Do you ever struggle to find the right words when speaking English? It might be because you're still thinking in your native language. If you want to speak English fluently, you need to learn how to think in English. Thinking in English can help you stop translating in your head, so you’ll be able to speak faster and more naturally. In this blog post, I’ll share five simple steps to help you start thinking in English. These tips are easy to follow, and anyone can try them—even if you're just starting out.

1. Live in an English World

Elon Musk once lived in a factory and slept on the floor when Tesla had problems building cars fast enough. He did this until they found a solution. Similarly, if you want to improve your English, you need to "live" in an English-speaking world. This means surrounding yourself with English as much as possible.

You can't spend most of your time using your own language and then expect to speak English fluently. Instead, immerse yourself in the English language. Here’s how you can do that:

• Watch movies or shows in English. Focus on learning new words and phrases.

• Listen to podcasts and music in English to get used to hearing the native speaker's accent and own voice.

• Read articles, blogs, or books to expose yourself to vocabulary words and learn how to form full sentences.

• Pursue your hobbies and interests in English. This can help you understand all the English words related to your passions.

By taking just these small steps, you will slowly begin to think in English. You’ll stop translating from your first language and instead start using individual words and phrases naturally. Over time, this immersion will improve all your skills, helping you become more fluent, like a native speaker in an English-speaking country.

2. Stop All Translation

When you learn new words, don’t translate them into your language. If you connect a new English word to its equivalent in your language, you’ll always have to carry both single words around in your head. This forces you to constantly translate back and forth, which is tiring and slows down your ability to think in English.

Instead, try learning words the way babies do—by observing and understanding them in context. For example, my son is learning to recognize words now. When he hears his name, he reacts. He’s not translating; he just knows the word through experience. If a baby can do it, so can you!

Here are some tips to help you stop translating:

• When you discover a new word, learn its meaning by seeing it in action, like in full sentences.

• Practice using the word in your sentences. This helps you understand how it fits in different contexts.

• Focus on how native speakers use the word. This will help you learn naturally without needing to rely on translation.

Remember, it’s all about creating a direct connection to English, not your language. Over time, you’ll stop translating and start thinking directly in English, just like native speakers do!

3. Have Conversations in Your Head

Talking to yourself might sound a bit strange, but it’s a great way to practice thinking in English. Imagine your native language voice goes on vacation, and the only voice left is your English voice. At first, this might feel awkward, but it’s a simple and effective way to get used to speaking and thinking in English.

Here’s how you can start:

• Start small. Describe your plans for the day in your head. For example, say, "Today, I’m going to the store."

• Look around and name things you see, like "That’s a chair" or "The sky is blue."

• Have mini conversations with yourself. Ask yourself questions and answer them in English.

Once you make this a habit, it will become easier to have these little conversations with yourself throughout the day. Over time, your English voice will feel more natural, and you’ll start thinking in English without even realizing it. So, permit yourself to be a little “crazy” and start talking to yourself in English!

4. Journal in English

Journaling in English is a powerful way to improve your language skills without feeling like you’re studying. All you need to do is write about your day, your thoughts, your plans—whatever comes to mind. The important thing is to do it in English.

Here’s how to get started:

• Write daily. You don’t need to write a lot, just a few sentences will do.

• Don’t worry about mistakes. The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to practice. Mistakes are part of learning.

• Use the words and grammar you know. The more you use them, the better your habits will become.

When you journal, you’re using the English words you’ve learned, and that helps you remember them better. Plus, writing forces you to think in English and structure your thoughts more clearly. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference.

So, make journaling a part of your daily routine. Over time, you’ll see improvement in your writing and your ability to express yourself in English.

5. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

If you want to improve your English faster, you need to challenge yourself. This means doing things that might feel a little scary or difficult at first. Whether it’s signing up for a language exam like TOEFL, volunteering online, or even starting a YouTube channel, pushing yourself is the key to growing your skills.

Here’s how you can step outside your comfort zone:

• Write down three things you could do in English that make you a little nervous. Think of tasks that are just beyond what you’re comfortable with.

• Examples might include joining an online discussion in English, speaking to native speakers, or taking an English test.

• Push yourself to try these things. Even if it feels intimidating, the goal is to learn. The more difficult the task, the more you will improve.

Remember, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable when doing something new. That’s part of the learning process. When you force yourself to do difficult things, you learn faster and build more confidence. So, take that step—move beyond what feels easy, and you’ll see great results in your English skills.

Bonus Tip: Use AI Tools

Here’s the bonus tip I promised—start using AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. These tools are incredibly useful for improving your English, and the best part is that even free versions offer a lot of value.

Here’s how AI tools can help you:

• Practice Conversations: You can have real-time conversations with AI. This helps you practice forming sentences and naturally using vocabulary.

• Learn New Words: When you come across new words, you can ask the AI for examples, definitions, and how to use them in full sentences.

• Get Instant Feedback: AI can correct your sentences, help you with grammar, and suggest better ways to phrase things.

• Expand Your Writing: You can use AI to check your writing or even get help with brainstorming ideas in English.

I have a course about using ChatGPT to improve your English, and I’ll leave a link for you here. AI tools are a great way to push yourself to practice every day. They help you improve all your skills in English—reading, writing, speaking, and listening. So, take advantage of these powerful tools and make them a part of your learning routine.

Wrapping Up

I hope these tips help you start thinking in English. It might feel challenging at first, but with consistent practice, it will become easier and more natural. Remember, the goal is not perfection but to build the habit of thinking in English every day.

Immerse yourself in the English language as much as possible. Surround yourself with English content, and practice thinking and speaking in English without translating. Engage in conversations with yourself and write about your experiences in English. Stepping outside your comfort zone by tackling new challenges will also accelerate your progress.

How do you feel about the idea of thinking in English? Is it a bit intimidating, or are you excited to give it a try? Share your thoughts in the comments!