How Clarifying Your Vision Unlocks Confidence and Success

At the start of 2024, I had one big goal: connection. Connection with my audience, others, my students, and even myself. It wasn’t about doing more. It was about reconnecting with what really mattered.

That desire for connection took me on a journey I didn’t expect, including stepping back into the classroom for the first time since 2015.

Before we dive into today’s topic, let me briefly introduce Beyond English Fluency for those who are new. Beyond English Fluency explores communication strategies that go beyond just learning the language. I help professionals achieve fluency in English so communicating at work is no longer a nightmare.

Reconnecting in the Classroom

After teaching online for 10 years, I found myself craving the classroom again. There’s something about being in a room full of students. It’s so cool to see their lightbulb moments, feeling the energy of shared learning... that’s hard to replicate online. Returning to the classroom in Oxford was the perfect way to rediscover that connection. It wasn’t just about teaching. It was about grounding myself in what I love and why I do what I do.

But in some way, it felt like a step backwards.

Have you ever felt that way?

Like instead of progressing towards your goals, you’re being pulled further away from them?

I’ve been there. I’ve had moments where I felt like I was undoing all my hard work, questioning my path, and even my big dreams.

But here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes, stepping back is exactly what you need to move forward.

There’s a reason I love the analogy of a crossbow. Before it can launch forward, it has to be pulled back. That’s exactly what 2024 felt like for me. It was a year of stepping back so I could fly.

But stepping back isn’t easy, is it? Especially when you have a big dream or vision.

• You start doubting yourself: What if this isn’t the right path?
• You feel stuck: Why isn’t this working the way I thought it would?
• You hesitate to move forward: What if I fail?

Having a dream or vision is exciting, but it’s also scary. Here’s why:

Fear of failure: What if I try and it doesn’t work?

Overwhelm: Where do I even start?

Comfort zones: It’s easier to stay where we are than to risk the unknown.

For many of my clients, this fear shows up in their professional lives. Maybe you can relate:

• You want to speak up in meetings, but you’re afraid your ideas won’t come out right.
• You dream of leading a project or landing a new role, but you hesitate because your English isn’t “perfect.”
• You have the skills, but you hold back because of self-doubt.

2024 was my “pulling back” year. I took a hard look at what was working in my business, what wasn’t, what was working in my life, and what wasn’t, and where I wanted to go. It was uncomfortable. But it was necessary.

The Power of Vision: Rebranding Fluent Speakers

A huge part of this process was rebranding and working on the service blueprint for Fluent Speakers. I had the privilege of working with Karen (She’s amazing. Thank you, Karen Guerrero !), who helped me clarify my vision.

At first, this felt incredibly hard. Big dreams are scary.

It’s easier to stay in your comfort zone, focusing on the day to day instead of imagining what could be. Sometimes, they feel so big that we don’t know how to start.

But having a guide, someone to help you see the path, makes it feel possible. Karen kept reminding me: Think about the long term vision.

That vision helped us clarify our goals.

It showed us where to focus and what wasn’t working.

And most importantly, it gave us a direction to move forward.

The same is true for you. When you have a vision and someone to guide you, suddenly the impossible feels achievable.

That focus on vision helped us understand our goals, where to put our energy, and what wasn’t serving us anymore. Having someone guide me through that process made it feel possible, even exciting.

I’ve worked with so many amazing professionals who, like me, had big dreams but felt stuck.

The professional who hesitated to present her ideas in English: She feared not being understood, but with practice, she realised her ideas were more powerful than her doubts.

The designer who doubted their ability to lead a team in English: With a clear communication framework and a confidence boost, they became the mentor their team needed.

The UX specialist who held back in interviews: He worried about his English, but focusing on his strengths helped him secure his dream role.

Each of them had the tools, the skills, and the dream. What they needed was a guide and the belief that stepping back or even hesitating, was part of the process to move forward.

What I’m Bringing Into 2025: Focusing on Vision and Growth

For me, 2025 is all about leaning into my vision. This year, I’m focusing on:

1. Longer videos on YouTube: Diving deeper into the challenges my learners face and offering more value.
2. Thrive in English: Helping ambitious professionals not just learn English, but thrive in their careers.
3. Building connection: Whether it’s through courses, live sessions, or my group coaching programme, my focus remains on building meaningful connections with others.

So, what’s your vision for 2025?

• Is it to speak confidently in your next meeting?
• To lead a project or mentor others in English?
• To finally feel like your skills match your potential?

Remember: stepping back doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s part of the process. Just like a crossbow, you have to pull back before you can fly forward.

I’d love to hear about your goals and vision for 2025. Reply to this newsletter or share in the comments.

And if you need a guide to help you clarify your vision and take those first steps, join me for my free LinkedIn live session, “How to Speak English Confidently in 2025.”

To your success,

Gemma

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If you’re ready to take your English fluency and professional communication to the next level, send me a message with the word "ready."

Let’s make 2025 the year you achieve your goals.

P.S If you haven't already, please consider subscribing to my Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@fluentspeakers

I'll be sharing tips and strategies to help you thrive in English and your professional career.

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