Competency Stages of Changing Your Accent

You will find that there are four stages to achieving competence in most endeavors.  It is true for accent training as well:

Stage 1 is Unconscious Incompetence.  You do not know the correct way make to some of the American English sounds and in many cases do not know that you are pronouncing them incorrectly.  You cannot hear the rhythm of English speech music.

Stage 2 is Conscious Incompetence.  You will experience this often.  You are aware of the correct pronunciation and are practicing daily, but are not yet pronouncing the sounds consistently--but at least you know you are not and can self correct.  Your are starting to hear American English without the filter of your first language.

Stage 3 is Conscious Competence.  In this stage you can make the new sounds correctly, but only when you are consciously making an effort.  Conscious effort is called Complete Word Production and starts in Week 4.  You must use Complete Word Production ten times a day or more every day to continue to Stage 4.  Some people stay in Stage 3 for six months.  At this stage, you will be able to start imitating American English speakers.

Stage 4 is Unconscious Competence.  You are pronouncing American English correctly.  The new pronunciation is second nature and no longer requires conscious attention.  You are pronouncing new sounds without thinking about it.  Unconscious Competence comes after practicing diligently from 13 weeks to six months and consistently using Complete Word Production ten times a day.

Changing pronunciation is a process.  You cannot skip one of the steps above so just relax and practice.  You can do it!