Inspiration is what I capture through film by interviewing some of the most influential people across America. I used to wonder why are these entertainers, athletes, and other celebrities “inspirational”? I asked myself, do they inspire me? I realized that only a handful do, and it’s those people on the come up.

The artists and entrepreneurs on the cusp of mainstream success that are so close they can taste it. There is something about talent at the ground level before the tribulations of mainstream success invade that always seems to inspire me.

I’m inspired when I see a young filmmaker stressed out, complaining about how they don’t have enough money but they are spending their last on equipment rental to shoot an independent feature. I’m inspired when I see high school kids in a rap group traveling to different states on the weekend to perform and writing essays on a Greyhound bus on the way back home. I’m inspired when a music video shot in your bedroom gets you a sponsorship opportunity with a major brand.

Have you ever spoken to someone that is really on their grind? They always look tired and disheveled. The thing they don’t teach you in school is that it is incredibly easy to be doing good, fine, ok, or any other non-descriptive word that people say when their life is boring as hell. It is damn hard to be living your dreams.

When people are stressed over the things they love is where I find inspiration because I know that stress will eventually turn into a career, and the life you’ve always dreamed about.

The second season of my web-series Jabari Presents will analyze the strategies of the dream-chasers rulebook. I want to inspire others by showing people extraordinary examples of just how much hard work it takes to achieve your dreams. You can find our more about Jabari Presents and donate to our Kickstarter campaign here.

A version of this story also appeared on AllThatInspires.Me.