Listen "#57 - Maria Sawiak - Embracing Failure: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones for Success"
Episode Synopsis
Maria Sawiak is a dual-sport athlete excelling in both rugby and wrestling while pursuing a psychology degree at the University of Alberta. As she prepares to enter her last semester of her bachelor's degree and start her master's in January, Maria's journey is a testament to resilience and passion. Since joining the pandas rugby team in her first year, she has balanced a demanding sports schedule and rigorous academics, showcasing her dedication and time management skills. Beyond sports, Maria enjoys spending time outdoors, with friends and family, and exploring new hobbies, illustrating a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle.
Maria finds contentment in her daily life by focusing on the little joys and grounding herself amidst the chaos. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and enjoying every activity, making life's demands easier to manage. To maintain happiness, Maria practices meditation, meticulously plans her days, and adopts efficient study techniques. Her disciplined approach to meal prepping and structuring her schedule ensures she has control over her routine, allowing her to thrive even during hectic times. Her perspective on happiness has evolved through her experiences in sports and academics, transforming complaints and challenges into opportunities for growth and enjoyment.
Embracing new opportunities is a significant part of Maria's journey. She believes that stepping out of her comfort zone leads to personal growth and a better understanding of others. Whether it's taking on a cooking job in the mountains, trying wrestling for the first time, or seeking research opportunities in genetics without prior experience, Maria's willingness to take leaps of faith has enriched her life and provided valuable lessons. She assesses new opportunities by considering their feasibility and potential for learning, even if they initially seem daunting. This adventurous mindset has allowed her to accumulate diverse experiences and build confidence.
Handling failures and setbacks has been crucial to Maria's development. She views them as chances to improve and trusts the process of consistent hard work. Maria's journey in wrestling, from losing every match at the start to winning a major tournament, exemplifies her perseverance. Similarly, her experiences in rugby, where injuries and missed opportunities initially felt like failures, have ultimately led to significant achievements, including MVP awards and a co-captain position. Maria advises others to see failures as growth opportunities, emphasizing the importance of grace, persistence, and learning from every experience, no matter how challenging.
Long Term Podcast #57
KEEP IT LONG TERM!
Maria finds contentment in her daily life by focusing on the little joys and grounding herself amidst the chaos. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and enjoying every activity, making life's demands easier to manage. To maintain happiness, Maria practices meditation, meticulously plans her days, and adopts efficient study techniques. Her disciplined approach to meal prepping and structuring her schedule ensures she has control over her routine, allowing her to thrive even during hectic times. Her perspective on happiness has evolved through her experiences in sports and academics, transforming complaints and challenges into opportunities for growth and enjoyment.
Embracing new opportunities is a significant part of Maria's journey. She believes that stepping out of her comfort zone leads to personal growth and a better understanding of others. Whether it's taking on a cooking job in the mountains, trying wrestling for the first time, or seeking research opportunities in genetics without prior experience, Maria's willingness to take leaps of faith has enriched her life and provided valuable lessons. She assesses new opportunities by considering their feasibility and potential for learning, even if they initially seem daunting. This adventurous mindset has allowed her to accumulate diverse experiences and build confidence.
Handling failures and setbacks has been crucial to Maria's development. She views them as chances to improve and trusts the process of consistent hard work. Maria's journey in wrestling, from losing every match at the start to winning a major tournament, exemplifies her perseverance. Similarly, her experiences in rugby, where injuries and missed opportunities initially felt like failures, have ultimately led to significant achievements, including MVP awards and a co-captain position. Maria advises others to see failures as growth opportunities, emphasizing the importance of grace, persistence, and learning from every experience, no matter how challenging.
Long Term Podcast #57
KEEP IT LONG TERM!
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