Curiosity Over Carrots: How Grit and Intrigue Build True English Fluency
- Ryan
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 30
"Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint." – Angela Duckworth
Most of us were taught to study for the reward (the carrot) or out of fear (the stick). Get good grades. Avoid failure. Make your parents proud.
But let’s be honest—external motivation doesn’t last. Real change begins when curiosity leads the way.
At Positive English Coaching, I’ve worked with countless learners. The ones who actually use English in their lives? They don’t just memorize grammar—they follow their curiosity.
External vs. Internal Motivation
Let’s break this down:
External (Carrot): SKY university, a job, someone else’s approval
External (Stick): Fear of failing, pressure, punishment
Internal (Fire): Curiosity, desire to express, personal meaning
Ask yourself:
Why did you decide to learn English?
What would change if you were fluent?
What makes you want to keep going?
Learner Spotlight: From Piano Keys to Dumbbells
One of my students embodies what true, sustainable motivation looks like.
She began her career as a piano teacher—focused, calm, thoughtful. Then, she started competing in fitness competitions. Bold transformation, right?
But the most powerful shift was inside. She wasn’t studying English because she had to—she was simply curious.
She wanted to express herself more clearly. To understand English songs. To connect deeper with the world.
Her pronunciation is strong. Her comprehension? Better than most. And her creative writing? Honestly, some of the best I’ve seen.
I told her, “You don’t need permission to be confident. Just keep practicing.”
She’s using the same consistency and mindset from her fitness training to build fluency in English.
Curiosity Before Passion
Not feeling passionate about English yet? That’s okay. Passion often comes after curiosity.
Passion is intense and long-lasting.Curiosity is light, playful, and spontaneous.Both will move you forward.
Journal Questions to Reflect On
Take a few minutes and write about one of these:
Why did you decide to learn English?
Imagine your life after you’ve mastered English. How do you feel?
If you could speak to anyone in English, who would it be?
What doors would open if you were fluent?
What part of the language or culture excites you the most?
9 Ways to Stay Curious and Build Grit
Start with what sparks curiosity – music, movies, podcasts
Set micro-goals – “Watch 1 drama with subtitles off” > “Become fluent”
Practice daily – Even 10 minutes builds momentum
Shadow native speakers – TED Talks, YouTube
Ask questions – Be proactive, not passive
Celebrate progress – Track your milestones
Accept setbacks – Keep going when it gets tough
Be patient – Fluency is a process, not a finish line
Let curiosity evolve into passion – Give it time
Rewrite the Narrative
Old story: “I can’t speak English.” New story: “I’m in the process of mastering English.”
You don’t need to wait for perfection. You just need to start—with curiosity, courage, and consistency.
💡 Action Step
Choose one journal prompt above and write about it today. Don’t worry about grammar. Just let your thoughts flow. Start small. Keep going. You’re already on your way.
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