uncertainty. It’s natural to want to stay with what’s familiar, what’s comfortable..

✔︎ Loss of Control: Change can make people feel like they are losing control, and with so much out of our control, why would we willingly choose more?

✔︎ Comfort Zones: If you’re like me, it takes effort to step out of my routines. Our habits make us feel safe and secure. Why change that?

✔︎ Lack of Trust: This is one I am working on right now…faith. When we don’t trust the source of the change or the process, we’re more likely to resist it.

✔︎ Fear of Failure: Here’s one for the perfectionists out there. Change means taking risks, and the fear of failing can be a significant deterrent.

✔︎ Attachment to the Past: Our emotional attachments to the way things were can make it hard to embrace new ways. (I once wrote a post asking people if they are “A Past” or “A Future”. When you are “A Past”, you operate in a place of regret. Maybe that regret is that you didn’t step into the change that was presented to you. Just food for thought.)

✔︎ Perceived Negative Impact: If the change is seen as having a negative impact on our life or work, we’re more likely to resistant growing.

What’s the point in staying stuck in any of these when we have a choice?\ 

Overcoming Resistance

While resistance is real, we can tackle the obstacles because we know that others do it all the time. How? Let’s see. 

➔ When resistance comes from your internal fear or doubt that your English is not good enough, try what my mindset coach calls “The Do It Anyway” mindset. It’s as simple as it sounds.

➔ When resistance comes from external sources like societal norms and opposition from loved ones, sit down and journal about all the ways you are a confident, effective communicator in English despite what others may say or think. 

➔ When resistance comes from your anxiety, reluctance, or confusion about when you’ll become the English speaker you wish to be, take a walk in the fresh air, sit with your animal, or gaze at a tree for five minutes, and you will transform your mood.

➔ When resistance comes from what appears to be a lack of progress with your speaking skills, refer back to the last time you felt this way and what happened right after that propelled you forward.

And to go one step further…

Try This Mindset Shift

Speaking a second language is a journey that is filled with hurdles, but each challenge is a stepping stone to becoming the higher version of yourself that you already are.

Imagine that within you lies the fluent speaker, the confident communicator, waiting to be revealed.

Every obstacle you encounter is not just a test but an opportunity to unveil this inner potential.

When you make a mistake, it's not a setback but a moment of discovery. Each error is a signpost guiding you towards greater mastery.

Embrace these moments with the belief that you are already fluent; you simply wish to become it more fully.

Trust in your inherent ability to grow and transform. By believing in your higher self, you harness the power to overcome any challenge and emerge stronger, more skilled, and more confident (I’m doing this right now in my own life, and I highly recommend you approach failures and challenges in this light.)

Conclusion

Look, we all know that change is essential for us to grow.

And we all have our sights set on big achievements.

So, we have to get out of our own way to become the transformation we desire.

Become the best observer of yourself that you can be. See all the ways you’ve already achieved great heights with your English and then challenge yourself to go further. Less by hard work and more by making choices and taking actions that the next level you would choose.

As Zac says, the world is going through a significant period of change, and so transformation is at our fingertips.

You can make the change that you want to be. I believe in you!