Most people fail at learning English NOT because they’re not smart.
They fail because they don’t have a system.
The book Atomic Habits by James Clear explains a simple truth:
→ Small habits, done consistently, create big results.
Instead of trying to change everything at once, you start small.
Like planting tiny seeds that slowly grow into strong habits.
Below is how you can apply the Four Laws of Habit Change to learning English.
→ Start Small (This Matters More Than You Think)
Big goals feel exciting, but they are hard to maintain.
Small actions are easier to repeat.
Instead of saying “I will study English for 2 hours every day”
Start with “I will practice English for 10–20 minutes”
Examples:
→ Run for 10 minutes
→ Do 5 push-ups
→ Listen to English for 10 minutes
Small habits are easier to start and easier to continue.
Law #1: Make It Obvious
A habit works better when it is clear.
Ask yourself:
“When will I practice English?”
“Where will I practice English?”
Decide:
→ One specific time
→ One specific place
For example:
→ Every day at 7:30 pm
→ At the same desk or table
When your English practice is obvious, you are more likely to do it.
Law #2: Make It Attractive (Not Boring)
Connect English to something you already enjoy.
If you like:
→ Music → listen to good and clean English songs (e.g. Cat Stevens)
→ Movies → watch movies or shows in English
→ Stories → listen to short English stories
→ Sports → watch sports in English
Combine what you need to do with what you like to do.
Example:
→ Watch a documentary like My Octopus Teacher in English
When learning feels enjoyable, motivation lasts longer.
Law #3: Make It Easy
Difficult habits don’t last. Easy habits do.
Avoid:
→ Long grammar lessons
→ Complicated study plans
Build a system and repeat!
Start with:
→ A short podcast
→ A short YouTube lesson
→ One short story
→ 10 minutes of vocabulary
If English feels easy and light, you won’t feel overwhelmed.
That makes it easier to stay consistent.
Law #4: Make It Satisfying
Your brain repeats habits that feel good.
After you practice English:
→ Acknowledge the win
→ Reward yourself
Examples:
→ “I listened today”
→ “I finished one lesson”
Small rewards create a positive loop:
→ Do the habit
→ Feel good
→ Want to do it again
→ Be Consistent (This Is the Real Secret)
Consistency is more important than intensity.
Think of learning like watering a plant:
→ A little every day
→ Not everything at once
Use a simple checklist:
→ Listen for 20 minutes
→ Watch a YouTube video for 20 minutes
→ Read for 10 minutes
→ Review lessons for 10 minutes
Seeing progress builds momentum.
→ Consistency Create Identity
When you repeat a habit, you change how you see yourself.
Every time you practice English, you are voting for this identity:
→ “I am an English speaker.”
You don’t need perfection. You need repetition.
Final Advice
→ Set clear English goals
→ Learn through your interests
→ Create a simple study space
→ Reward progress, even small progress
English learning works best when it is simple, realistic, and consistent.
I explain these ideas in more detail, using simple English and real examples, in Episode 131 of The English Zone Podcast. Listen here. 🎧
One small habit today can change your English long term.
Hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter.
Much love,
Z