People say things like “they’re naturally talented” or “I’m just not gifted with languages.” In reality, progress usually comes down to environment + method + priorities, not magical genes.
Factors others may have (and you can build)
- Family support: Less financial pressure frees up mental space to learn. It isn’t unfair—it’s simply a different starting point.
- Aligned methods: They use active recall, spaced repetition, and push output. Two focused hours beat five hours of passive reading.
- Clear priorities: They willingly trade free time for their goal. If your priorities differ, accept slower progress to stay balanced.
- A roadmap: Either researched on their own or guided by a mentor, so every next step is obvious.
- “Luck” = preparation + opportunity: When they’re ready, chances that appear are captured immediately.
How to catch up
- Audit your resources: How much time, energy, money can you deploy right now?
- Learn technique before tools: Once you know how to study, almost any material works.
- Set goals that reflect your priorities.
- Chunk the journey: perhaps three months on speaking, then shift to writing.
- Keep a list of questions and gaps: so when you meet someone ahead of you, you know exactly what to ask.
Stop blaming yourself for being “bad.” Adjust the environment and the approach, and your pace will climb quickly.