We were lucky to catch up with Diana Caro recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diana, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
Self-discipline, from my perspective, finds its primary source in self-love. It’s a continuous, conscious practice that involves reflecting on the long-term impact of my actions. The foundation lies in the trust I have in myself – the ability to look in the mirror and affirm that I can rely on my decisions. This self-love is nurtured through regular, honest assessments of whether my actions align with my goals. Asking myself, “Am I steering myself in the direction I want to go?” is crucial for cultivating a sense of self-love and trust.
In the face of numerous distractions and the allure of instant gratification, I find it essential to romanticize the process of self-discipline. By envisioning the person I aspire to be and making the practice enjoyable, it becomes a choice I want to make for myself, rather than an obligation.
Additionally, the social environment plays a significant role in maintaining discipline. Surrounding myself with disciplined individuals who share a passion for work and self-motivation is key. Having friends with healthy habits makes the journey of staying disciplined more manageable. This supportive environment encourages positive habits and contributes to overall discipline.
Choosing and cultivating relationships with individuals who align with my values and work ethic is a priority. Through mutual encouragement and a shared commitment to personal growth, we motivate each other to maintain healthy habits and discipline. Understanding that it is a practice and leaving room for error is also important. Nobody is perfect; there are good and bad moments, but practicing redirection when you are off course is crucial. Acknowledging imperfections and consistently working towards improvement is integral to the ongoing journey of self-discipline.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a website and brand designer here in Denver. The best part about my job is that there are a million ways to do one thing, and I get to work with all sorts of industries and pros.
I really enjoy chatting with other professionals; it’s like my secret sauce for learning and making life a bit smoother. And when I see businesses benefiting from what I do, taking some stress off their plate, it’s pretty rewarding. I went to design school, so they don’t have to deal with that stuff – just trying to make things a bit easier for them.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three major skills that have really shaped my journey are journaling, staying active, and taking things one day at a time. It might sound a bit cliche, but journaling has been a game-changer for me. It helps me process my thoughts and reflect on them more effectively. Whenever I struggle with negative emotions like imposter syndrome, journaling becomes a gateway to brainstorming solutions and pulling myself out of those negative thought patterns. I tend to overthink, so journaling allows me to unload those thoughts from my head and, once written down, I can release them.
Staying active has been super impactful. Exercise helps me decompress and stay in a better mood. I remember when I thought going to the gym five times a week was impossible. Now, it’s a habit, and I can’t imagine not going. What really helped me form that habit was taking it one day at a time. If there were days I didn’t feel like going to the gym, I’d convince myself to go today but skip tomorrow. Then, when tomorrow rolled around, I’d repeat the same mantra – telling myself I’ll go today and skip tomorrow. Applying this approach has been my go-to, not just for the gym, but also for tackling everyday challenges, particularly in design when things get tough.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I love teaming up with savvy business owners and marketing pros who appreciate quality design. These are the folks who truly grasp how a well-crafted website is a part of the growth strategy for their online presence.
Right now, I’m in the mix with marketing teams that appreciate the value of outsourcing their design needs. At the same time, I’m collaborating with small to medium-sized businesses that are fully committed to their growth journey.
What makes these individuals my ideal partners? Well, they’re not just visionaries; they’ve got crystal-clear goals that guide our collaboration. And here’s the exciting part – they’re ready to invest in themselves because they understand that this investment is essential for any online business strategy.
Whether I’m brainstorming with marketing teams or supporting businesses on their growth trajectory, it’s all about embarking on a journey where goals meet creativity, strategy, and a shared dedication to crafting a standout online identity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dianacarodesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacaro.design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555147770212
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-caro/
