We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robyn Gutierrez . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robyn below.
Robyn, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Yes, isn’t this the truth! Building confidence and self-esteem is an ongoing practice, a lesson I learned later in my life. Given that I lacked confidence, a turning point came for me when I got curious about why I struggled to believe in myself and pursue my dreams.
This curiosity led me to pause and observe my thoughts. I discovered so many self-limiting beliefs that were directly impacting my confidence and self-worth. Little by little, I began questioning these thoughts – were they truly valid or helpful? Often, the answer was no. This allowed me to reframe them into empowering beliefs, reminding myself of my worthiness.
I began by keeping the promises I made to myself. Following through with what I said I was going to do fostered trust in myself, which further boosted my confidence. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves the same self-love and self-compassion. By challenging limiting beliefs and nurturing ourselves, we can tap into the confidence we deserve.
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?
Hi everyone, I’m Robyn! I’m a mom, a wife, and a heart-centered empath who believes in living authentically. My journey hasn’t been easy – navigating a difficult divorce, especially with a young baby, was a huge challenge. However, looking back, I see that period as a time of immense personal growth. It forced me to reconnect with my authentic self, something I’d lost touch with at times.
This experience highlighted the importance of taking control of my life and defining my own narrative. The only reason I felt like a failure was because I had failed at following the path that society prescribed for me. I soon made the connected that society doesn’t dictate my path – I do. This realization empowered me to make a bold decision: leaving my secure corporate career.
For years, I felt unfulfilled and misaligned with my values. Stepping away from what I have always known and what I went to school for was a big move, but it allowed me to honor my true self and embrace a new purpose – empowering other women on their unique journeys of self-trust. This path, which came from my own challenges, has become the driving force behind my coaching practice, my why. Today, I’m happily remarried to my best friend and partner, and I’m building a business aligned with my purpose in life.
A turning point for me was overcoming the effects of overthinking and self-doubt. With learning about and leaning into Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Breath-work I learned to quiet the noise, live in the present moment, and set healthy boundaries that prioritize my well-being. I started asking myself: “By saying yes to others, am I unintentionally saying no to myself and my values?”
These experiences have shaped my coaching approach. I understand the power of breaking free from societal expectations, navigating challenges with grace, and setting boundaries that empower you to live authentically. My goal is to guide women on a similar path, helping them overcome obstacles, discover their true potential, and live a fulfilling life.
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?
Gosh that is a tall order! Looking back, these three things were most impactful on my journey:
- Mindset Shift: I used to get caught up in overthinking and self-doubt. Learning to accept my thoughts and feelings without judgment was a game-changer. Instead of getting swept away by negativity, I learned to pause, observe, and then choose a more empowering response. This allowed me to quiet the mental noise and connect with my true self. It sounds easier said than done but, I promise you with practice it does become easier.
- The Power of the Pause: Through the practices that I have leaned into, I learned the serious power of the pause. Taking a moment to breathe and reflect allowed me to gain clarity and make better decisions. This simple practice helped me avoid getting overwhelmed by emotions and prioritize what truly mattered.
- Self-Awareness Through Self-Compassion: Throughout my journey, self-compassion became such a strong pillar of where I could learn to grow. Instead of beating myself up for mistakes (which was not easy for me at first), I learned to be kind and understanding towards myself. This allowed me to learn from my experiences and move forward with confidence.
My advice for those just getting started on their journey is this…Start by taking small steps and celebrate those wins! Mindfulness exercises like meditation or journaling can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings; it does not matter what it looks like just find something that works for you. When a negative thought arises, acknowledge it, but don’t judge it. Ask yourself: “Is this thought true? Is this though helpful?” By creating that space between you and your thoughts, you can choose how to respond rather than reacting impulsively.
The next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a deep breath and pause. Ask yourself: “What’s going on here? What’s the best way to approach this situation?” Finally, please embrace self-compassion. We all make mistakes, but self-criticism won’t move you forward. Forgive yourself, learn from the experience, and choose to move forward with kindness towards yourself.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, I’m open to collaboration! I’m particularly interested in connecting with podcast hosts who focus on mindset, confidence, self-compassion, and personal growth.
What makes my approach different?
You might have heard a lot about these topics, but what sets me apart is my background. I’m not just a coach – I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive experience in behavior change. This means my approach is grounded in the science of human behavior.
But it gets even better! I’m also in the process of becoming a certified trauma-informed breathwork facilitator. This allows me to seamlessly integrate:
* Behavior analytic principles: Understanding how your habits and patterns work.
* Coaching strategies: Helping you set goals and move forward with confidence.
* Breathwork: Powerful techniques to manage stress and cultivate self-awareness.
* Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A framework for building resilience and living a life aligned with your values.
This allows you to:
* Set healthy boundaries and overcome people-pleasing tendencies.
* Let go of perfectionism and embrace self-compassion.
* Conquer overthinking and anxiety, finding peace in the present moment.
Ultimately, my goal is to empower you to reclaim your life and discover the joy that comes from living authentically.
Interested in connecting?
Head over to my website reflectandrefine.net to learn more about my coaching practice and my upcoming workshops. You can also shoot me an email at [email protected] to discuss potential collaborations.
Contact Info:
- Website: reflectandrefine.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachrobyn_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-vasquez-gutierrez-094459a9/
Image Credits
Geise Pinto Photography
