Why You Feel Stuck — and How to Get Motivated — B1-B2 Interactive English Lesson
Video lesson + interactive tasks about motivation, getting stuck in the middle of a goal, and practical ways to keep moving forward.
Glossary: Key Vocabulary
STAGE 1
Before watching, review the words that will help you understand the video.
- stuck in the middle effect — the loss of motivation people often feel in the middle of a project
- setback — a problem or delay that makes progress harder
- sub-goal — a smaller step that helps you reach a bigger goal
- benchmark — a standard or point you use to measure progress
- disengage — to stop being involved or interested
- make a difference — to have an important positive effect
- moral outrage — strong anger caused by something unfair or wrong
- galvanize — to push people into action
- resilience — the ability to stay strong and recover from difficulty
- feedback loop — a process in which one result produces more of the same result
- momentum — the force or energy that keeps something moving forward
- perspective — the way you think about or understand something
Prediction: What Is the Video About?
STAGE 2
Using the new words, choose the most likely topic of the video.
1) What will the video most likely explain?
First Watch: Listening for Gist
STAGE 3
Watch the video once. Do not pause the video. Focus on the general idea.
1) Choose the best summary of the video.
Second Watch: Listening for Details
STAGE 4
Watch the video again. Focus on details. You may pause if necessary.
True / False
1) People often feel especially motivated at the beginning and end of a project.
2) The middle of a project is the easiest stage.
3) Breaking a big goal into smaller sub-goals can create more chances to notice progress and celebrate wins.
4) Only experts can take action on big problems.
5) Support from other people can help you keep going.
Multiple Choice
1) What causes the "stuck in the middle" effect?
2) Why do people disengage from big problems?
3) What do people who take action believe?
4) How can moral outrage help?
5) What is a simple way to get unstuck?
Vocabulary Practice
STAGE 5
Match Words and Definitions
TASK 1
Tap a word, then tap the correct definition. Scroll the definition list if needed.
Fill in the Gaps
TASK 2
Tap a word, then tap a gap. Wrong answers won't be placed. Tap a filled gap to clear it.
Choose the Right Word
TASK 3
Choose the best word to complete each sentence.
1) When a person stops trying because progress seems impossible, they ______.
2) A smaller target on the way to a big goal is a ______.
3) Strong anger about injustice can be called ______.
4) If your actions have a positive effect, they ______.
Spelling Challenge
TASK 4
Build the English words from letters. No repeats until all words are practiced.
Final Vocabulary Test
STAGE 6
Complete the final test. Navigate with buttons.