5 SIMPLE HABITS that helped me become FLUENT in English

The speaker shares their background of being from Russia and living in Mexico for the past two years. They emphasize the abundance of opportunities to learn English independently, even without traveling to an English-speaking country, thanks to the internet and platforms like YouTube. The speaker describes how integrating English listening habits into their daily routine, like during commutes, helped them improve their language skills effortlessly through habit stacking. This method allowed them to practice English regularly, ultimately becoming a part of their routine, even beyond their college years.

The speaker discusses their use of online flashcards and space repetition technology, which began in 2020, to memorize vocabulary and improve their language skills. They explain how this method was particularly useful while learning Chinese in college and how they now apply it to both English and Spanish. The speaker outlines their approach to creating and reviewing flashcards, dedicating one day a week to adding new cards and revising them daily. They also recommend the Duo Cards app, highlighting its features, including space repetition and the ability to create flashcards from videos, articles, and translations.

The speaker highlights the importance of journaling in English as a way to improve language skills while also benefiting mental health. They share personal experiences of how journaling helped them manage anxiety and track their language progress over time. The speaker explains how revisiting old journal entries can showcase personal growth and language improvement, similar to how one might notice the growth of siblings only after a period of time. They show the journals they've brought with them from Russia and discuss how journaling consistently can provide a therapeutic outlet while also serving as a record of language development.

The speaker recounts a conversation with their English professor in 2019, who advised them to work on their accent. They chose to focus on the standard American accent and practiced by watching videos, reading books, and attending speaking clubs. The speaker shares their struggles with specific English sounds and how they overcame them through consistent practice. They also emphasize the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to improve fluency, attending speaking clubs, and practicing with teachers. The speaker acknowledges that while they still have a slight accent, their focus has shifted to fluency, and they continue to work on their language skills. They encourage others to embrace discomfort for growth.