We recently connected with MARIANA SANCHEZ-WILLIAMS and have shared our conversation below.
MARIANA, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I’ve been working in the wellness, health and fitness industry for over 20 years doing all the things, teaching all the classes, running all the races, writing all the articles and even landing a cover magazine twice! but always struggled with believing I could some day do bigger things like hosting my own fitness retreat or teaching a class in front of hundreds of people. I was (and still sometimes to this day am), not capable of seeing my own potential, always comparing myself to others until I stopped looking for validation, started paying attention to everything I did have and let go of the illusion of control and perfection.
I think, for me, overcoming imposter syndrome came from trusting my gut, knowing that if it felt good, if I felt strong and powerful and happy and inspired doing it, it was the right thing to do.
I also started doing things without being ready and willing to learn along the way opened doors I never thought I could reach.
A huge aha moment for me was realizing I had a purpose: to be of service.
Knowing that what I do is important and believing it can impact somebody else’s life helped me feel confident.
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 fitness instructor, runner, coffee aficionado and almond butter junkie. I’ve been working in the fitness industry for as long as I can remember; I have taught pilates, kickboxing, spinning, bootcamp and all things running over the years.
I think what I love the most about being an instructor is the people you meet along the way, the relationships and connections are such a beautiful part of the job!
I have always believed that, even more important than a killer workout, is how you make people feel.
I always try to have some encouraging words, most days written in my chuck board, to reflect on after class so people can leave feeling accomplished, inspired and motivated.
After 20 years teaching I finally created and co founded with my sister our own fitness platform , its called Método M and it has been the most crazy, surprising and rewarding ride!
We started with a bootcamp in the park in Los Angeles Ca back in the summer of 2019 with only 7 people attending my first class. The community grew and after a couple of weeks I was teaching every Sunday, rotating parks, for a latino community of around 50-60 people. When Covid hit we started streaming LIVE through Instagram and it became a huge success with thousands of people connected every day to workout with us! After almost 6 months of free classes we launched Método M and the rest is history !
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
PERSEVERANCE Keep showing up no matter the outcome. Discipline is KEY and there is no shortcut to consistency.
PATIENCE
This is so difficult to have because it requires trust and letting go of control.
So many times people will say no, a project won’t work or a door will be closed.
Be patient, stay focused and keep showing up.
PASSION
And love for what you do! I think enjoying the task, whatever it is, is very much relevant to your success. If you enjoy doing your job or being part of a project, you will show passion and commitment and will keep trying because you believe in it.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Asking for help is so important! Knowing your strengths and realizing you can’t do everything is key to relieve the stress that comes with covering all grounds and wanting everything perfect.
Surrounding yourself with the correct people is also a great way to learn and grow.
Also having your own tools to keep yourself calm and grounded is a great strategy to avoid feeling overwhelmed all the time.
For me, having a routine is important. I meditate every morning when I wake up, I make a list of 10 things that I am grateful for, sip some water and start my day with a run or other form of exercise.
I have come to realize that putting myself first helps me be better in every aspect of my life, work specially !
Contact Info:
- Website: https://metodo-m.com
- Instagram: @im_coaching @elmetodo_m
