This is why you are not achieving fluency.

Fluency is not magic, and it's definitely not about being "good with languages". Most of the time, what keeps you stuck are a few invisible habits that silently slow you down. Let's break these missteps down and see what you can change starting today.

1. Translator overuse

This is very common (and the most troublesome) when you're entering the English learning world. However, and I can't stress this enough, it's not helpful at all because your brain will get used to this and will struggle enormously when it comes to producing something as simple as a sentence.

💡 What to do instead:

• Use the translator only for isolated words you really don't know, not for whole sentences
• After checking a word, create 3 short sentences with it in English
• Train your brain to think in English, not to "decode" from Spanish every time

2. Not Enough vocabulary expansion

This is something that can only change if you want to do so. Once you start producing sentences and are able to keep simple conversations going, it's time to expand your vocabulary.

It's not enough to go to class and learn what your teacher taught that day. You need to do research on your own, especially about the things you love or work with. It will facilitate your learning, expand your vocabulary and give you an easy way to practice every day while doing the thing you love.

💡 What to do instead:

• Choose 1–2 topics you genuinely enjoy (gaming, marketing, fitness, finance, etc.)
• Every week, collect 10–15 new words and expressions from videos, blogs or podcasts in that niche
• Use them in short messages, comments, emails or voice notes
• This way you expand your vocabulary while doing something you already like

3. Lack of confidence in your pronunciation

Okay, here I'll drop a bomb: your pronunciation will ONLY improve when you stop paying attention to it. Yes, it's like that.

Once you stop worrying so much about the way it sounds before you pronounce it, your brain will start catching and fixing the possible "mistakes" in an involuntary way.

🎯 Remember:

When you think "Will this sound horrible?" before every word, your brain is too busy judging you to actually learn.

💡 What to do instead:

• Accept that your accent is part of the process, not a failure
• Focus on communicating the message, not on sounding perfect
• Record yourself speaking for 1–2 minutes a day about something simple (your day, your plans, your weekend)
• Listen only to understand, not to criticize every sound

4. Applying only one method while studying

And finally, the mistake you make once you're able to communicate yourself. One method is NOT enough. You have to try different ways: classes, music, movies, books, or just simple research. Change the way you learn to be able to achieve a higher level of knowledge.

💡 What to do instead:

Create your own "immersion mix":

• Classes or tutoring for structure and feedback
• Music and series for listening skills and natural expression
• Books, articles or newsletters for vocabulary and reading
• Quick searches, notes or journaling in English to think and write every day

"Changing the way you study is what allows you to level up, not repeating the same routine forever."

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If you recognize yourself in any of these patterns, it doesn't mean you're bad at English. It simply means your system needs an upgrade. Which mistake do you struggle with the most? Let us know in the comments! 👇