Meet Stephen Mannina

We recently connected with Stephen Mannina and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Stephen with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply influenced by my family and my personal journey. Living a sober lifestyle has taught me the importance of discipline and focus, and photography has been a crucial part of that journey. It helps me stay grounded and provides a creative outlet. My wife, Lyndsey, and our four children—ages 16, 13, 3, and 2—are my biggest motivators. Their support and love drive me to work hard every day.

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?

I am deeply passionate about photography, which has become a significant part of my life and my journey towards maintaining a sober lifestyle. Every day, I find joy and solace in capturing moments through my lens, whether it’s the beauty of nature, the vibrancy of urban life, or the candid expressions of people. Photography not only allows me to express my creativity but also helps me stay grounded and focused.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to tell stories through images. Each photograph has the power to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and connect people from different walks of life. I strive to create visuals that resonate with viewers and inspire them to see the world from a new perspective.

I firmly believe in the law of attraction and the power of positive thinking. This philosophy guides my daily life and my work. I love to inspire others to have a positive day and to approach life with a hopeful and optimistic mindset.

Through my social media platforms, where I have amassed around 15,000 followers, I regularly post content aimed at motivating and uplifting my audience. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how a simple message or a beautiful photo can brighten someone’s day and encourage them to adopt a positive attitude.

My family, especially my wife Lyndsey and our four children, are my biggest supporters and motivators. Their love and encouragement drive me to push my boundaries and continuously improve my craft.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe three key qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience, creativity, and a positive mindset.

Resilience: Life is full of challenges, and resilience has been crucial in helping me navigate through tough times. Whether it’s overcoming personal struggles or facing professional setbacks, the ability to bounce back and keep moving forward has been essential. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Develop a mindset that views setbacks as temporary and focus on the lessons they bring.

Creativity: As a photographer, creativity is at the heart of what I do. It allows me to see the world differently and to capture moments in unique ways. For anyone looking to enhance their creativity, I recommend exploring different forms of art and expression. Don’t be afraid to experiment and step outside your comfort zone. Creativity often flourishes when we allow ourselves to think freely and explore new ideas.

Positive Mindset: Believing in the law of attraction and maintaining a positive outlook has been transformative for me. A positive mindset not only improves your own well-being but also influences those around you. To develop this, start by practicing gratitude and focusing on the good in every situation. Surround yourself with positive influences and make a conscious effort to inspire and uplift others.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to be patient with yourself and stay committed to your goals. Building resilience, creativity, and a positive mindset takes time and practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dreams

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

The book that has played a pivotal role in my development is ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne. I almost treat it as some do a bible; it guides me in my daily life and has profoundly influenced my mindset and actions.

One of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom from ‘The Secret’ is the concept of the law of attraction. The idea that our thoughts and feelings can shape our reality has been transformative for me. It has taught me to focus on positive thoughts and to visualize my goals as already achieved. This practice has helped me stay motivated and optimistic, even in challenging times.

Another impactful lesson from the book is the importance of gratitude. By regularly expressing gratitude for what I have, I attract more positive experiences and opportunities into my life. This simple yet powerful practice has significantly improved my overall well-being and outlook on life.

Lastly, ‘The Secret’ emphasizes the power of belief. Believing in myself and my abilities has been crucial in overcoming obstacles and achieving my goals. It has encouraged me to take bold steps and to trust that the universe will support me in my endeavors.

For anyone looking to transform their life, I highly recommend ‘The Secret.’ Its teachings have been a guiding light for me, and I believe they can inspire and empower others as well

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