Harvard psychiatrist and founder of Community Psychiatry Pride, Luana Marques, sheds light on the true meaning of success in a recent interview. Marques, a physician and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, emphasizes the hard work behind achieving success despite the quick wins often seen on social media.
Marques’ passion for psychology started at a young age when her grandmother provided her with techniques to overcome anxiety. These experiences fueled Marques’ desire to help others and bring the science of psychology to the streets.
In her two published books, “Vivir con audacia” and “Bold Move: a 3 step plan to transform anxiety into power,” Marques discusses the concept of ‘psychological avoidance’ and how it can hinder personal growth. She highlights three common attitudes that hold individuals back from success: escape, react, and stagnate.
To combat these attitudes, Marques advises individuals to first identify their fears and seek guidance from a trusted source, such as a best friend. She also suggests taking a step back and breathing before reacting impulsively, as well as breaking down overwhelming challenges into manageable steps.
Marques concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s true self and addressing internal challenges in order to achieve personal success. According to Marques, the biggest obstacle to success is often oneself.