Educational articles

Martynas Kandzera

Martynas Kandzeras
Entrepreneur, investor, founder of the Lithuanian Business Angels Association

(The text is based on excerpts from the documentary essay “Landmarks for Change”)

Life itself shows that one of the most important things for a person is the inner freedom to create. And that inner freedom can only be given to oneself.

First of all, one should answer the question of what they are striving for, what they would like to create, as there are many paths one can take in this world. And then, ask yourself: "Wait, is this goal I just came up with really mine?" We are free people, we can choose, but it's important to remember that goals can be imposed by the environment. Society says that aiming for this particular thing is very good. And you believe it, try to walk that path, pursue that goal, and then you realize that you have neither energy, nor inner freedom, nor drive. And this has happened to me. I would think: "Here is a goal, I want to achieve it, and even though it’s difficult to move forward, all the motivational books say that I will have to work hard."

Later, I came to understand that moving towards a goal doesn’t necessarily have to be “through clenched teeth.” It can be complicated, certain tensions may arise, but you must feel that this is YOUR goal. Then you will have enough energy to achieve it.

It’s said that if you think quickly, you often slip on the surface because your brain saves energy. Therefore, quick decisions are usually based on stereotypes. I try not to "join" the societal "pictures" that are imposed on us. I try to rely on deeper thinking and a broader view. I have noticed that the real impulse to act that comes to me is not short and sharp, but broad and deep – one that I simply cannot ignore.