Meet Annette Mata

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annette Mata a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Annette, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

As a child, I always had my head in the clouds. My father said I was a dreamer. Not having much to support my dreams, I put them aside. I was told I was not “college material,” and I deferred a higher education because of those words.
I was told I was a good writer, yet I didn’t believe that to be true until many years later when I began to blog. I realized I believed something that was never true of me. I was, in fact, smart, strong, and a good writer.
After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree, I became a producer, blogger, and former podcast host. Then, I decided to go back to school and study law. I currently have a Masters of Law with a Certification in Entertainment Law. I have since published two books.
I realized that if you set your mind towards a task, remove all the noise that comes under the “guise” of advice and opinions, and follow your heart, you will rise.
Resilience comes when no one else believes in you. I was told “no” too many times, and honestly, I began to believe that what they were denying me I did not deserve. But I was born with a curious mind!
Resilience comes from within. It comes from what you believe to be true about yourself. If you are strong, then you will be. We have allowed society to define who and what we are to become. We self-identify with others instead of looking within to what is our passion, our gift.
Resilience comes when there is no way out but forward.
We are all born with resilience; it’s a matter of whether we choose to tap into it.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

In the past three years, I have developed a passion for writing. My latest publication, “Parenting in the Dark,” was awarded The Bookfest Award Winner for best non-fiction in the Parenting category. I am writing my first novel, which has become a “new” challenge I have set for myself. It’s an exciting genre, and the creativity in writing makes this a true escape. Most of my writing has been focused on self-help, and this upcoming book is a challenge for me as an author.
I am also hosting my podcast, Conversations from the Green Couch Podcast, which features upcoming talks and interviews. It’s always a fun and creative outlet to talk with folks who are passionate about what they do.
I am very curious and when I find something interesting, I lean into it to learn more.
This past year, my book was presented at various book fairs across the country and even placed in bookstores around the globe. I love the task of writing and blogging. I enjoy creating a space where someone can quietly explore new ideas. I am currently focused on the completion of the novel.
In my spare time, I consult talent in the Entertainment Industry on contract negotiations.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

In a culture of “influencers,” we find a lot of noise without substance. It is extremely important to garner as much knowledge as possible in the field of your passion. It’s best to educate yourself with all the latest information relevant to your product, business, etc.
There are many ways of doing this.
1). Resources, books, Google, formal education, online education.
2) It’s also important to connect with people in the field you want to enter and ask relevant questions.
3) Show up prepared. Do your homework and show sincere interest.
4) Attend events that are relevant to your interests
Oftentimes, we discover that what we think we want to do is not exactly all that it is.
Know your intention. Be honest with yourself. Stay teachable.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, which honestly can be most days if you watch the news and scroll, I do the following.
1) Stop scrolling
2) Go to dinner with a friend
3) Go for a long walk around the neighborhood
4) Take a long bath
5) Light a candle
6) Play music
7 )Volunteer
8) Eat something fun
9) Read a good book
10). Watch something fun
We allow too many external forces to influence our daily interactions, and by the time we go to bed, we are overwhelmed with life’s challenges. We do not allow ourselves to laugh, cry, shout, and sit still.
Give yourself permission to be by yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://annetteortizmata.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteomata/