Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maryann Rivera-Dannert, MSL. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Maryann, 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?
Taking risks is all about understanding why we’re scared, having a chat with that fear, and figuring out if it’s a real concern or just something we’ve picked up from others. I truly believe that fear comes to us in one of three ways:
1. Passed on to us by those that raised us
2. What we see pick up from society
3. Something really happened to us
When I’m faced with making a decision, I’ve learn to tune in to my intuition. I get quiet and listen carefully. I scan my body and feel for tightness, uneasiness, and feel my heart rate – to see if it’s increasing. For me, these are signals that my body is sending me and I lean it, ask questions, and get to the root of the concerns. I look to my upbringing, and see if there’s a connection there. I then look to the messages being received from society, and then lastly, I look to see if there’s history there. Has something occurred in the past that created this fear.
Then, it’s about being brave enough to go for it anyway – if, it’s something I truly want to do. Oftentimes we dive in to do something we truly have no business doing, and only agree because someone else has made the request, and we are afraid to let them down. Boundaries are key here.. but we’ll talk about that later.
When we’re scared, it’s often because of stuff that’s happened before or what people around us think. But if we dig a bit deeper, we might find out that our fear isn’t actually based on anything real.
So, we need to decide if our fear is legit or just something we’ve inherited. Legit fears keep us safe, but inherited ones might be holding us back from doing awesome things.
Taking a risk means stepping out of our comfort zone even when we’re scared. It’s not about being reckless, but about facing our fears and seeing them as opportunities to grow.
In the end, taking risks is all about learning from experience and finding out what we’re capable of. It’s about going after our dreams, even if it means dealing with a bit of uncertainty along the way.
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?
I am a certified life coach, author, speaker, and the creator & host of the podcast, Fearless Fridays with Maryann. I work with women who are ready to unlock their full potential, by partnering up, and walking alongside them, as they embark on a personalized journey of transformation. Women who are stuck, feel unfulfilled and disillusioned with how things are in her life currently. Women who give their all to their significant other, kids, careers, community, etc., but don’t prioritize themselves. These are the women I work with, and I help them get their power back as they realize that they are a priority, and that they matter!
My drive comes from learning early on how to be what I would later become. The woman I am today, is the person I needed growing up. Striving to be better than what life handed me, the conquering spirit within arose and gave me the courage and realization I needed to recognize my unique value as a woman. With a background filled with adversity, instability, and dysfunction, there was much stacked against me. Yet, I didn’t allow what happened in my formative years to stop me from becoming who I am today.
I feel that what sets me apart from other coaches, is that I use my personal life experience to show others that it does not matter how you start in life, or what has happened to you. What matters are the lessons learned and using that to drive you forward.
I dropped out of high school at the age of 16 and got my G.E.D. at 17 (while in a juvenile detention center). Yet, here I am a recipient of a master’s degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in Strategic Leadership, and a bachelor’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan University in Organizational Management.
What I’m currently most excited about is the expansion that I am receiving, all-around. From joining the Jazz Cast Pros Network for my podcast, Fearless Fridays with Maryann, to having recently revamped my coaching offerings, and soon getting my John Maxwell Certification in Coaching, Speaking and Training. I’m also excited about my soon to be released anthology book, with 14 other co-authors, one amazing poet, and foreword author. The book is called In the Pursuit of Fearless Living: Losing Love…Friends, Family, Relationships. Lastly, I’m working on my memoir, which will be out in the fall.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that stand out as immensely impactful are resilience, determination, and hope. These qualities have been the foundation for my progress and growth, guiding me through challenges and keeping me focused on my goals.
Here’s how I believe they’ve made a difference, along with advice for those starting their own journeys:
1. Resilience: Resilience to me is the ability to bounce back from setbacks as you keep moving forward. It’s about not letting failures or obstacles define you but using them as stepping stones toward success. To develop resilience, it’s important to have a growth mindset. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than viewing them as barriers. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to persevere even when things get tough. Practice self-care to help you stay strong in the face of adversity.
2. Determination: Determination is the commitment to achieving your goals, no matter what obstacles stand in your way. It’s about staying focused on your vision and taking consistent action to make it a reality. To build determination, set clear, achievable goals that inspire and motivate you. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate each milestone along the way. Remember that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to reassess and adjust your approach. And don’t forget to celebrate your wins – no matter how small.
3. Hope: Hope is the belief that better things are possible, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity. It’s the fuel that keeps you going when the road ahead seems long and daunting. To have hope, cultivate a positive outlook on life. Focus on what you can control rather than dwelling on things beyond your influence. Surround yourself with optimistic people who uplift and inspire you. Practice gratitude and mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life’s journey.
For those just starting their journey, my advice is this: embrace resilience, cultivate determination, and nurture hope. Remember that success rarely comes easy, but with perseverance and a positive attitude, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way. Surround yourself with supportive mentors who believe in your potential and encourage you to reach for the stars. You also should have a coach. Having a life coach offers clarity and focus on your goals, provides accountability and motivation to keep you on track, and facilitates personal growth and development through guidance and support.
And most importantly, never lose sight of your dreams. Keep pushing forward, one step at a time, and trust that the journey will be worth it in the end.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is a woman between the ages of 28 and 60, married or single, she is a professional, yet finds herself feeling stuck and unhappy. She often finds herself lost daydreaming of yesteryear, reminiscing about past experiences and feeling a sense of sadness as she reflects on what could have been. Despite these reflective moments, she has a burning desire for so much more from life.
Despite her outward success, she lacks clarity about her direction and struggles to set meaningful goals for herself. The routine of her daily life may leave her feeling trapped, yearning for something more but unsure where to begin. She might feel overwhelmed by the demands of her career, juggling responsibilities at work and at home, and navigating the complexities of relationships.
In the quiet moments when she allows herself to dream, she envisions a life filled with purpose, passion, and fulfillment. She longs to break free from the constraints of her current reality and pursue her deepest desires. Yet, the path forward appears hazy, and she feels uncertain about how to take the first step or what that first step should be.
Despite her uncertainty, my ideal client possesses a resilience and inner strength that has carried her through life’s challenges. She is not afraid to confront her fears and confront the obstacles that stand in her way. She understands that true growth often requires stepping outside of her comfort zone and embracing the unknown.
Above all, my ideal client is ready to explore something new, and is ready to go on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She is open to exploring her beliefs, values, and aspirations, and is willing to challenge herself to create positive change in her life. She seeks guidance and support to uncover her inner strengths, gain clarity about her goals, and cultivate a greater sense of self-worth and confidence.
Together, we will work to unlock her full potential and empower her to create the life she truly desires. A life where is she free, fearless, and fabulous!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maryannriveradannert.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannriveradannert
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdempowermentsolutions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannriveradannert/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu9pgSbtk2PI3NpH-65uOpvdaLsyB1tAv&si=cOTAKll3dqZwZG-c
