9 Obstacles to Learning English – and How Top Rock & Pop Songs Can Help You Overcome Them

Just Give Me a Reason not to learn English? Nice try. I’ve heard them all. Emotional blocks. Time pressure. Motivation meltdowns. Unrealistic expectations. And yes, even budget excuses. But what if you could flip every excuse on its head with the help of a little music?

Let’s dive into the top 9 obstacles English learners face—and how a few iconic songs might just inspire your comeback.

1. Emotional Obstacles

Song: "Feel This Moment" – Pitbull (feat. Christina Aguilera)

Fear. Frustration. Feeling like a failure before you even begin. These emotions can shut down your brain’s ability to absorb language. But language learning is meant to feel empowering.

Remedy: Be present. Be positive. Focus on the why behind your journey. Remind yourself how incredible it is to connect with new people, ideas, and cultures.

2. Mental Obstacles

Song: "Started from the Bottom" – Drake

Ever catch yourself saying: I’m too old. I can’t memorize. I’ll never be fluent. These aren’t facts—they’re lies we repeat until we believe them.

Remedy: Change the script. Say: I can learn. I will improve. I don’t need to be perfect to make progress.

3. Time Restrictions

Song: "It’s Time" – Imagine Dragons

We’re all busy. Work, family, life. But you do make time—for Netflix, scrolling, or sleeping in. What if you swapped 20 minutes a day for English study?

Remedy: Start small. Use mobile apps. Watch English videos while commuting. Language learning is flexible. It fits around you.

4. Organizational Obstacles

Song: "The Way" – Ariana Grande

You want to learn, but where to begin? No clue what materials to use or how to structure your study time.

Remedy: Get a roadmap. Join a structured course or get help from a teacher. There’s no one right path—but there is a way that works for you. Let someone help you find it.

5. Motivational Obstacles

Song: "Gone, Gone, Gone" – Phillip Phillips

Maybe your energy is low. Maybe you just don’t feel like studying.

Remedy: Connect your learning to something bigger. A job. A friend. A dream. Set rewards for milestones. And if you can, find a study buddy who helps you keep going.

6. Lack of Mental Flexibility

Song: "Cruise" – Florida Georgia Line

The old saying: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Wrong. History is full of people who learned new skills late in life.

Remedy: Shift your mindset. Age isn’t a limit. It’s an asset. You bring experience, discipline, and perspective to the learning process.

7. Unrealistic Expectations

Song: "Next to Me" – Emeli Sandé

Some think they’ll speak fluently in 7 days. Others believe they’ll never learn in a million years. Both extremes are wrong.

Remedy: Expect steady progress, not perfection. Celebrate each improvement—every new word, every conversation that goes smoother. Consistency wins.

8. Negative Self-Concept / Self-Talk

Song: "Scream & Shout" – will.i.am (feat. Britney Spears)

We all have inner critics: I’m not smart enough. I’m too slow. I always fail.

Remedy: Drown those voices out with action. Sign up for a class. Join a language forum. Visit TalktoCanada.com and check out the course options. Tell yourself: I’m doing this. I’m ready. Let’s go!

9. Cost Factors

Song: "Come & Get It" – Selena Gomez

Yes, money matters. But English study can be affordable. And the return on investment? Life-changing.

Remedy: Look for flexible pricing. Ask for lessons as a gift. Save gradually. Think of learning English as an investment in your personal growth, your career, and your confidence.

Ready to Flip the Script?

Music can move us. So can English. Whether you’re vibing to "I Love It" (Icona Pop) or getting fired up by "Can’t Hold Us" (Macklemore), let those lyrics fuel your goals.

Let today be the day you say: I’m alive. I’m learning. And I’m on my way.

Want help getting started? Check out:

And hey—if no one’s said it yet: We believe in you.

Now crank up your playlist and go get it.