Victoria Schmidt is living her dream life.
At 96 years old, she is on a mission to help others live a long, happy life. We sat down with the dynamic, energetic Victoria and asked her about her secrets to living a happy life, motivation and inspiration.
What do I do? Most of my career was in fashion, journalism, advertising, public relations and government (See my website: victoriadschmidt.com). Now, I’m an author. I’ve written four books and am on my fifth and sixth … I am a career/life coach, a speaker and a media guest. (All my answers relate to my work life, not my personal life.)
What inspired you to start your company? Which one? My PR/AD firm in 1958 or my current one? Currently I have a publishing firm because of the books I write.
What is your mission? To help others live a happy, healthy long life.
What does a day in your life look like? Happiness. I walk a mile and a half every
morning with Niqui, my gentle whippet. To my desk and computer. Check my finances
then focus on my work: writing, and carrying out the list of to-do tasks I have made the
night before. Late afternoon, a half hour of exercises. Enjoy nourishing meals. My journal
entry in the late evening. Bed about 10 – 11pm. Other days I interact with friends and
professional colleagues. Also, as above I give talks and respond to media requests.
What is the inspiration behind your work? My current work: Starting when I was in my eighties, many, even those in their twenties and thirties would and continue to ask, “How do you do it, Victoria? What is your secret?’ I give talks and work with media to answer their questions that I offer in my latest book, Victoria’s 95 Secrets to a happy, healthy long life.”
What inspires you ? Same as in the previous question: The people who ask about how, at 96, I live a happy, healthy, sexy long life. Then there are those who tell me how much I and/or my books have helped them. It is like getting a high and I want to help more.
What is the best advice you have ever been given? To move on from working for others and to helping others by starting my own PR/AD firm which I operated for 22 years and went on to other enterprises.
What is the secret to a happy life? My book gives 95 answers. The first and most important is: Practice the Power of Positive Thinking which includes rejecting everything negative.
What part does mindfulness play in your business? A major part. For me it has spiritual overtones.
What has given you the confidence to follow your dreams? It was the encouragement from my Latin teacher Janet Henry when I was a sophomore in high school. She made me realize that I had the talent and the drive to fulfill my dreams.
What has been your greatest influence? Helping others realize they can put aside the misconceptions of aging and live happy, healthy long lives. I am told by many that I am an inspiration.
What is your mantra? You must want to live a long life and view living with grace and acceptance.
How can people learn more about you and work with you? Check my website victoriadschmidt.com or call me at 908-840-4084.
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