John Keats described autumn as the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”. So, it feels like a time to wind down before the year ends. It is also, in contrast, the start of the new academic year and, therefore, a time to refresh our perspective. For me, there have been several networking events from a Business Boost Day to the Members’ Day for my regional network through to ‘Netwalking’ (walking and networking in the Forest of Dean) alongside online events in my subject and language networks.
[Fallen leaves near the Dean Heritage Centre, Gloucestershire]
Becoming fruitful
As freelance translators, it’s easy to keep working without reflecting on our business strategy. Momentary disappointments may seem huge without taking time to assess our successes. At a Business Boost Day in September, we were encouraged to assess what has changed in the past 18 months in terms of our workload, client base, specialisms and earnings. Then, we discussed how we can react and adapt to change. We also talked about our success stories with an action plan to focus on work from our favourite clients.
Being mindful
A session on mindfulness at our Members’ Day made a room full of linguists fall silent – more than once! Focusing on our breath, however, brought clarity of thought and new insights into how we could improve our working day to stop us feeling overwhelmed. Even walking can be mindful if you take each step slowly and keep your mind free by again focusing on your breathing.
Netwalking
Spending what turned out to be a splendid autumn day walking in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, was a great escape from our desks. It was a chance to discuss work, network and walk – hence the term ‘netwalking’. Appreciating our surroundings, our colleagues and considering our work/life balance was uplifting. Our reward for a good 2 hours of walking was delicious refreshments in the Dean Heritage Centre Café.
[The Forest of Dean, Soudley, Gloucestershire]
The year ahead…
Bringing together these positive experiences gives me renewed energy. I look forward to working with focus and creativity for my clients and with my colleagues.
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With thanks to Becca George (ITI Western Regional Group) and Lloyd Bingham (ITI Cymru Wales Group) for the Business Boost Day, Claire Moreau of Bridgemaker Mindfulness for the mindfulness session as part of the ITI Western Regional Group’s Members’ Day and Astrid Freuler (ITI Western Regional Group) for the guided ‘Netwalking’. More details about the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) are available here:
Greenlit Translations - German and Italian into English Translator, Editor and Proofreader 