The “My Inspirations” series is my opportunity to highlight a specific person, book, or resource that has helped lead me to where I am today and inspired me to take on the challenge of starting a computer business. No journey is ever taken alone.

There’s no denying that your parents greatly influence you as a person. For better or worse, as one grows older, they find that they start taking on the same characteristics that they once observed in their mom and dad. We may inherit benign mannerisms from them, like rubbing our chin when thinking hard, or we may share with them life-defining traits like musical ability or academic prowess. For me it’s no different. The older I get, the more I understand why my parents did certain things and the more I begin emulating them, whether I like it or not! Lucky for me, my parents are great folks and I’ve been fortunate enough to have acquired some very useful skills, knowledge, and philosophy from them.

I’d say, above all else, that my mom has been the greatest consistent positive force in my life. You’ll never meet someone who can put a positive spin so easily on anything that life throws your way.  She always reminds me that every set back I think of as a failure can be a learning opportunity and a chance to grow.  My mom also offers unwavering support for any task I set out to accomplish.  She’ll support me and cheer me on even when I think I’m barely squeaking by.  It’s great to have this kind of cheerleader to back you up no matter what you decide to do.  I know that no matter what happens to me on my journey through life, I’ll always have mom in my corner to remind me that I’m doing ok.

My Mom has been a middle-school teacher for over 25 years.  She had wanted to be a teacher ever since she was a kid and she has pursued this dream with passion and determination.  She’s had some setbacks in life that kept her away from teaching for a small time, but she’s always been drawn back to the classroom and I find this dedication VERY inspiring.  I think it’s this kind of energy and determination that I hope to put into my business that will truly make it successful.  Because she’s been so good at what she does, she’s has been offered positions in the education system that, although being a step up in pay and prestige, she would decline because they would take her out of the classroom, which is where her passion lies.  This example parallels my decision to eventually leave the corporate world, where I’ve been promoted very quickly and earn a good salary, to pursue a career in fixing computers, which is normally something that IT people use as a jumping-off point to bigger and better things.  Helping people learn is something my mom chooses to do out of a love for sharing knowledge, and that same love is what drives me to want to help people solve their computer troubles.

My mom’s not perfect. Sometimes she’s a little TOO nice and her unconditional support can be embarrassingly biased. She’s been divorced and remarried. She’s been bankrupt and she’s fought with the demons of gambling addiction and mental illness. But through it all she’s emerged with a smile on her face and a positive attitude that would put Mr. Rogers to shame.

Whether or not you have a good relationship with your mother, everyone should try to find someone who will support them through all of life’s obstacles.  Be it a spouse, a friend, or a religious figure, there’s always someone out there that is willing to cheer you on.  It is also improtant that you strive to be that person for others.

The future success of my business is dedicated first and foremost to my mother, I couldn’t have done it without you!

Who inspires you?