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Inspiration.
We all need it, don’t we?
It helps us get out of bed in the morning.
It helps us find that much-needed confidence.
The confidence that helps us be who we’re and fight for our place under the sun.
[bctt tweet=”Inspiration is a very important ingredient in the successful business recipe.”]
Without it, this whole freelance life just doesn’t taste the same.
That’s why we, as entrepreneurs, need it. It’s our drug. It’s what keeps us going. It’s what makes our life so exciting. It’s what makes us stronger.
That’s why we crave for inspiration on a daily basis.
We need it.
So that we can function properly.
And quite naturally we reach out to other people. People that we find inspiring. People that motivate us and helps us find that inner strength.
But do we really need them?
I mean, we all have our idols and heroes.
And translation industry knows many examples.
Marta Stelmaszak, Steve Vitek, Corinne McKay, Tess Whitty, Paula Arturo – to name a few.
There are many inspirational translators in this industry.
Translators who care about the future of our profession. Translators who have an incredible amount of authority and influence in the industry.
And of course, we, the newbies, reach out to them at every opportunity we’ve got. We follow them, we read them, we listen very carefully to their advice, we try to talk to them at conferences or on social networks.
Some people even send personal emails, asking for help and advice.
But what if we never had them? What if that source of inspiration would seize to exist?
Who would be the most inspirational translator then?
The answer is pretty simple: you are.
You are the most inspirational translator of this amazing industry even though you don’t realize that yet.
We believe that we need someone or something else to inspire us, but that’s not true.
Because inspiration is a built-in function. You had it all along.
It’s in our hearts. It’s in our minds.
It’s in our work.
[bctt tweet=”Inspiration doesn’t come from the outside, it comes from within.”]
And in order to find it, all you have to do is believe in yourself.
Trust yourself.
You’re the most inspirational translator.
Period.
The sooner you realize that the better.
Because once you do, you’ll see how it will change everything.
It will change your approach to life, it will change your approach to business.
This is the pure form of inspiration. It will help you come up with amazing ideas.
It will help you make a difference and change the lives of people around you.
But more importantly, it will help you be… yourself.
The real you.
It will help you find your inner voice, your strengths, your weaknesses.
And that opportunity, the opportunity to be yourself, is the most amazing thing in the world.
So, look inside yourself. What do you see?
6 Comments
Marta Stelmaszak · October 21, 2015 at 2:57 am
Thanks for mentioning me, Dmitry. It’s really an honour to be mentioned and thought of as inspirational. I’m very humbled especially to be listed among such great colleagues. Of course, there are many colleagues out there who are a source of inspiration to me, but in principle, I think I agree with you. I know I found the power and strength as “a built-in function”, as you called it. All the challenges, difficulties, problems, fights – and dreams, hopes, ideas: that’s what’s at the core of my inspiration every day. And I learn from others how to deal with it all!
Dmitry Kornyukhov · October 21, 2015 at 9:09 am
Don’t mention it, Marta! You’re an inspiration to many of us 🙂
I quite agree with you that all those challenges, problems and fights are an immense source for daily inspiration. A new day is a new challenge and finding that inner strength is what helps me get through it. Yes, of course, looking up to other people is a great bonus and it boosts my overall inspiration level, but I think the main source lies within ourselves.
Finding that source and learning how to tap into it is a great gift.
Caroline Alberoni · October 21, 2015 at 7:41 am
Lovely post, Dmitry!
There is no use in having idols, heroes and inspirational people if we are not inspired ourselves, if we don’t believe in ourselves. We’ll always dream in being our role models, idolize them, but never do anything to follow their footsteps.
Believe in yourself!
Dmitry Kornyukhov · October 21, 2015 at 9:13 am
Couldn’t agree more, Caroline. At the end of the day, you’re the master of your own destiny and there is no power in the world that could change that. If you wake up in the morning and tell yourself that this day will be absolutely amazing – it will be! Self-motivation is as important as inspiration from idols, heroes and inspirational people.
Natalie Soper · October 21, 2015 at 10:43 am
Wise words! And as a wise man once said “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change.”
Okay…so those are Michael Jackson lyrics. But the sentiment is there!
Dmitry Kornyukhov · October 21, 2015 at 10:54 am
Yes, Natalie! Wise words and an amazing song! One of my favourite! 🙂