Shadowing Practice: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others | Level A1 | English shadowing - Learn English Speaking with Video

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How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others Hi there.
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I hope you're doing well today.
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Let's talk about something many people feel but don't always talk about.
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It's about comparing ourselves to others.
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Have you ever looked at someone and thought, they are better than me?
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Maybe they have nicer clothes, a bigger house, or more friends.
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Maybe they speak English better than you.
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When we think like this, We feel sad.
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We feel small.
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But today, I want to help you stop doing that.
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You're good enough.
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And I will tell you how you can feel better.
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First, remember something very important.
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We are all different.
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No two people are the same.
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You are different from your best friend.
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You are different from your favorite actor or singer.
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And that is okay.
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Everyone has their own story.
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Everyone has their own time to grow.
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Some people learn fast.
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Some people take more time.
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It does not mean one is better than the other.
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Let me give you an example.
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Imagine two flowers in a garden.
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One flower is a rose.
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The other is a sunflower.
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They look different.
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They grow at different times.
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But both are beautiful.
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Just like people.
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You don't have to be the same as someone else to be great.
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Now, let's talk about social media.
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This is a big reason why people compare.
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We go on Instagram or Facebook and we see happy pictures.
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People smiling, traveling.
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Eating great food.
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We think their life is perfect.
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But remember, people only show the best parts of their life online.
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They don't show the hard days.
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They don't post when they are crying or feeling lost.
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So don't believe everything you see.
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Another way to stop comparing is to be thankful.
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Take a moment each day to say thank you for what you have.
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It can be small things like, "I'm happy I have clean water." Or, I'm glad I have a friend to talk to.
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Being thankful makes your heart feel light.
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It helps you see your own life in a better way.
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Also, compare yourself only to your past self, not to others.
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Ask yourself, "What did I learn this year?" Maybe now you can cook better.
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Maybe you are kinder to people.
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Maybe you speak more English than before.
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That is progress.
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That is your journey.
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Be proud of it.
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Let's not forget the power of kind words.
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We say nice things to our friends, right?
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So let's say nice things to ourselves, too.
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Try saying, I am trying my best.
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or "I am enough." These words are small but strong.
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They help us feel better every day.
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And if you find yourself comparing too much, take a break.
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Step away from your phone.
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Go for a walk.
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Listen to music.
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Talk to someone you love.
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Do something that makes you feel happy and relaxed.
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You deserve peace.
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So, my friend, Remember this.
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You are not behind.
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You are not less.
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You are walking your own path.
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And you're doing just fine.
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Stop looking at others so much.
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Start looking at yourself.
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You're growing.
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You're learning.
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You are doing your best.
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And that is enough.
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Thank you for listening.
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I hope you smile today.
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You are special, and the world needs someone just like you.

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Context & Background

In the video titled "How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others," the speaker addresses a common emotional struggle: the tendency to compare ourselves to others. This behavior can lead to feelings of inadequacy and sadness. The speaker offers insights into managing these feelings, emphasizing that every individual is unique and has their own journey. This lesson is particularly relevant for English learners, who may often find themselves feeling inferior when measuring their language skills against others. By understanding and internalizing these concepts, learners can boost their confidence and improve their english speaking practice.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • “You're good enough.” - A reminder to recognize your value.
  • “We are all different.” - Emphasizes individuality and uniqueness.
  • “Take a moment each day to say thank you.” - Encourages gratitude to foster positivity.
  • “What did I learn this year?” - Promotes self-reflection and personal growth.
  • “Don’t believe everything you see.” - A crucial reminder about social media perceptions.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

Engaging in shadowing practices can greatly enhance your English speaking skills. Here's how to effectively utilize this video for the best results:

  1. Watch the Video: Begin by watching the video and listening to the speaker. Pay attention to their pronunciation and intonation.
  2. Listen Actively: Play the video again, but this time, focus on the phrases shared. Repeat them out loud as you hear them, mimicking the speaker's delivery.
  3. Break It Down: Split the video into smaller sections. Focus on a few sentences at a time, ensuring you understand their meaning as you practice.
  4. Practice with Variations: After mastering the phrases, try creating your own sentences using the same structure and vocabulary. This will help reinforce your learning.
  5. Daily Reflections: Incorporate the habit of self-reflection as suggested in the video. Ask yourself how you’ve improved and what you are thankful for. This will deepen your understanding and use of the language in everyday contexts.

By using shadowing techniques through platforms or resources dedicated to english speaking practice, learners can significantly develop their fluency. Remember, as you practice, focus on your progress rather than comparing it to others. You can even utilize shadow speak methods to continue developing your skills while keeping a positive mindset.

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

StructureIn the video
Comparatives -er than / more … than — comparing two thingsbetter than · more English than
Superlatives the -est / the most … — the top or bottom of a groupyour best · the best · my best
Verb + -ing enjoy, keep, stop… + -ing — verbs that are followed by the -ing formStop Comparing · Stop looking · Start looking
Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around nowyou're doing · are crying · am trying

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →