Written by Eddy Ramírez

Speaking English well can help you find a better job or study abroad, but it can also lead to unravel hidden messages and overcome our fears. For example, the fear of failing a college exam, the IELTS, or the TEF.

In my case, a conversation in English showed me that changing “if” for “when” could transform my destiny and motivate me to achieve one of my biggest goals: becoming a Canadian lawyer.

It wasn't a grammatical error, but rather a matter of understanding the meaning of words and their power to influence.

I know this might sound confusing and even mysterious, but I'm also sure that sharing this chapter of my life with you could serve as inspiration for you, as well as for many English learners who are are afraid of failing the IELTS.

I'm telling you this today not as an English teacher, nor as the CEO of Planeta Immiland, but as someone who was exactly where you are right now.

Every sentence you construct should serve your goals.

In this blog post, I'll tell you about the conversation that led me to uncover the secret behind these two words and fulfill my dream.

I hope this helps.

The Constant Doubt About the Exam: The Use of “if” determines your success

When I was studying for the bar exams in Canada, I was afraid I wouldn't pass. Panic constantly overwhelmed me, and I sabotaged my own progress by repeating: 

"If I pass the exam, if I pass the exam..."

Without realizing it, that if was tying my success on the possibility of failure. I was fixated on whether I’d pass the exam, whether I’d become a Canadian lawyer, and whether I could achieve my dream.

Looking for a break, I went to a massage parlor, never imagining that the person who attended to me would end up becoming my therapist right then and there. 

Seeing that I was overwhelmed, the massage therapist asked me:

• “What’s happening to you?”

I told him about my fear with complete honesty. I started talking and blurting out sentences full of doubts and uncertainties:

• “If I pass the exam, I’ll take the exam... If I become a lawyer...”

She stopped me and said something that changed my life:

• “Girl, ‘if’ no, no, no. You have to say ‘when’.”

That sentence in English really shook me up. 

I used to use it often "if" and that made me feel insecure. I was constructing the sentence perfectly well, but at the same time I was killing my dream. 

Without a doubt, that “if” had an effect on my own psyche. 

The “when” of conviction: The PASS of success

I left the massage parlor, putting together different sentences.

When is a time adverb that means “when.” It refers to what is going to happen. Therefore, I was certain that, even though I didn’t know the exact date it would happen, I was still working toward making it happen. 

In my conversations, I began to say with conviction: "When I pass the exam in February", "When I'm admitted to the bar in July". 

I changed my mindset, studied like the lawyer I was going to become, and a month and a half later I saw the PASS on my score report.

I know it all sounds very simple, but it isn't. 

We can memorize the full meaning of the vocabulary of any language, but it is the message to our unconscious mind that will make our destiny a reality.

This shift in mindset is exactly what I want you to make. It's no longer a question of "if you pass the exam," but "when" you'll pass it!

Final Tips and Thoughts

Whether it's English, French, or any other subject, applying the meaning of words directly to your life will always be better when approached with optimism.

Stop saying "if I learn English..." and start your new sentences with "when I”:

• "When I get my job", "when I reach CLB 7", "when I get my residency". 

Take control of your process and use every word to declare what you’re going to achieve.

No language exam is impossible to pass. 

Studying and preparing are key, but the most important thing is to believe that you'll succeed and get the score you need to move forward. 

When that happens, I'll be here to hear and share your story!

More details about this episode here: The Power of Manifestation: Replace “IF” with “WHEN”.

Do you need to prepare for a language exam? Contact us. Our team can help you.

If you know someone who needs some motivation to make their dreams come true, share this story and help them move forward!

See you in the next blog post, where we’ll continue to help you build your Canadian dream with dedication, empathy, and professionalism!

With love,

Planeta Immiland Education