英語学習者の皆さんに伝えたいこと

I’ve studied Japanese for 20 years. 

I’ve tried apps, conversation, a few classes, slogged through a few textbooks, read, watched TV, read manga, flashcards, tutors and raw        experiences.

All to get to this point, where I have a decent amount of facility with     the language. 

In retrospect, I don’t think there was much difference in any of the     methods. 

When learning a language, all paths lead to Rome. 

You can spend a lot of time looking for a freeway to Rome, but general progress usually beats spending too much time on methodology.  

Don’t deceive yourself, Rome is far away, and it might not even exist. 

You just need to stay on the path and keep heading there. 

It’s further than you think, so enjoy the journey and use what you’re    learning to enrich your life.

The more you do that? The faster you’ll be heading to Rome.

Learning begets learning.

The most important things in learning English are mindset and habits. 

One illusion people have is that there is a finish line, a destination. 

A point at which English will have been mastered. 

Maybe a dream of boldly making a speech in a board room, or             successfully navigating a friendship.

There is no finish line.

Even for people who are native speakers of English. 

There are mistakes in what I’m writing right now.

There are better words, phrases, and simpler metaphors. 

I’m still learning and so should you.

Just yesterday a friend used a word that I’ve never heard anyone say   before. Just yesterday! After 50 years! 

I’m still learning and using my language in deeper richer context.

(The word was redolent- don’t worry about learning it, I’ve never heard it used, until yesterday)

You have to have the mindset that this is a marathon.

You don’t want to get good at sprinting. 

You want to create the habit of jogging, sprinting, walking, skipping,    hopping and crawling. 

You want traction. 

Do the things that will put tread on your tires and fuel in your tank. 

Seek to be better at having the behaviors in your life that lead to self improvement.

For Japanese English learners, there is also a fear of making mistakes.  

English speakers are more forgiving, and if you aren’t demonstrating    high levels of ability, you won’t have to worry that much about accuracy.

It’s only when you get really good at the language that you will get into real trouble. 

So for now, don’t worry.