Author of Strip Naked and Re-Dress with Happiness, Maria Hocking is what we like to call a life changer. Having faced adversity beyond belief (and triumphed), this lady is here to help us all lead the most exceptional of lives.
#1. So, what’s your favourite word?
Fantastic.
#2. What gets you up in the morning?
Having a purpose, my family, my job. Knowing I can make a difference.
#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?
It’s brilliant for businesses, allowing people to reach a massive audience but on the negative side, people are forgetting to talk, forgetting the art of real communication.
#4. Kindles or books?
Books definitely.
#5. We know of a good one. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?
Making people realise they can change; there’s been a real lack of that in terms of what we’re taught as children, and adults actually. We need to educate people at a younger age before all that conditioning sets in.
#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I didn’t have a clue! As a teenager, I was really good at sport – a teacher told me I should become a PE teacher and so I did. That lead me to a career in the fitness industry but I always knew I wanted writing in there somewhere. I’ve always enjoyed it, plus having those kind of deep conversations you have.
#7. What led you to your current career?
I think working in the fitness industry; I became really interested in seeing the transformation of their bodies.On top of that, I started enjoying giving people my time, seeing them grow, being kind, listening to them. I gave them an outlet. This insight led me to being a life coach.
#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?
Your life can always be fantastic.
#9. Hurrah for that. Now can you make it rhyme?
Your life can be fantastic, your brain is neuro-plastic
#10. Indeedy. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Believe in yourself and your abilities; you are enough just as you are.
#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?
My husband has been there 100% of the way.
#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?
Meeting Nick and Eva Speakman. I realised there are others out there who felt the same as me. They became my role models.
#13. If you won a big award of some kind, whom would you thank?
I’d probably thank my family for being there, all my coaching clients (I get so much back from them) and some of my oldest friends, my 80-90 year old wise owls.
#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?
Limit your social media time – give yourself 30 minutes, twice a day. Have a curfew and be strict with yourself!
#15. Must we? Really? Where do you see your industry in 24 months?
I think it will just keep on growing. I’ve already seen a massive change. More schools, more businesses, more establishments are now taking this kind of thinking on board.
#16. Where were you 24 months ago?
I was still thinking about writing a book and coaching full-time. I was in a really amazing place, but I knew there was more.
#17. What’s an interesting fact about you?
I love to monofin.
#18. That’s swimming with a monofin for the non-water babies out there. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
It would probably be Barack Obama or Tony Robbins.
#19. We hear Barack’s got some time on his hands. Unfortunately. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?
Positive
#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?
Sure.
#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?
I can’t choose! I like a little bit of everything!
#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?
What happens to you, doesn’t define you, it finds you.
#23. BOOM. What’s been the best part of your day?
Having coffee and toast in Costa Coffee with my husband.
#24. Sweet. Finally, anything to plug?
My book came out in January; my aim is to open people’s eyes and hearts to live a truly happy and exceptional life.
