Maz Dela Cerna is a self-development coach, founder of the Phoenix Rising Collective and the author of I Deserve Better.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
My background has predominantly been in sales. Currently I am an author and mindset coach. I help people remove subconscious blocks and limiting beliefs so they can experience and live the life they want.
Whether they are stuck in a negative frame of thinking, have trauma that is blocking them from pursuing what they desire or are stuck in toxic cycles with themselves or others.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
I usually wake up and listen to my affirmation meditation I have created and then get my blood pumping with either a walk/run or a mini workout.
I only really work during the week as I like my weekends free and tackle the harder tasks first so that I can do the tasks I enjoy the most, last. It’s kind of a reward for getting the hard stuff done.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
I work from home and if COVID wasn’t an issue I would most definitely be overseas working remotely. I love to travel but even so, I do enjoy working from home. I like to keep business and socialising separate and find I am more driven working on my own.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
Work-life balance is super important. Life is too short to just pay the bills. I also juggle another day job in fitness/sales but I prioritise my time so I make room for my friends and family.
There are times I get carried away with work and find I am less productive as my mind doesn’t think as clearly. Sometimes the best thing to do is to take a break, get out in nature, hang out with loved ones and just live life. I find when I do this, business seems to flow a lot easier and effortlessly.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
I no longer train twice a day as I used to compete and only work out 3x a day just to get my endorphins and keep my sanity. I have also made a conscious effort to take 20 minutes in the morning to meditate regularly. I find my days are more productive and I am in such a great mood when I do this compared to the days I don’t meditate and calm my mind.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
I love to read. Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein, The Greatest Secret by Rhonda Byrne, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson and Joy A Seeker by Shannon Kaiser are in my top. My fave podcast is Expanded by Lacy Phillips.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
My calendar for sure. So simple yet so effective. I would be lost without it! I also love my beats by dre. I am a huge fan of music and listening to it to wind down, chill out and just zone out. I love my camera too. I love collecting moments. There’s nothing better than looking back at old photos with a smile on your face reminiscing and feeling grateful for past experiences.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
I really admire Gabby Bernstein so would love to know how she juggles her successful business, her family and life. I would also be curious as to a day in Oprah’s life, she is an incredible woman. How does she fit it all in?
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
For many years in my life, I worked hard and worked long hours. There was a time I juggled 3 part time jobs, yet I was always struggling to make ends meet. I believe life isn’t meant for us to be born to just pay the bills. Life is meant to be lived. We are meant to enjoy it and cultivate the relationships around us. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “It is not length of life, but depth of life.”
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