Writing in English: write to reach your business goals!

Writing in English is a great way to become more fluent so that you feel confident in business situations.  But did you know that writing can also help you reach your business and professional goals? It’s a lot like keeping a journal–but with a strong business focus. If that sounds kind of odd to you, don’t worry. It’s simple.  And, as a business owner, I can tell you, it’s something you CAN do even if you don’t necessarily consider yourself to be a creative writer!  Today I’ll show you some great writing practices that English-speaking professionals (like me!) use to help them stay productive and effective. I write about my goals because it helps me achieve them. Read on to learn 3 great writing tips that will help you improve your English while reaching your professional goals. 

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What you’ll learn in this article:

1. Writing in English: the Brain Dump!🧠
2. Write down 3 impossibly simple next steps.
3. Writing in English: your priorities: From 5…to 1?
4. Writing in English: Track your progress toward 1 goal.
YOUR CHECKLIST FOR WRITING–IN ENGLISH–ABOUT YOUR GOALS

1. Writing in English: the Brain Dump!🧠

The “brain dump” is a writing practice that many English speakers use to stay productive when they’re super busy–myself included.  
Do you know when you have a lot on your mind? So many things that you think you need to do? 

I can feel that way myself running an international business, and managing my team.  

But here’s the thing: 

If you keep all of the things you need ‘to do’ in your head, you actually can’t get anything done! 

So, try a brain dump! That’s when you write down everything that is in your head on a piece of paper so you can stop worrying about it. 

Try it and you’ll see. It feels a lot better to not have all that stuff ‘on your mind!’–in other words, not to be actively worrying about it.

But…do you want to know my top-secret tip for your brain dump?

I love brain dumps–they’re incredibly easy. You literally just make a list of things that are on your mind and stressing you out–and it works. 

But now, here’s a tip from your neurolanguage coach–me. Reduce your stress and free up brain power even more by doing another ridiculously easy thing. 

2. Write down 3 impossibly simple next steps.

Ok, so take a look at your brain dump. You have some things you’re worried about there. Now pick one thing that’s really important for you to do. Let’s take one of mine:

“Get more B2B clients for my business in 2023” 

That’s something I want to make happen in the New Year, but it’s a big project. So where to start? Well, I’ll pick the absolute smallest, easiest thing I can do first to start getting ready. And write that down.

Using my example, I could choose to write, “Make a list of potential B2B clients.”
But…I can actually find something simpler.
Let’s try:
“Create a spreadsheet to organize my list.”
Creating that spreadsheet is so simple, I know for a fact I will not procrastinate, or avoid, doing it!

Having something super simple to do next is a great way to help make sure you’ll take action. 

Then, you can list 2 or 3 easy steps to take after you complete the 1st one. And look at you, you’re taking action on your big goal now! 

Also check out my lesson: A Session with Your English Coach: Do you need goals or systems?

3. Writing in English: your priorities: From 5…to 1?

Alright, so let’s do this together for you, your goals, and your English. Ready? 
I want you to take a piece of paper. Or your journal and answer this question.

What are 3-5 priorities or goals you have for this year?  

Give yourself a minute to write down a few ideas.

Now, here’s the really important part. 

Take that list of priorities…

And choose 1 or 2 items on your list that are really, really important to you. 

Why? 
Because you can’t do everything.
And because knowing that makes it possible for you to accomplish what really matters. 

You don’t have to cross anything off your list. Just select 1-2 that really matter to you to focus on first.

Don’t miss my next free, interactive workshop.

You’re serious about improving your English and your business skills. And I’m serious about helping you do that. That’s why I hold workshops every month on business skills you need. Want your exclusive monthly invitation? It’s easy. Just sign up for my newsletter.

4. Writing in English: Track your progress toward 1 goal.

Each day, write the date and then at the end of the day, answer two questions: 

What did I do today to work toward my goal?

And…

If I missed any opportunities to work toward my goal, how can I do better next time?

This is something so easy, you can do it every day. It takes 5 minutes. 

You might be thinking that everything I just mentioned was really, really simple. And that’s true. The thing about simple things is that they are easy enough for you to do again and again. All of these habits also make your life easier–not harder. And that’s exactly why they work.

As your English coach–I’m passionate about helping you stay on track to meet your English goals. That’s why I host live, free workshops on topics that matter to you. Just sign up for the newsletter and never miss an invitation.

And the next workshop on January 25th is a really special one. You’ll get to see what it’s like inside my conversation club for motivated professionals like you. Sign up to my newsletter and watch for your exclusive invitation so you can book your spot!

Take the next step for your English and your Business: 
TAKE A MINUTE AND WRITE ABOUT YOUR GOALS

This is where I usually put a quiz for you–but this week, we’ll do something special.
I’m putting all the questions in this blog post in one place–so you can come back here and use them to help you write–in English–about your goals.

1. Start with a Brain Dump!🧠 (Write down whatever is on your mind, worrying you, unfinished)

2. Write down 3 impossibly simple next steps. As yourself: What is the easiest possible thing I can do to start solving one of my problems?

3. Write your priorities: From 5…to 1: Write a list of 5-10 priorities you have for this year. Then pick one or two to work on now.

4. Track your progress toward 1 goal: Write for 5 minutes each day about how you’re doing. And ask yourself these questions: What did I do today to work toward my goal?  If I missed any opportunities to work toward my goal, how can I do better next time?

Improve your English in the comments:

The best way to become more confident using Business English is to practice!

Here’s your Confidence Challenge for this week:

1. What is one priority you have for the next year? Tell us in the comments below.

Further reading for professionals in English

Curious to learn more about the topic of the day? I’ve selected this excellent resource for you. It helps native speakers achieve their business goals by writing about them.

Forbes: How To Use Journaling To Achieve Your Goals

Don’t miss my next free, interactive workshop.

You’re serious about improving your English and your business skills. And I’m serious about helping you do that. That’s why I hold workshops every month on business skills you need. Want your exclusive monthly invitation? It’s easy. Just sign up for my newsletter.