We recently connected with Binh Trinh and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Binh, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My parents immigrated to the United States with the equivalent of $4 between them. No family, no money, no English… They had to work extremely hard for opportunities for my siblings and I in the states. My parents worked hard because they had no choice as they came over here in the 70s. Civil rights for Asian immigrants at that time were tough so they dealt with a lot of discrimination. The only way they were able to earn respect was from their work and what they could produce. That work ethnic they developed to overcome their tough times was instilled in my brother, sister, and I. It’s something we learned at a young age and although the struggles were different for us, we developed our work ethic as well through our own adversity and obstacles.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Growing up all I wanted to do was fit in. Being the only Asian kid on the block/ classroom / or field that was tough. Kids would pull their eyes back and I remember wishing days where I wish I were white/black. It hurts to think my past self would denounce being Asian for the sake of fitting in but that’s what I did. I became someone I wasn’t to impress and feel validated by people who truly didn’t even know themselves. It wasn’t until I grew older (a lot order) that I took pride in being different. I was the only Asian on my show (Married at First Sight). When I got into to fitness model and commercial auditions I’m also the only Asian also. I used to use it as an excuse. I didn’t get the part because of this or that. I’m now determined to do it for all Asians who felt they couldn’t break on to the scene because they felt different. It should be okay to be DIFFERENT and I now understand that I just want to be myself and inspire others to be comfortable in their own skin as well.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that were impactful in my journey are confidence, perseverance, and my work ethic. Where I’m from isn’t even on a map and for me to make it out that environment took a lot of grit and tenacity. My parents instilled in me an insane work ethic that has always included early mornings, late nights, and full undivided attention to the task at hand. My advice for any early in their journey is to do YOU! Surround yourself with positive, inspiring people that will help you achieve things. There’s nothing better than finding a community of like minded individuals that inspiring you and help you grow in your own lane.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
The biggest area of growth the past 12 months has been my mental health. I talk to a therapist periodically, journal, do yoga, and focus on being more present. Growing up I only felt loved or got attention if I was achieving. It turned me into this overachieving perfectionist who was never satisfied in his own achievements. I have been working on inner peace and self love instead of external validations from achievements.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: binhinspiring
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanhbinh-trinh/
