María Marín—Don’t Make Excuses

by Julio Llerena -- Críticas, 4/15/2008

María Marín has overcome many obstacles to become a leading motivational speaker. Born in Puerto Rico, Marín at eight years old lost her mother and at 15 was diagnosed with diabetes, learning she would have to depend on insulin injections for the rest of her life. Overcoming language barriers, she became an expert in the art of negotiation and personal empowerment, the essence of her work. Now she’s gained international recognition training executives in several Fortune 500 companies in the United States and Latin America.

The voice of the ABC radio show Tu vida es mi vida (“My Life Is Your Life”), and columnist for People en Español magazine, as well as more than 20 Hispanic newspapers in the United States and Latin America, Santillana has now published Marín’s first book, Mujer sin límite (“Woman Without Limits”). Inspired by the success of Marín’s audio book, Secretos de la mujer segura (“Secrets of A Confident Woman”), published by Marín’s Voice of Empowerment firm, the new book showcases her trademark humor and easy-going style, and offers women the tools they need to overcome everyday struggles.

She classifies women using four humorous archetypes: La “Que-qui” (from “la que-quisiera”, the woman that would want something, but never goes for it); la “Yo-sí” (the one who says she does everything, knows everything, and judges everyone according to her own perfectionist parameters); La “Mista” (from “confor-mista”, the conformist one); and “La-más” (the most-desperate, the most-unsuccessful).

Despite a very hectic schedule, Marín found time to talk to Críticas about the book.

What are the main obstacles women face?

The main obstacle women face is their own excuses: “I don't have time,” “I am too old,” “I don't have money,” “It's not the right moment,” etc. The root of most problems is lack of self-confidence.

You classify women in four types. Have you ever found yourself as one of them?

Yes, I used to be the “Que-qui”... But not anymore!

What distinguishes your book from the many self-help books available?

Mujer sin límite is the only self-help book for women that combines personal anecdotes, humor, practical teachings, and useful exercises. Many people have realized that happiness is inside of us and not in the outside world. Self-help books are a great tool for self-discovery and growth.

What advice do you have for women who want to follow in your steps?

Become an expert at something, work passionately, believe in yourself, and never give up.

You are an expert on strategies for negotiation. Can anyone be a good negotiator?

Of course! I teach people how to become great negotiators. If you put into practice the right negotiating techniques, tactics, and strategies you can become an expert too.There are three basic things you need to convince others: smile, make eye contact, and speak with a lot of confidence.

What section of the book was most difficult to write?

I think it was Chapter 1: Obstacles... Blessings in Disguise. This part tells the story of my life and brought a lot of happy and sad memories. It was very hard and very rewarding to write this section.

What’s been the response so far?

Excellent! According to Nielsen Bookscan, it’s one of the Top Ten best-selling Spanish-language nonfiction books in March 2008. 

What could men find in Mujer sin límites to improve their lives?

It is a book for women, but many concepts and principles that I teach apply to both sexes, such as chapter 5, “What is the Purpose of Your Life.”