Forget “Studying”: How to Build a Language Learning Mindset That Actually Works

I hate the word study.

Ok, maybe hate is a bit strong, but I definitely dislike it. Why?

It immediately makes me think of school — and time slots set aside to learn something someone else wants me to learn, usually in the most unimaginative way possible.

“Studying” sounds like an unpleasant task you have to complete before you can do something you actually want to do.

Sound familiar?

If we treat language learning the same way as traditional studying, even the most dedicated English learner will eventually lose motivation, stop learning regularly, and find themselves stuck at the same level.

So how do you learn English effectively and actually enjoy the process?

You need to have a language learning mindset.

The Gold Medalist or the Curious Explorer?

When I started learning Italian, I really wanted to become fluent as quickly as possible. I dreamt of being able to hold conversations, make people laugh, and just be myself in la bella lingua.

I felt like I was in a race against myself — trying to win a gold medal in fluency as quickly as possible.

That mindset helped me in the beginning, but it didn’t prepare me for what came next: the frustration of forgetting things, the insecurity of starting a sentence without knowing if I could finish it, and the fear of looking like an idiot in front of people.

Over time, I discovered a better approach — I stopped trying to win the “language Olympics” and became a curious explorer instead.

What Does It Mean to Be a Curious Explorer?

If you view your English learning journey as a lifelong adventure instead of a race, it becomes a much more enjoyable (and successful) experience.

Think about it.

Would an explorer schedule a 30-minute slot each day to “go exploring”? Of course not!

They’re already in the jungle. It’s a daily journey of discovery.

Some days they might go a few kilometres, other days just a few steps. The goal isn’t to “finish” — it’s to keep moving, noticing, and learning.

How Curiosity Helps You Learn English Naturally

I'm not a perfect example of a language student but to give you an idea of a process that helps me, when I come across a new word in a film, I quickly check it on WordReference and add it to a small vocab list on my phone. I try to use it in conversation a few times, and after a week, I delete it for the list.

That way, I’m always working on around 10 new words — enough to stay curious, but not enough to feel overwhelmed.

What if I forget them later? Then I’ll just relearn them. It’s part of the process — I’m a curious explorer.

I also like to challenge my memory with random vocabulary: how do you say radiator, ladder, or toothpick in Italian? These small moments keep my learning ticking over every day.

So, Should You Study English Every Day?

Don’t study at all. Just live English like a curious explorer.

Language learning shouldn’t be a separate part of your day — it can become part of who you are.

If that sounds a bit abstract and hippy, try this: dedicate just two minutes a day to reminding yourself that you’re an explorer. Learn or review one thing each day.

Anyone can find two minutes. And once you do it for a week, you’ll naturally want to keep going. (Curiosity is addictive!)

Soon, you’ll create a daily English habit — without even realising it.

(By the way, this idea comes from a great book, Atomic Habits by James Clear.)

Your Turn

What could you do today as a curious explorer? How could this mindset help you improve your business English?

💬 Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts.