The entrepreneurial journey is often lauded for its promise of freedom and fulfillment, but beneath the surface lies a hidden truth: entrepreneurs are facing a mental health crisis. A recent BDC survey reveals that entrepreneurs are twice as likely to report a lifetime history of depression, highlighting the immense pressure and stress that come with building and running a business. This struggle is magnified by the desire to achieve both professional success and personal well-being—a balancing act that can leave many feeling overwhelmed and depleted.
Enter Dez Maya, a life coach who has made it her mission to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of business ownership. With her new book, Born Unbreakable: 5 Steps to Overcoming Your Self-Limiting Beliefs, Dez offers a practical and empowering framework for entrepreneurs to break free from the patterns of self-doubt and negativity that can hinder their growth.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Dez and dive into the common challenges entrepreneurs face, the importance of self-awareness, and the transformative power of positive affirmations. She outlines her “Assess, Analyze, Adjust, Act, Align” framework, offering actionable steps entrepreneurs can implement to build resilience, cultivate a growth mindset, and ultimately unlock their true potential.
Check out our full interview with her below.
What inspired you to write Born Unbreakable: 5 Steps to Overcoming Your Self-limiting Beliefs?
Dez Maya: My podcast listeners were my first inspiration. I would often get asked, “When is your book coming out? So, it was always in the back of my mind to write a book to help others, especially as a transformational coach. Interestingly, when I started writing the book, I realized the person I needed to write the book for the most was myself. It was a cathartic experience.
Can you explain the significance of the five affirmations in your book: assess, analyze, adjust, act, and align?
Dez Maya: When the feeling of limitation washes over us, the best thing we can do is ask ourselves meaningful questions and follow a simple process. Rumination and overcomplication tend to make us spin and stay in a state of stagnation.
A5 is a way to bring people back to the center when they feel incapable of getting past their limiting thoughts. First, assess what’s holding you back. Then, analyze why and how you got to this point. Adjust in small increments. Act in congruency with your goal. Finally, form habits that align with achieving sustainable results.
How do these five steps specifically address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs?
Dez Maya: These steps support entrepreneurs in playing the long game. Limitations will be perpetual in business. A5 simplifies how to keep forward momentum in the face of adversity.
Can you describe a major setback you faced in your career and how you applied your own principles to overcome it?
Dez Maya: In my book, there is a chapter about a breakup. It was a business break-up. I partnered with a friend to coach women, co-host a podcast show, and build a brand together. When she decided to move in a different direction based on priorities that shifted in her life, I was faced with reassessing if it was worth still doing what we intended to, but solo.
That was the prime situation in which I had to use the A5 principles. It helped me realize that I was capable of doing this work independently. It was difficult to start over and re-brand, but I ended up coming back more reassured and even more confident in myself and my brand.
Recent surveys show an increase in entrepreneurs seeking professional support. How does your book cater to this growing need?
Dez Maya: My book offers practical advice and real experience from real entrepreneurs. It’s not a book on theory; it is a book based on reality. Entrepreneurs will undoubtedly find something that they can relate to.
In your experience, what role does stress play in an entrepreneur’s journey, and how can it be managed effectively?
Dez Maya: I had to overcome the notion that I was not worthy of love as well as that I wasn’t an adequate woman because I chose not to have children. Those are just two examples. I still battle through societal stereotypes. I’ve had to learn to embrace my authentic self and align with those who accept me for who I truly am.
Finding people who inspire me and grow with me have played a huge part in my ability to overcome. Stress can be the downfall of an entrepreneur. Self-care has revolutionized my world. Taking time to do the things that bring me peace, joy, and fulfillment like getting a massage, working out, reading, and traveling for personal growth have been staples in my self-management and regulation.
Can you share a success story of an entrepreneur who has applied your 5-step method?
Dez Maya: I coach an amazing CEO and her entire executive team. She was struggling with her executive team to be strategic and visionary. They didn’t make decisions well together. As individuals, each person had strengths that brought them a lot of success, but it was difficult for them to harness their collective talents to meet shared goals.
As I worked with her, she took a step back, focused on what wasn’t working and what she could do differently to achieve new outcomes. Each person on the team started to do the same. The patience of assessing and analyzing helped her and the team gain clarity of what to adjust and what actions and alignment were needed to make meaningful change. In just one year, she’s expanded her executive team and not only has their shared vision become illuminated, but their momentum is strong and their desire to nurture relationships amongst each other and others is vibrant. The results they’re achieving financially, operationally, and innovatively has also had an upward trajectory.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs struggling with work-life balance?
Dez Maya: If you want to succeed, accept that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Assess what brings you fulfillment, and be sure that those things are prioritized in your days. When you compromise what’s important to you, you’re teaching those around you to do the same.
How can entrepreneurs integrate spiritual growth with their business ambitions?
Dez Maya: Write down your values in business and personally. Say yes to the things that align with your values and no to the things that do not. Spirituality is something you can integrate into your values.
What are the “5 must-do moves” you recommend for entrepreneurs to avoid stress and duress while building their businesses?
Dez Maya: Prioritize your health if you want to achieve wealth. Spend time with people who positively fuel you. Set boundaries. Don’t apologize for saying no to things that don’t align with your values. Never stop learning.
Lastly, is there a specific mantra, quote, or affirmation that you hold close to your heart?
Dez Maya: BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU. When you are your true self, you’re giving a unique and special gift to the world. People spend so much time trying to be like other people, when the real gift is being you because there is no one else that can be you.
Check out Dez Maya’s book on Amazon here (affiliate link).
Emily Sprinkle, also known as Emma Loggins, is a designer, marketer, blogger, and speaker. She is the Editor-In-Chief for Women's Business Daily where she pulls from her experience as the CEO and Director of Strategy for Excite Creative Studios, where she specializes in web development, UI/UX design, social media marketing, and overall strategy for her clients.
Emily has also written for CNN, Autotrader, The Guardian, and is also the Editor-In-Chief for the geek lifestyle site FanBolt.com
