12 years ago, I nearly lost my grasp on English.After losing my university teaching job, I took on a role as an import manager at a furniture company. I used simple English to talk to suppliers who don't speak English, in messages and calls.The job was stressful, but my English skills remained underused.After work, I found it hard to study because I was tired, and the idea of "doing exercises" felt unappealing.Seven months later, I realized I had forgotten a significant portion of the English I had once known.To unwind after work, I got into a habit of watching "Criminal Minds". Please don't question my sanity – it was my way of relaxing, despite the unsettling theme. Eventually, I opted to watch it in English.That was the turning point in my English journey.Studying didn't feel like a chore anymore. I just needed to layer learning onto something I already enjoyed doing.I wasn't solely watching TV shows in English, mind you. If you've tried this method, you may have found them entertaining, but not very helpful.As a certified English teacher, I knew that wouldn't cut it. I did certain things while and after watching each episode to learn English from TV shows. I took notes, wrote about each episode in my journal, discussed interesting moments in the forum for the show fans.In short, I created my own English-friendly eco-system.Once my English got better, I started teaching again, this time as my own boss. I integrated this approach into my teaching philosophy and style.I started designing my own materials based on TV shows and movies. I created workbooks and courses that solve the same problem for other learners.They help my students improve their English - learn more words, fix grammar, and sound more natural.But this time, I made sure to offer something that I had trouble finding myself. It was an opportunity to meet people who liked the same things and were enthusiastic about them.Now, everything I do helps English learners  boost their English skills. I'm talking about:+ understanding how people talk in movies and TV shows,+ learning about British and American society and culture, and+ connecting with other learners in a meaningful way.This approach has been a game-changer for other learners too. The best part? Even if you have a busy job, limited time, or wavering motivation, you can still learn this way.Want to try our free Movie Club? Or maybe to discuss a possibility of 1:1 English lessons based on a movie or TV show? Overcome limits and restrictions in your English speaking by getting in touch with me.