top of page

undoing the conditioning that pulls you back every time



subscribe on



In this week's episode of The Foreign Accent Stamp, we’re talking about deep conditioning — the invisible force that keeps pulling you back every time you try to change. By the end of this, you’ll see why surface fixes simply aren’t enough, and what it really takes to snap out of old patterns — whether that’s in your speech, your mindset, your actions, or your everyday life.


The Illusion of Quick Fixes

Maybe you know someone (or you are someone) who’s always on the lookout for a shortcut:“How can I stop being nervous when I speak?”, “How can I change my accent in three days?”, “How can I sound more confident on the phone… right now?”


We’re made to believe these quick fixes exist. But let’s be honest — real, lasting change takes time.

Have you ever heard someone say,“I’m just not a public speaker. I get nervous, so I’m clearly not built for this.” or “I can’t talk on the phone, I panic. That’s just who I am.”


It’s the same with accents. It’s the same with any habit. And often, these habits aren’t even ours to begin with — they’re instilled in us by family, friends, our environment, society.


Recognizing the Conditioning

It takes a lot just to realize: Wait — it doesn’t have to be this way. Just because you’ve always done something doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it. Just because someone says “you’re not good at this” doesn’t mean it applies to you. Just because the thought of speaking up makes you nauseous doesn’t mean you can’t do it.


Let me give you a real-life example. It might make you smile, but it shows just how deep this stuff runs. Recently, I realized I’ve spent most of my life feeling like I’m in a hurry. Even when I wasn’t actually rushing, my body felt like it was. And it showed up everywhere — even on a simple walk to my local weekly market here in the UK.


Now, you might wonder, “What does this have to do with speaking or accents?” But I promise — whatever habit you’re struggling with, you can translate this story into your own life.


The Season of Sacrifice - The Season of Change

I moved to the UK four and a half years ago. One of my goals was to slow down. I didn’t want to live at 180 miles an hour anymore, like I did back in Switzerland. Right now, I’m in what I call a season of sacrifice. I’m making big changes, focusing on growing my business and serving people at a higher level. I’m not traveling. I’m not socializing as much. I’m pouring my energy into my long-term goals.


But even in this slower season, the old conditioning lingers. I noticed it most when I walked to the market. I wanted to enjoy the flowers, the weather, the fresh bread — but every time, my body went into rush mode. It sounds silly, right? “Just slow down, Ronja.” But no matter how much I told myself to walk slowly, my body had other plans.


Now I didn't make it a priority to work on this for the the full four and a half years. Every so often, it popped into my head and I thought I should probably start to consciously work on this. So I did a few weeks ago. Every trip to the market felt rushed. Even on sunny days. Even when I had nowhere else to be. Because for as long as I can remember, I was always in a hurry — juggling three jobs, university, board commitments. Working and studying in Zurich, where walking slowly feels like a crime. This was my conditioning: If you’re not in a hurry, you’re wasting time.


But last Saturday, something shifted. For the first time, I walked to the market slowly. Not only that — I actually enjoyed it! I stopped at the jewelry store — twice. (If you know me, you know jewelry is my weakness!) I spent a good five minutes looking, not rushing. I noticed the cafes, the signs, the colors. I took it all in. And you know what? I was so proud of myself.


Why This Matters for Your Change

I know this is a small example. But the principle is huge: Conditioning runs deep. And it takes more than logic to undo it. You can’t just tell yourself “don’t be nervous,” “speak clearly,” or “walk slowly.” You have to rewire your body, your habits, your nervous system — over and over again, until the new pattern sticks.


For me, this slow walk wasn’t unconscious competence yet — but it was a step up. I went from conscious incompetence (knowing I was failing to slow down) to conscious competence (finally doing it, with effort). And that’s how real change works. Whether you’re working on your speech, your mindset, your confidence, or simply the pace of your life. It’s not about fixing it in three days. It’s about showing up again and again — until one day, you realize: I’m doing it differently now.


Your Turn

So, let me ask you: what’s your version of my rushed walk? Where is old conditioning pulling you back — in your speech, your career, your daily habits? If you’re ready to start rewiring that at a deeper level, especially in the way you speak and show up, I’d love to help you. Explore my programs like The Accent Reset or Accent Hour — designed to go beyond surface fixes and create real, lasting change. Because your change is possible. And it starts with the first, conscious step.



A powerful room of women. A mic for your voice. A moment to stop performing and finally be seen for who you are - London’s Sanctuary Summer Event: Get Visible & Receive is happening on June 1st 2025!


...For the ambitious, heart-led woman who has a message or a mission to share and is ready to break through the fear in her body when it’s time to speak, be seen, and receive.


...Who dreams of calling in aligned clients, recognition, and support and is ready to show up without shrinking, performing, or following someone else.


...Who’s done with playing small and is finally ready to feel safe taking up space not just in her business but her relationships and her life.


 This is your invitation to change that.

Gabija Trybyte has curated a powerful, intimate experience designed to help you:

  • reclaim your voice,

  • soften the fear of being seen,

  • and unlock the flow of visibility, magnetism, and receiving - with feminine leadership. 


You’ll share the room with women from across the world 🌎 who have walked the path of breakdowns, silence and self-doubt — and still chose to rise. 


You’ll be seen, held, guided, and expanded in ways you didn’t even know you needed… by those same women.


This is more than an event.

It’s a portal to the version of you who is no longer waiting to feel ready.

The version of you who is visible, magnetic, and richly supported simply by being who she is.


Let’s get visible and let it be delicious. 


We can’t wait to welcome you into the Sanctuary.


PS: Save 10% on your ticket and use code RONJA at checkout. Click here to secure your ticket!





blog menu

hey there, I'm Ronja Hübscher

I grew up in a tiny village 500 miles and two countries away from the nearest native English speaker. People said I’d never master a language that wasn’t mine—until I coached native English speakers on accents for theater and film. My mission? To help others turn every doubt into fuel as well.

speak with confidence.

Does the thought of speaking in front of people make you want to run and hide? Let's put you back in the driver's seat.

a few of my favorite things*

Improve your hydration, your sleep, your skin and hair, your muscles - your glow up. Secure my health essential: save £10.00 for your first order over £35.

You know you crave it. Refined sugar free, organic, fairtrade, gluten free, vegan - the goodness list goes on. Save £10.00 for your first order over £35.

* if you decide to purchase through one or more of these affiliate links, we may receive an affiliate commission

stress-free presentation?

No more last-minute rush! Take advantage of this proven method and save time to focus on what's really important. 

tools & resources for success

From vocal prep tips to high-end essentials, find curated resources to help you make a lasting impression.

tools + resources for success

From vocal prep tips to high-end essentials, find curated resources to help you make a lasting impression.

recommended products for this post

The Clear Communicator's Blueprint

   £57  £7

_____

*now £7 for a limited time

laura-chouette-brown leather sling bag on white textile-unsplash_edited.jpg

SAVE TIME & ENERGY WITH THIS:

my favorite tools + resources to make every speech a success

Unlock expert-approved tools, techniques, and premium recommendations to refine your pronunciation, strengthen your voice, and elevate your presence. From vocal prep tips to high-end essentials, these curated resources help you speak with confidence and make a lasting impression.

add some encouragement  

to your inbox.

We collect and process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Wohoo, welcome to the community!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Copyright © 2019-2025 Ronja Hübscher

4th Floor, Silverstream House, 45 Fitzroy Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 6EB

Terms | Use | Privacy | Cookies | Disclaimer

We are the owner of all intellectual property rights on our website, and in the material published on it. These works are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. We grant to you a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, revocable licence to view this website and the material on this website on a computer or mobile device via a web browser, to copy and store this website and the material on this website in your web browser cache memory and to print pages from this website for your own personal and non-commercial use. You may not reproduce in any format (including on another website) any part of our website (including content, images, designs, look and feel) without our prior written consent. Other than the above, we do not grant you any other rights in relation to this website or the material on this website and all other rights are reserved. For the avoidance of doubt, you must not adapt, edit, change, transform, publish, republish, distribute, redistribute, broadcast, rebroadcast, or show or play in public this website or the material on this website (in any form or media) without our prior written permission. If you print off, reproduce, copy or download any part of our site in breach of this notice, your right to use our website will cease immediately and you must, at our option, return or destroy any copies of the materials you have made.

 

We take the protection of our copyright very seriously. If we discover that you have breached the terms of the above licence, we may bring legal proceedings against you and seek monetary damages and/or an injunction to stop you using our materials. You could also be ordered to pay our legal costs.

BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE WONDERFUL AMI ROBERTSON

bottom of page