We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paula Marie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paula below.

Paula, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is writing and publishing my book- Kick Ass and Have a Life. The book is a self-help book for workaholics and people that struggle with work-life balance. As a former workaholic, I know firsthand how powerful the workaholic addiction can be. I am passionate about sharing this book to spare others the loss I experienced as a workaholic.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started my career in real estate twenty-six years ago. I knew from the beginning that I had found my niche. I loved the business and quickly got caught up in the chase of the next big deal. Success became an obsession for me, and making money was the reward that fueled the fire; as a result, I became a workaholic without evening realizing it. I put my career above my family, friend’s health, and well-being. Eventually, as all addictions do, the dysfunction took a toll.

After going through a divorce and missing many years of my daughter’s childhood, I took a close look at my life and realized that I wanted to make a change. I created eight tools that I slowly started applying to my life. This was when my life started to transform.

These eight tools and the lessons I learned are the foundation of my book Kick Ass and Have a Life. I understand the grips of workaholism and the associated loss. If my book can help one person lose the time that I did, then my book is a success! I am passionate about this message, and I intend to help others regain their life and have a successful career and a fulfilling life.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes! Several times in my life, I have had to change how I run my business and my life. The real estate business is a very competitive business that is constantly changing. I have experienced many different markets, including the ” crash” in 2008-2009. During this time, I learned so much about people and their mindset about money. At that time, almost every client I worked with was in foreclosure; my clients were from all walks of life, including Physicians and Attorneys. Many were unemployed due to economic issues.

The one lesson that stands out to me is that we were all affected by the economy, but some people were able to maintain a positive outlook even in the darkest of times. Some people realize that a house and material things don’t define us. Though it is difficult, it is possible to rebuild and start over. The people that were able to maintain this mindset were able to navigate the situation much easier. This is an example of how powerful our mindset can be.

Money comes and goes in life. The most important thing is time. Time cannot be bought, but it can be spent. This is the premise of my book Kick Ass and Have a Life.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes! I was a single mom for many years, so I had to make money to support my daughter; I didn’t want to struggle and not have enough money to provide a quality life for myself and my daughter. This became my” why” for success. I believe that if you don’t have a “why,” the money you earn will not have the staying power that you need to appreciate and build on success.

The most significant loss of my life is missing the time with my daughter as she was growing up. I was a workaholic for fifteen years I missed many opportunities to create memories with her. I was the mom that missed every school play and volleyball game and was always on the phone and working when I was at home.

If you are overworking, society can applaud and encourage that behavior, making it more challenging to break the addiction. My mission is to help others break this addiction and live extraordinary lives. I know it is possible because I am doing it, and you can too!

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.KICKASSANDHAVEALIFE.COM
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulamariebooks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulamariebooks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulamariebooks/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/books_paula