Meet Mariah N. Rivera

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mariah N. Rivera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mariah N., so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Comparison is the thief of joy. If you constantly compare yourself to others, you’ll never be happy. Growing up in a large family, I learned early on that comparing myself to my siblings always led to disappointment. There will always be someone prettier, more athletic, smarter, or leaner, but that doesn’t make you any less of a person. There’s only one me, and I think I’m pretty amazing. I’m grateful for the ability to detach from a competitive mindset that might restrict my ability to let things go if I didn’t “win” against someone else. This perspective also helps with jealousy. I’m not a jealous person and believe that unique individuals with different backgrounds and experiences can achieve their own goals on their own timelines, free from societal pressure. Confidence is all internal, and I learned mine by not being afraid of anyone. Two people can be successful in their own ways, even if they’re pursuing the same goal, because each person’s definition of achievement can be entirely different. We all know that feeling when self doubt creeps in and makes your inner negativity come out and convinces you you aren’t good enough for whatever in life you are going through at the moment. First of all, if you are doubting yourself then others will as well and second, if you were looking at the same scenario but your friend was experiencing it, would you be treating your friend as harshly as you’re treating yourself?. The answer is likely no, so give yourself some grace. Just a gentle reminder that you are the only person putting a timeline on yourself, you are the person creating problems in your own head that aren’t there, you are the one putting pressure to complete something or be someone by a certain time; breathe, everything will happen with consistent work the way it’s supposed to.
It’s cheesy but confidence genuinely comes from within. If you think successful people don’t deal with confidence issues, you are sadly mistaken. Everyone has self doubt or days where they feel low or like they aren’t good enough, but it’s what you do with those low feelings that makes you into the person you want to become. If you tell yourself over and over again that you can accomplish something and actively do things every day to achieve that goal, then you will eventually convince yourself that you can do it. This translates later into if you believe that you can do it, eventually others will believe it too. Having internal confidence also means understanding when it’s time to step up as a leader or step down as a follower to allow others around you to shine. It means being humble enough to build up others around you because you want your colleagues and friends to build their own internal confidence as well.
When you build your own confidence, it can reflect well in your relationships, career and overall well being. You will no longer care about what others around you think because you are content in who you are as a person and know that you are enough as is. Insecurities and judgement are loud and confidence is silent. Becoming the version of yourself you’ve always wanted to be means giving into unlearning negative habits and behaviors that no longer align with the type of person you want to be; that’s how you grow. Being a confident person also means fully understanding who and who doesn’t deserve to have a space in your life because you are aware of your self worth and how important your time and peace is. Be confident enough to say ‘no’ to people who are not healthy or good for your mental health and you will learn to become more confident in only accepting healthy and consistent relationships.
Becoming more confident takes time and internal work that not a lot of people want to work on because it is difficult work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Mariah’s Days is a vibrant chronicle of resilience, adventure, and self-discovery, penned by Mariah Rivera. Born out of the uncertainties of the pandemic, this blog began as a creative outlet and coping mechanism during COVID-19. Mariah, initially poised for a different path with dreams of law school and a prestigious internship, found herself reassessing her trajectory after unexpected setbacks. Graduating remotely from Sonoma State University in May 2020, she turned to Instagram, transforming her page into Mariahs.days—a sanctuary of reels, nature, and travel photography. This platform became her lifeline, capturing her journey of exploration and positivity.

Embracing her wanderlust, Mariah embarked on a series of adventures that took her from chasing waterfalls to traversing open roads. Her career flourished alongside her travels, leading her from a legal assistant position at the Colorado State Capitol to roles at Ball Corporation and eventually Boeing. Through it all, Mariah’s Days has remained a testament to the power of pursuing dreams and adapting to life’s twists and turns. It serves not only as a chronicle of her travels but as a beacon of inspiration for those navigating their own paths, reminding readers that the road less traveled often leads to the most breathtaking destinations. Single and unapologetically chasing her dreams, Mariah Rivera’s journey is a celebration of individuality, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of passion.

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?

Throughout her journey, Mariah has shown that true confidence is internal, cultivated by not being afraid of anyone and staying true to her passions and values. Her story encourages others to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their dreams unapologetically, and not let fear or societal pressures dictate their paths. By sharing her experiences and growth, Mariah inspires others to be bold, resilient, and unafraid to carve their own distinct paths in life.

In my journey, three qualities have been most impactful: resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness. Resilience has allowed me to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward despite challenges. Life will throw unexpected obstacles your way, and the ability to recover quickly is crucial. To build resilience, I recommend facing your fears and taking on challenges outside your comfort zone. Reflecting on past difficulties and how you overcame them can boost your confidence to handle future obstacles.

Adaptability has helped me navigate changes in my career and personal life. Embracing change rather than fearing it has opened up new opportunities and experiences. To cultivate adaptability, be open to new experiences and willing to learn. When faced with change, focus on the potential benefits rather than the risks. Flexibility in your plans and goals will help you adjust more easily.

Self-awareness has been essential in guiding me to make decisions that align with my true self. Knowing my strengths, weaknesses, and values has been crucial in pursuing fulfilling goals. To develop self-awareness, regularly reflect on your actions, emotions, and decisions. Seek feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors to gain different perspectives. Understanding yourself deeply will help you make choices that are true to your core values.

For those early in their journey, I advise embracing challenges, being open to change, and continuously seeking to understand yourself better. These qualities will not only help you navigate your path but also make your journey more fulfilling and aligned with your true aspirations.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Yes, I have found myself second guessing my decisions and choices because I don’t feel confident enough to take the next step in my life. I keep reminding myself that the moment I stop second-guessing yourself will be incredibly freeing mentally and emotionally. While many aspects of life can hinder us, the one thing we truly control is ourselves. It’s normal to feel stuck occasionally, but how you handle those moments shapes your future.

Here are some tips that have helped me and may help you:

1. Identify Your Weaknesses: Knowing your weaknesses boosts self-awareness and helps you improve. Everyone has them, so use this knowledge to grow and reach your goals faster.

2. Stop Doubting Yourself: Let go of anxieties and self-doubt. Pursue your goals with confidence and don’t let fear hold you back. Being relentless in your pursuit of happiness is key.

3. Rejection is Redirection: View rejection as a chance for redirection. Whether it’s a job or relationship, see setbacks as opportunities for something better.

4. Treat Everyone with Respect: Treat others as you’d like to be treated. Being kind and respectful enhances your own happiness.

5. Stop Settling for Temporary Happiness: Avoid letting temporary situations or people impact your long-term happiness. Focus on what truly contributes to your well-being.

6. Do Something Small Every Day: Break down your goals into small, daily steps. Consistent, intentional actions will lead to progress.

7. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: Embrace opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone. Growth happens when you take risks and challenge yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mariahsdays17.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahs.days/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-rivera-m-s-282088196?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app