The C-BEAR mindset model and how it applies to language learning

I learnt a little about the C - BEAR mindset model on a training programme a few months ago. Because I believe that mindset is not discussed enough within the world of language learning, I have decided to write about it here and connect it with common problems I see in my clients. The C - BEAR model works like this: C Circumstances These are factual and may not be in your control

B Beliefs This is what you think about the circumstances and may not be factual (although it may seem factual to you!)

E Emotions This is how you feel about the circumstances

A Action This is what you do / don't do

R Results This is the results that you get

Let's look at a couple of examples.

Example One - an exam candidate

C Circumstances This client had failed an important exam three times. They needed to pass the exam in order to continue with their job as a teacher in their country. They had six months left to pass the exam.

B Beliefs This client believed that they were a failure. They believed they

were at the wrong level for the exam and that they weren't good enough to pass.

E Emotions This client felt very stressed and anxious. They were also angry with themselves and frustrated because they didn't know why they were failing.

A Action This client chose to continue studying and decided to invest in some lessons to find out why they were failing.

R Results This client worked with me for three months then passed their exam.

Example Two - a pronunciation student

C Circumstances This client had an important job interview coming up. Although they were a very strong English user in many ways, their pronunciation was considerably weaker.

B Beliefs This client believed that they were a failure. They believed that The job would go to people with better pronunciation and that This was the last opportunity for promotion they would get.

E Emotions This client hated their pronunciation. They felt ashamed most of the time while they were speaking. They also had a lot of regret about not working on their pronunciation earlier.

A Action This client had lessons with me for a couple of months and we worked on pronunciation and interview preparation. However, with no warning, the client stopped their sessions.

R Results This client probably didn't get their job and probably still hates their pronunciation.

As we can see from these two examples, the results we get are dependent on the action we take. This is obvious, but what is less obvious is that the action we take is dependent on the way we feel and the beliefs we have about our circumstances. In other words, our choice of action is determined by what we think and how we feel. So if you are not getting the results that you want, rather than beating yourself up and giving up, a better option is to explore your beliefs, emotions and what action you are choosing to take. For example, let's imagine you want to improve your speaking ability and reach C1 in this skill in the next 12 months. However, you are not making the progress you need to achieve this goal and are becoming frustrated and demotivated. How could you use the C-BEAR model to help you? Well, you can start at the end:

R Results I am not making the progress I need to achieve my C1 goal.

Next, you might like to explore one of the other parts of the C-BEAR model. You don't need to do them in any particular order, one might be more apparent than the others. Work your way through all the parts until you build up a complete picture:

C Circumstances Work has been busier than I expected and I have had to do several business trips. I have had less free time than usual.

B Beliefs I am too busy to work on my speaking and I am too tired when I get home.

E Emotions I am tired, frustrated and demotivated. I also feel guilty.

A Action I am not practising my speaking a lot and I am only having the occasional lesson.

Now, work though the C-BEAR model again, but this time thinking about what you could do to get the results you want:

C Circumstances Work has been busier than I expected and I have had to do several business trips. I have had less free time than usual.

B Beliefs I am busy but I can make better use of my time, particularly when I am travelling. Even though I am tired, I can do 15 minutes of practise when I get home from work and have dinner after that.

E Emotions I am tired but I am also focused on my goal. I feel acceptance for where I am and also the determination to continue.

A Action I have committed to having one lesson a week by paying upfront and I am practising a little in the evening.

R Results Although not as quickly as I had wanted, I am moving towards my C1 goal.

I hope you can see how the C-BEAR model can reframe the way you think about a situation and can help you continue to move towards your results by going deeper into your thinking and feeling patterns.