2019 reflections

And so this is it. Just like that, today is the last day of 2019. When did this happen?

Does time fly only for me, or are we all experiencing the same time reality? They say language can influence the way in which we experience time. So how was yours?

Mine was busy which in modern times is not a great word to use to describe yourself or your life. Busy-ness has suffocated us in ways that we now make conscious efforts for self-care to escape our lives.

Running a business (not a busy-ness) means constantly learning, developing, evolving. It means seeking the best version of yourself. It means searching firstly in you to discover why. Why do you do the things you do? What is your reason? What example are you setting?

They say if you do what you love for a living you won't work a single day in your life. It is not true. Love is not enough sometimes. You need passion, strategy, tenacity, flexibility, adaptability, strength, emotional intelligence. And you need to know your limits.

Solopreneurship entails constant decision-making. What time will you wake up? What time will you go to bed? Will you take on this client or not? Will you sign the contract? What rate should you charge? Is this a good, profitable venture? How should you invest your time today? What should you prioritise?

And every decision needs to reflect your vision. It should be acting as a stepping stone taking you closer to the other side of the mighty, untamed river where your goals await for you waving at you among a thousand distractions, trying to catch your attention.

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It takes investing in yourself, your body, your mind, your health, both physical and mental. It takes discipline, boundaries and knowing when to stop and call it a day, without ever giving up.

And then, and only then, you know how to treat your clients well, develop your network, deliver quality work and make true progress. Because if we cannot understand and know ourselves, how can we understand others? And clients fall into the category of the other. And clients are humans.

Humans that are also stressed, overworked, and worried. And they have a problem. A problem they expect you to solve with professionalism, integrity, speed, and empathy too. You have to become the absorber, the processor of their information, emotions, and dreams while performing your duties to the best of your ability.

Because this is what language is. It is not letters or words or sentences. It is ideas, feelings, emotions, goals, visions, entrepreneurial ventures. Language is justice, freedom, creativity, expression. Language is a right, an invention, a form of rebellion. Can you imagine being the human on which these concepts hang from with a fine-fine thread, ready to snap any time?

That's what a translator's job is; being the thread, the conduit, the diplomatic wordsmith, the peace-keeper. And I'm fine with it. In fact, I love it.

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Vasiliki is a translator, interpreter, transcreator, blogger, consultant and director of Greek to Me Translations Ltd. She works with English and Greek and specialises in legal, creative, and psychometrics. She is a Chartered Linguist, member of CIoL, ITI and PEM and she is registered with the Greek Consulate as a certified translator and interpreter. She holds a BA in English and Masters in Business Translation and Interpreting. She is a Steering Group Member of the CIOL Translating Division and CIOL Business, Professions and Government Division. She is an Associate Lecturer in Legal Translation at London Metropolitan University, a public speaker and writer for industry magazines. Her mission is to help you achieve your goals through the power of words. You can follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.