How Do You Get Inspired?

Everyday, we have our routine activities: wake up, take a bath, go to school / office, take a break, etc. etc. It all become mundane activities (well, some says when you work for passion it's a different case). But my question here is: how can you get inspired in the midst of things?

Look at The People Around You

My answer is quite simple. Look at the people around you. Listen to their stories, their backgrounds, their challenges, their ideas... Most likely, you will feel challenged to reach what they achieved. I'm going to share some inspiring friends who challenge the way I think, live, and work.

1. You're Old Enough to Contribute to Your Family

A friend who's younger than me, decided to take scholarships for her bachelor and master degree. She also work on campus in the midst of her study. Her reasons to do that? Because she wants to help her parents funding her younger brothers' education fee. I respect Onyinye Udenze who has strong values on family. She taught me how to be mature, how to act as an adult.

2. Diversity is Having an Open Mind

My best friend Carissa Atrianty is an amazing girl. She is born in a Chinese and Javanese family. She studied Graphic Design and recently received a job offer (yay! Congrats) But what I'm most touched of is her ability to accept diversity in religion. She's open to hear sharing from Christian friends but stay faithful to her religion. She taught me the importance to keep an open mind. (Carissa is on the far right in the picture)

3. Be Productive!

Two young ladies in my current company inspired me to strive for more. Fiona, Cynthia, and I accepted the General Management Accelerated Program (GMAP) Trainee offer from Permata Bank. During the interview process, the candidates learned that Fiona was an intern at the bank. So both Cynthia and I decided to work there first even before the program started. That's the spirit! (Below are the GMAP 2016 trainees and our mentor)

4. Curious to Learn

While interning, Cynthia and I shared about our experiences. At one time, I wanted to help her with the current project. It was related to Marketing Analytics, and I remembered how I wanted to learn about the subject. I copied some helpful links for her but in turn... I got inspired to actually take an online class about Marketing Analytics! You might be familiar; it's from Coursera (the online course website) and certification is available from University of Virginia.

5. Courage

While interning at Permata Bank, I met a young 18-year-old boy who just arrived at Jakarta. He shared that his family and him never lived in Jakarta. It was a huge decision for him to move and interned at Permata Bank. But Reno is always full of positive energy and commitment to do his best. I learned that it takes courage to grow, it takes courage to go beyond your comfort zone. (Reno is on the far right in this picture)