We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Blanco recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Victoria, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
My journey in developing the ability to take risks has been profoundly influenced by my experiences and the individuals who have shaped my life, along with my faith. Living with ADHD, my brain naturally gravitates towards taking risks, but organizing my thoughts and initiating actions has always been a challenge. Research shows that people with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning, which includes planning, decision-making, and impulse control. This means that while the desire to take risks is strong, the ability to execute them thoughtfully can be hindered. With that said, throughout my life, I’ve managed to channel this impulsivity into a determined effort to take action, largely thanks to the role models who paved the way for me.
My father, who retired as a lieutenant, was a beacon of grit and perseverance. Starting from the bottom in both the police force and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he taught me the importance of hard work and kindness. He believed in treating everyone with respect and saw value in every individual, regardless of their background. His consistency and reliability as a professional and as a dad were qualities I deeply admired and aspired to emulate. Because he worked so hard, I developed the consistent practice of taking care of myself early in life. I took buses and walked everywhere; nothing was handed to me. I earned every dollar I have and always had to find innovative solutions to get things done. I started working on my 15th birthday, as soon as it was legal, and my husband did the same. I am grateful for my father’s encouragement in these developments, as it shaped who I am today.
My uncle’s journey from Cuba to a doctoral position in the United States is another source of inspiration. He began by cleaning vents and worked his way up to becoming a publisher, student advocate, and beloved professor. He was the one who guided me through completing my FAFSA before high school graduation, encouraging me to pursue a career that would lead to success.
My grandmother, a lifelong educator, has always had a special place in her heart for students with behavioral challenges. Even in her 70’s, she remains active on the board of education, dedicating her time to ensuring these students receive the guidance they need. She would visit their homes after school to help with homework and involve them in after-school programs. Growing up with her, I learned the importance of dedication and the impact of a supportive presence in a child’s life. The military background on my mother’s side of the family instilled in me a sense of discipline and dedication. Surrounded by people who took risks and pursued excellence, I knew no other way of living.
My husband, coming from a background of martial arts where discipline is a cornerstone, further reinforces these values in our family. As I entered adulthood, my faith and support system became my anchor. My daughters look up to me, and I strive to be the example they need. My mother in law (Danny’s mom) is an additional support system of consistency, along with my cousin Diana and some dear friends we have made in the process. That support system and circle of trust is paramount in this process.
Additionally, it is important to mention that a disciplined schedule has been key to managing my ADHD and maintaining focus. For years, I have started my day with motivational podcasts or audiobooks, setting a positive tone and filling my mind with new ideas and strategies. Now, I am doing that with Danny and our daughters as a family, which has been foundational. We have learned to be kind to ourselves when faced with failures, understanding that each setback is a learning opportunity. This self-compassion is crucial, as it allows us to stay resilient and continue moving forward. Understanding that I cannot do everything and that it is important to ask for help from others truly has transformed me and has enabled me to pursue this vision moving forward with Danny in ways that we would otherwise not imagine.
Our work in pediatric occupational therapy allows us to connect with children and families on a personal level. This dedication to finding innovative, evidence-based solutions and advocating for those we serve is second nature to us. Ethics and empathy are the cornerstones of our practice. We strive to provide the kind of care for families that we would want for our own children. Without being humble and adaptable, these foundations would not be able to expand. This commitment ensures that every decision and action is made with the utmost integrity and respect for the individuals we serve and work beside.
In a supportive environment, with commitment to health and a determination to build on my family’s legacy, taking risks is not just a consideration—it is a necessity. Love, passion, dedication, and commitment drive us forward, ensuring that we continue to honor the legacy of those who came before us and to inspire those who will follow.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
We are excited to share more about our journey and what we are focused on professionally. At the Synergy Approach, we are deeply committed to the expansion of our pediatric occupational therapy practice. Our practice specializes in helping children develop the skills they need to thrive in everyday life, focusing on their strengths to build independence in various developmental areas.
What I find most exciting and special about our work is the dynamics we build with children and their families. By incorporating a holistic approach, we are able to provide comprehensive care tailored to each child’s unique needs. This integrative method not only helps the children we serve but also supports their families in creating a nurturing and empowering environment at home.
One of the key aspects of our practice is our emphasis on community involvement and collaboration with other professionals who serve the same community. We believe that building a strong network of support is crucial for the success and well-being of the children and families we work with. This includes working closely with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure a cohesive and supportive approach to each child’s development.
Looking ahead, we are excited about several new initiatives. We are planning to expand our services to reach more families in need, and we are actively working on developing new programs that address specific challenges faced by the children we serve. For instance, we are in the process of launching a series of workshops and seminars for parents and caregivers, aimed at providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to support their children’s development at home.
Additionally, we are committed to fostering innovation in our practice. This includes exploring new therapeutic techniques and technologies that can enhance our services and outcomes. Our goal is to stay at the forefront of pediatric occupational therapy, continuously improving and evolving to meet the needs of our community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been most impactful: perseverance, patience, and the ability to accept failure. Perseverance has allowed me to push through challenges and continuously seek innovative solutions, while patience has helped me navigate the long and winding road to success. Accepting failure as a learning opportunity has been crucial in maintaining resilience. My advice for those early in their journey is to stay committed to their goals, practice self-care, maintain balance, and remember that success doesn’t happen overnight—Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I am currently facing is managing my time effectively and balancing my roles as both a therapist and a businesswoman. To address this, I rely on several strategies. Listening to motivational podcasts helps me stay focused and inspired, while reaching out to others for help allows me to leverage their expertise and support. Accepting my obstacles and confronting them head-on is crucial, but above all, my faith in God provides me with the strength and guidance I need to navigate these challenges. This combination of practical tools and spiritual grounding helps me strive for balance and effectiveness in both my professional and personal life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://synergyapproach.com/
- Instagram: @thesynergyapproachtherapy
Image Credits
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