Meet Mari Haruno

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mari Haruno. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mari below.

Hi Mari, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I have always been good at a variety of things: I run fast, can play the Japanese drum, write beautifully, and do well in my studies. I believe I have managed to handle many things without any major issues since I was young. However, I don’t think I possess any exceptionally outstanding talent. But there is one thing I can boast about: my ability to “persevere.”

For example, I’ve maintained the habit of running 10 kilometers every morning since I was 13. Now, in my 40s, I still do it every day without fail, except for two days—only the days my son and daughter were born. Once I commit to something, I consistently work on it, facing myself again and again, without needing anyone else’s validation.

Thanks to this skill, even when things don’t go smoothly at first, I keep getting back up after every fall. I never give up, and as a result, I believe I have achieved almost everything I set out to do, even if it took some time.

No matter how reckless others may think my goals are, I maintain a forward-looking mindset, persistently moving ahead and achieving tangible results. I’ve gradually learned that, even if it takes time, hard work will always pay off and won’t betray me. I’ve come to feel proud of my ability to persevere, even through tough times, and I have consistently seen results, which has built my confidence.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have 3 main jobs.
1. Special Educational Teacher
I’ve been teaching children/adults with special needs for over 20 years.
I have run my own school since 2015.
My class is super unique. Instead of textbook, desks, chairs, we have trampoline, latters, coloured cones.
It’s a program that incorporate nuerosicence and allow students to learn languages while moving their bodies.
Everyone is different, and everyone is awesome. Every person has weaknesses because we are human, not robots. However, this also means that everyone has strengths. While it’s important to focus on our weaknesses and work hard to overcome them, it’s even more vital to concentrate on our strengths and develop them to build our confidence. I constantly think about how to support people in leveraging their strengths so they can confidently spread their wings and thrive in the world.

2. Canada Study Abroad Expert
I’ve been supporting, teaching Japanese International students since 2016.
Over1,000 students are coming from Japan to Canada through my company and
I’ve been arranging their schools, homestays, study permits, work permits and so on.
nstead of simply providing physical support, I strive to connect with each individual and offer tailored suggestions based on their personality and interests. Before traveling, during their time in Canada, and after their arrival, my team and I work closely together to provide comprehensive support every step of the way. When arranging individual counseling sessions with students, I listen attentively to their concerns and provide as much advice and support as possible, always giving my best effort to help them.

3. Inspiratinal Storyteller/Speaker
Since childhood, I’ve gone through numerous life-and-death experiences that have been incredibly intense. There were days when I lamented, wondering why I had to endure such hardships. However, each of those experiences has shaped who I am today. It’s precisely because of these experiences that I can offer courage and hope to others. I believe my mission in this world is to inspire people everywhere and to continue bringing joy and hope to their lives. Although I’m still in the early stages of my journey as a public speaker, I aspire to travel the world as a unique inspirational storyteller.

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?

I hold three stances that are very important to me and serve as my motto:

Give it a shot!!
Challenging the unknown and trying things we haven’t done before takes courage for everyone. It’s natural to feel anxious about the possibility of failure. However, I believe that the regret of not trying is far worse than any regret that comes from having tried. Instead of overthinking, just give it a shot! Taking that first step is crucial.

Believe in yourself!
While it’s important to listen to others, I think believing in your own abilities is essential for success. No matter how much talent or knowledge you possess, lacking self-confidence can prevent you from fully realizing your potential. Get your reps in! Practice consistently until your anxiety fades. Keep going until you can tell yourself, “I’ve done this enough; I can do it.” Having confidence in yourself is vital for living a fulfilling life.

Your possibilities are endless!!
Everyone is born with their own unique talents. However, it’s up to us to nurture or stifle them. The possibilities are limitless! By remembering to give it a shot and believe in yourself, and by maximizing your own potential, you can soar into the world. If you adopt this mindset, you’ll surely aim for greater heights.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

That’s a great question! Since childhood, my stance has remained consistent: I’ve often been hard on myself, sometimes too hard, pushing myself too far. However, since I started public speaking this spring, I’ve had many new experiences and encounters. I realized that in order to inspire and encourage others, I first need to be vibrant and happy myself.

I struggled to like myself for a long time, but I’ve been working on facing myself more honestly and acknowledging who I am. I’ve begun to appreciate myself more and want to focus on self-improvement. I believe this journey will allow me to become a more persuasive storyteller and a public speaker who can truly move people.

I genuinely feel that I’m starting to like myself a little more each day, and right now, I can say it’s the best time ever! I find myself having more moments where I truly feel that being alive is amazing.

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Mari Haruno

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