We were lucky to catch up with Maria Duarte recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maria, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Growing up, I was always an avid reader. Whenever I faced a challenge or a difficult situation, I would turn to books to help me find my way. Books were my playbook, my guide to success. They gave me the tools I needed to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.
But despite my love for reading and my high-achieving nature, I struggled with perfectionism for as long as I can remember. I felt the need to be perfect at all times, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed. Self-care was not on my radar, and I often neglected my mental and physical well-being in favor of chasing after my goals.
It wasn’t until about a year ago that I started to realize the importance of self-care. I had been feeling burnt out and exhausted, and I knew something had to change. I started to prioritize my mental and physical health by taking the time to focus on relaxation, exercise, and mindfulness. I began to make time for reading, not just as a way to improve myself, but as a way to recharge my batteries and find joy in life.
I found that the more I focused on self-care, the more my performance improved in all areas of life. I was more productive, creative, and confident. I realized that taking care of myself wasn’t just important for my own well-being, but also for my ability to achieve my goals.
Today, I continue to make self-care a priority. I still love to read, and I make time for it every day. But I also make sure to take care of my body and mind, whether that means practicing yoga, going for a walk in nature, or simply taking a few deep breaths and clearing my mind.
Self-care is not selfish, it’s essential. It’s the foundation upon which all our success and achievements are built. No matter what your goals are, taking care of yourself is the first step in achieving them. One of my coaches once said “slow down to go faster” and that hit home.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Six years ago, I was searching for a way to work remotely and have more time with my family. I had always dreamed of traveling and working simultaneously, but I didn’t know how to make it happen. However, I was determined to find a solution.
I began to research online businesses and discovered that it was possible to build a career that allowed me to work from anywhere in the world. However, it wasn’t easy. There was a lot of information to sift through, and it was difficult to know where to start.
Before COVID-19 hit, I had already started my journey toward building a remote career. However, the pandemic accelerated the shift toward remote work, and I finally got my chance to join a 100% remote company. This was a new experience for me, but I quickly adapted to the remote work culture.
Since then, I have managed several online businesses, which has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Managing these businesses has taught me valuable skills like time management, organization, and communication. It has also allowed me to become great at my career while still being present for my family.
One of the biggest benefits of running an online business is the flexibility it provides. I can work from anywhere in the world, which means I can travel and explore new places without having to sacrifice my income or my ability to work. This has been a game-changer for me, and I know it can be for anyone who is willing to put in the work to make it happen.
As someone who has experienced the ups and downs of building an online business, I can tell you that it’s not easy. But it is possible with hard work, determination, and the right skills. Today, I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way, and I encourage anyone who is interested in building an online business to take the first step and start learning. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are worth it.
After having successful online businesses, I have decided to focus on building a personal brand and business consulting in operations for small businesses and entrepreneurs. I am excited about this new venture, and I believe it will allow me to help others achieve their business goals.
I have learned a lot over the years about what it takes to build a successful business, and I want to share my knowledge with others. As a business consultant, I will be able to help entrepreneurs and small business owners optimize their operations, streamline their processes, and increase their profits.
I believe that every business is unique, and I am committed to providing customized solutions for each of my clients. I understand that small businesses and entrepreneurs face unique challenges, and I am confident in my ability to help them overcome these obstacles and achieve their goals.
Building a personal brand is also important to me. As a consultant, I want to establish myself as a trusted expert in the field of operations for small businesses. By building a personal brand, I will be able to connect with my audience, share my expertise, and grow my business.
I am excited about this new chapter in my career, and I am committed to providing exceptional service to my clients. I believe that by working together, we can achieve great things and build successful businesses that make a positive impact on the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Skills that have been super helpful in my personal experience: to have integrity and care for those around you. These values have been the cornerstone of my career and have helped me become successful in my business ventures.
For me, personal growth has been key in developing these skills. I’ve worked hard to develop mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. It hasn’t always been easy, but I firmly believe that by putting in the work, I’ve been able to make a positive impact on the people around me.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is the value of putting myself first. It might sound selfish, but it’s not. Learning to prioritize my own needs has helped me grow both personally and professionally. When I show up for myself with the same level of commitment I show for my clients or colleagues, I’m able to have a greater impact on the people I care about.
I know the journey toward personal growth and development takes time and effort, but it’s so worth it. If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to focus on your own growth and development. Cultivating integrity and care for those around you can help you achieve your goals and make a positive impact on the world.
So, show up for yourself, put in the work, and let your personal growth guide you toward success.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience that many of us face at some point in our lives. It can be challenging to navigate through difficult or stressful situations while trying to balance different aspects of our lives. It may seem like we are being hit with obstacles from all directions, and sometimes life can feel unfair.
However, it’s essential to recognize that we have a choice in how we react to these situations. As Victor Frankl famously wrote in his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” between stimulus and response lies our choice. We can choose to feel overwhelmed, or we can choose to take control of our thoughts and emotions.
One helpful way to gain perspective on what we are going through is by seeking support from our community. While it’s always great to have family and friends to rely on, there are often many outside resources available to us, such as support groups, counseling, or therapy.
In addition, taking care of our physical well-being can also help us manage feelings of overwhelm. This includes exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. When our body feels good, it can be easier to manage our emotions and thoughts.
Lastly, being mindful of our thoughts can help us gain clarity and control over our feelings. Mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling can be helpful in fostering a more positive and proactive mindset.
Contact Info:
