Learning by reading

Habits are the building blocks of our lives. It’s often said that nearly half of our daily routines are governed by habits. This statistic is both intriguing and insightful. How easy is it to cultivate a new habit? On the other hand, how challenging is it to break a bad one? These questions loom large, and the answers are not always straightforward.

In the realm of self-improvement, there is a plethora of advice, articles, podcasts, and guidance on habit formation and elimination. So, let me share my perspective.

One recent revelation I’ve had is the distinction between habits and routines. Habits are actions we perform repeatedly, often without conscious thought. Routines, on the other hand, involve consciously repeating a series of actions with a specific goal in mind. To transform something into a habit, such as learning English, it must first become part of your routine.

This concept makes sense, but how can you effectively integrate it into your life?

My first piece of advice is not to bypass the routine phase. Typically, when we embark on self-improvement journeys, whether it’s running, learning, or changing our eating habits, we tend to rush into things. We overlook the crucial step of establishing an intentional routine. Before something becomes a habit, we must first pinpoint when and how we intend to perform the activity.

Routines can be uncomfortable and demand focus and effort. Waking up early every morning at 5 a.m., daily meditation for 10 minutes, or adopting regular eating patterns are not easy transitions. In contrast, habits are effortless and automatic. They feel odd to neglect. Imagine skipping something you do daily that brings you comfort and joy. For me, not having my morning coffee is the stuff of science fiction.

So, how can you transform a routine into a habit? Begin with clear intentions. Recognise that some endeavours require effort, concentration, and deliberation. Learning English is not something you can do unconsciously; it demands focus. The duration needed to establish a new habit varies from person to person. Developing an enjoyable habit, like indulging in chocolate every day, might take a day, while committing to 10 minutes of nightly learning may take much longer. Reflect on your goal and understand your „why.“

Next, prepare for potential roadblocks. Identify the factors that have hindered your progress in the past and take steps to eliminate them. Is it a shortage of time? Procrastination? One strategy I employ, which has been highly effective, is blocking out time in my calendar. About a year ago, I set a goal to practice yoga every workday. To ensure I stuck to this routine, I scheduled daily yoga sessions on my calendar. A year later, I can’t imagine not having my daily yoga practice. It’s worth noting that these sessions only last a maximum of 30 minutes.

Consider starting with micro-habits. In my yoga example, I didn’t dive straight into 30-minute sessions. I began small, practising for just 10 minutes, gradually extending the sessions over the first three months. It happened naturally because I enjoyed it and felt better about myself.

Lastly, be compassionate with yourself. Don’t be overly critical. If you miss a day, it’s okay—don’t punish yourself. Avoid associating negative emotions with your efforts or goals. Long-term change takes time, and it’s essential to embrace this reality.

Congratulations on reaching the end of this article. If you’re working on making English a habit in your life, know that I’m your biggest cheerleader. Keep up the excellent work!

Learning by reading

The story isn’t as captivating as you might imagine. It was a rainy summer Saturday evening when I began contemplating my concept and how I convey my mission. You probably know that I have a deep passion for my work, which I humbly refer to as my dream job. To give you some context, let me explain how I reached this point.

In my early twenties, I was a university student fortunate enough to live in my parents‘ flat. I didn’t have to pay rent, only utilities. I already had Jack, the little bundle of joy and source of my happiness. I fell in love with him the first time I laid eyes on him. I still adore him immensely, so it’s no surprise that he’s a part of my story.

During that time, I remember feeling somewhat torn. The school was demanding, but what was even tougher was being away from Jack. I kept asking myself,
„How come I have a dog and not be able to spend more time with him?“ Nevertheless, the solution was simple then: I could take him to school with me. Yet, I wondered how we would manage in the future. My prospects back then involved a nine-to-five job, and surprisingly, I wasn’t keen on that idea.

Upon returning from Canada, I knew I would start my own business, and that’s when Michaela’s Easy Peasy English came to life. It was a journey. Step by step, I worked towards my future as a freelancer. But we can delve into that another time.

The purpose of Michaela’s Easy Peasy English was to inject fun into learning. I aimed to show people that learning could be enjoyable and didn’t have to be monotonous. My lessons were playful, filled with cards, pictures, amusing short videos, and vibrant colors. During this time, I taught various age groups, starting from 7-year-olds, adolescents, young adults, and even seniors. The diversity of my students was vast, and I’m grateful for the experience it provided.

Somewhere along the way, I evolved. Since January, the name hasn’t resonated with me. I mean, I’ve grown. I’ve started referring to my students as clients and found joy working with adult professionals. With them, I maintain a playful approach while feeling more at ease.

Jack plays a significant role. I always wanted to spend as much time as possible with him. Our pets‘ lives are often shorter, and you never know how much time you have left with them. As he shaped me while I spoiled him, this June I realized he’s intertwined with all of this. I used to joke that he was the boss. LOL.

MJ’s English embraces both of us. It’s me, Michaela, and Jack, an inherent part of my identity. There’s another layer of meaning too! My second name starts with J!

I know I might come across as a bit eccentric to some, attributing so much significance to animals. Well, whatever! If you have any insights, please leave a comment below. Practice your English! 🙂

May English be with you! (Yes, I’m a huge Star Wars fan)

• bundle of joy is a phrase used to describe something or someone that brings happiness and delight
• to adore immensely means to love deeply and passionately
• to feel torn means to experience conflicting emotions or indecision
• a nine-to-five job is a job that requires working from nine in the morning until five in the evening 
• upon returning means after coming back
• a freelancer is a person who is self-employed
• evolve means to develop gradually
• embrace means hold closely, surround
• LOL means to laugh out loud, something is funny
• May English be with you is a reference to the famous line May the force be with you = ať tě provází síla