The profession of a freelance translator requires significant motivation.
To be successful, you need to work hard. It is worth remembering the following phrase: “In order to become a successful translator, it is not enough just to be able to translate well.”
It could even be said that if you have average translation skills, your motivation and willingness to take action will play a major role in your career. Let’s take a closer look at this idea.
Action = Success
Of course, most freelance translators are fluent in their native and target languages. Of course, there are mediocre translators, but most of the freelancers who make significant money are good at what they do.
Without this, it is impossible to attract regular customers – the main source of income for a freelancer.
But for most professional translators, success is not based solely on translation quality. If this were so, then even the most talented would be out of work.
In fact, success depends on two factors:
1. How motivated the translator is.
2. Is this motivation enough to start acting.
Motivation as a component of success
Motivation is essential for a freelance translator. It is possible that, given the necessary motivation, good translators will achieve greater commercial success than their more talented but less motivated colleagues.
Motivation gives you a chance to achieve your goals. A beginner freelance translator cannot avoid difficulties, and without motivation, these difficulties simply cannot be overcome.
What does it take to increase motivation? First of all, passion. It is she who is the “engine” of motivation.
It can be described and explained, but it cannot be conveyed. Only you can find passion for your work.
If there is no passion for translation, the translator will have a hard time, since it is this that is the main motivator.
The more the translator is passionate about his work, the greater the chance that he will achieve success.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned freelance translator, be sure to keep motivation in mind and how important it is to love your job. Your clients will notice not only your enthusiasm, but also the impact it has had on your career.
Passion requires action
It is impossible to build a career as a translator only on passion and motivation. Moreover, the presence of an addiction and the lack of any action to implement it can cause depression. Such indecision can only hurt.
The most successful translators are those whose passion for their work compels them to act. They understand that for a career they will have to do what they do not like: contact potential clients, advertise their services, make phone calls.
The high quality of your translation does not mean that there will be queues of clients who will offer you to work on their projects. Success is achieved only by those translators who are not afraid to fail and understand how important it is to act.
Most translators do not like to do anything that is not related to translation in the process. Few people like to call strangers and advertise themselves, but every freelancer needs to do this. Your motivation and love for translation should also help you do those things that are not particularly pleasant to you.
It is worth remembering that people are not born willing to take action; anyone can learn this. Take the first step, translate your addiction into action, and you will see how positively it will affect your work. Don’t be afraid to try, because the worst thing that can happen is you have to try again.
Two steps to take action
What to do if fear gets in the way? This requires only two steps.
Step 1. Realize your fear
First of all, you need to realize and acknowledge your fear. Many are reluctant to admit their fears, and instead come up with all sorts of reasons why their fears are justified.
Pretexts and excuses will not help to cope with fear; with their help, it will only become stronger in the mind.
Step 2. Overcome this fear
Once you realize your fear, you can begin to deal with it. Of course, this is not easy, but without it you cannot achieve success.
There are many different kinds of fears and phobias, but most of them stem from the fear of failure.
It is important to remember that in most cases, failure is an integral part of success. For almost everyone, the first pancake comes out lumpy, and this does not mean that you need to give up. Goals cannot be achieved without effort. If, for fear of failure, you do not try at all, then you will definitely not succeed.
One method that can help you deal with your fears is to complete tasks gradually, treating each step as small victories towards bigger achievements.
For example, if you need to find more clients, but it’s scary to call a large number of strangers in search of work, then set yourself the task of calling at least one client a day. Usually, after the first call, the fear disappears, and it becomes much easier to call.
Face your fears face to face. Overcome them gradually, then act, use your motivation and your passion to become a successful translator. Others were able to do it, which means you can too.
Finally, it’s worth recalling that motivation is an essential ingredient for success.
The better you remember why you embarked on the path of a freelance translator, the stronger your attitude and desire not to give up in front of any obstacles will be. As you overcome them, you will have a better understanding of who you are and what you need to be successful.