You Are Enough: The Power of Belief in Yourself as an Interpreter
- Sarah Wheeler, M.Ed., M.S.
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
Every interpreter has had that moment—the one where doubt creeps in, your confidence wavers, and you wonder if you’re really cut out for this work.
Maybe it was during an emotionally charged assignment, where the weight of the moment felt too big to carry. Maybe it was after receiving feedback that made you second-guess your skills. Or maybe it’s the constant pressure of bridging languages and cultures while staying mentally and emotionally present.
But let’s set the record straight:
You are worthy of the work you do. You are capable of growing into the interpreter you aspire to be. You belong in this profession.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves Matter
If you’ve ever thought, I’m not good enough. I don’t deserve this opportunity. I’m just not capable…—take a breath. Those are just thoughts, not facts.
Research on emotional intelligence (EI) in interpreting confirms that self-awareness and belief in one’s abilities are major predictors of success. Interpreting isn’t just about knowing languages—it’s about navigating stress, emotional regulation, and trusting your ability to adapt.
When we let self-doubt run the show, we’re arguing against reality. The fact that you’re here, learning, growing, and showing up proves that you belong. The real question isn’t if you’re capable—it’s when you’ll start believing it.
Trust Yourself, Trust the Process
Interpreting is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Even the most seasoned interpreters had moments where they struggled, questioned themselves, and felt like they weren’t “good enough.” But they kept going.
Here’s what sets successful interpreters apart:
1) They regulate their emotions, not just their words.Interpreting requires staying calm under pressure. EI training has been shown to reduce stress and improve performance in high-stakes interpreting.
2) They embrace growth over perfection. No one starts out flawless. Growth happens in the messy, uncomfortable moments when you push past doubt and try, anyway.
3) They recognize their own worth. Self-confidence isn’t about arrogance—it’s about knowing you have value, regardless of whether every interpretation is perfect.
You Already Have What It Takes
Maybe no one has told you this lately, so let’s make it official:
You are enough. Right now.
You are learning, evolving, and becoming stronger with every assignment.
You can handle this, even when it feels hard.
Your presence, your skills, and your heart matter in this profession. So the next time doubt creeps in, remind yourself: I am here. I belong. I am capable.
Because you are.
Want to develop the emotional intelligence skills that help interpreters thrive? Join us for our next workshop on EI & Interpreting—where you’ll learn how to manage stress, trust yourself, and own your confidence in every assignment.
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