ep 90: How Coaching Helped Maria Reclaim Her Life

If you’ve ever struggled to get out of bed, felt overwhelmed by simple daily tasks, or wondered how to better manage existing businesses while dealing with ADHD, this episode is for you. Join me and special guest Maria Islas as we explore her incredible transformation from depression and staying in bed until 1 PM to successfully managing the multiple businesses she already owned as a mom of four. We dive into the practical strategies that helped Maria move from feeling “good for nothing” to confidently managing her existing trucking companies, real estate investments, and family life while dealing with ADHD and rheumatoid arthritis.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to break down “simple” tasks into manageable calendar reminders
  • Why putting basic self-care on your schedule isn’t silly—it’s essential
  • The power of color-coding your calendar for comfort zone vs. challenging activities
  • How to use Post-it note reminders without shame (even when kids tease you)
  • Building accountability systems that motivate instead of creating guilt
  • The importance of routine for mental health with ADHD
  • How to practice “review, revise, and recommit” when setbacks occur
  • Why celebrating small wins with “Yay Me” moments transforms your mindset
  • Managing multiple business streams while maintaining family responsibilities

Business and Life Management Techniques:

  • Schedule everything on your calendar, including morning and evening routines
  • Use color-coding: red for out-of-comfort-zone activities, green for familiar tasks
  • Create twice-weekly accountability check-ins to stay on track
  • Implement the “Yay Me” celebration practice for daily accomplishments
  • Break down overwhelming tasks into tiny, actionable steps
  • Establish consistent routines that become automatic over time
  • Use visual reminders and external systems as your “external brain”
  • Practice recommitting without self-judgment when you fall off track

“It’s those simple things that people think that everybody else is just doing it. Not everybody. There’s people like me, there’s people like Maria, there’s people like lots of my clients… and they’re struggling with just simple things.” – Mande

From Depression to Multiple Businesses Discover how Maria went from self-diagnosed ADHD, depression, and staying under the covers to successfully managing her existing trucking dispatch business, real estate buy-and-hold properties, and teaching her children about financial literacy. Learn how the right coaching approach helped her implement systems that work with her ADHD brain, not against it, while managing rheumatoid arthritis and raising four children.

About Maria Islas: Maria is an entrepreneur who owns real estate and trucking businesses and is a mom of four who focuses on building different streams of income. When she’s not managing her businesses or taking care of her family, Maria enjoys doing word searches in her spare time and attends church on Sundays. She’s passionate about teaching her children about financial literacy and is actively involved in her local Spanish-speaking business community through the Latin Chamber of Commerce and UNR extension programs.

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This episode is essential for anyone with ADHD who struggles with daily routines, business management, or feeling overwhelmed by “simple” tasks. Remember: with the right systems and support, you can transform your life and build the business and family life you want.

Share in the comments: Which routine or system will you implement this week?

#adhd #adhdentrepreneur #adhdmom #depression #routine #timemanagement #adhdsuccess #accountability #businessowner #adhdstrategies #executivefunction #mompreneur #adhdsupport #mentalhealthRetry

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