Being a full-time school principal and running a part-time translation business isn’t always a smooth ride. Some days, my to-do list feels like a maze. My energy is stretched; my focus is divided. And my inspiration? It can feel a little out of reach.
But over time, I’ve learned this: you don’t have to feel 100% inspired to keep going—but you do need to stay connected to what matters.
So today, I’m sharing how I stay inspired—even when life pulls me in a dozen directions.
1. I Keep My “Why” Close
My love for education and my passion for language aren’t in competition—they’re both deeply connected to who I am. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I pause and remind myself why I chose these two paths:
- I believe in the power of communication, whether it’s with students or across languages.
- I believe in lifelong learning, for myself and for those I serve.
- And I believe in doing work that feels meaningful—not just busy.
Your “why” doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be true.
2. I Make Room for Learning (Even in Small Doses)
Nothing reignites my motivation like learning something new. Whether it’s attending a short workshop, reading an article about translation trends, or watching a video on leadership, I find inspiration in small doses of growth.
A few years ago, I completed a Marketing Certificate with Athabasca University, and I still try to sneak in professional development whenever I can—because staying curious helps me stay energized.
3. I Protect Quiet Moments
In a noisy, fast-paced world, I need quiet to recharge. That might look like:
- An early morning coffee before the emails start
- A walk
- A few minutes with my notebook or my to-do list
These small pauses help me reconnect with myself—and often, my best ideas come when I’m not chasing them.
4. I Let Inspiration Be Imperfect
I used to think I needed to feel inspired before starting something. Now, I know that action often brings inspiration. Whether I’m working on a translation, writing a blog, or organizing my business tasks, I’ve learned to start small and let motivation catch up later.
Tools like ChatGPT and Copilot help me get the words flowing when I feel stuck.
5. I Lean on Simple Systems
When life gets hectic, I rely on systems I’ve built to support me:
- Templates for emails, invoices, and social media posts
- Cloud storage (OneDrive and OneNote) to keep things accessible
- Checklists and workflows so I don’t have to reinvent the wheel
These systems give me breathing room—and that space makes inspiration easier to find.
Final Thought: Give Yourself Permission
If you’re a business owner, parent, educator, creator, or all of the above—it’s okay to feel pulled in many directions. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
The trick isn’t to chase balance. It’s to give yourself permission to move between roles with grace—and trust that your inspiration will find you along the way.
You don’t need to be inspired every single day. You just need to stay connected to your purpose. That spark? It’s still there. Even on the busiest days.
Written with the support of ChatGPT by OpenAI to help shape and clarify my ideas.