Latina Mindsets Holding You Back (And What To Do Instead)

For so many of us, our cultural values are a source of deep pride. We honor family. We work hard. We stay humble. But what happens when those beautiful values run on autopilot in spaces that reward self-advocacy, visibility, and clear boundaries?

We overwork. We shrink. We say yes when we mean no. We stay silent when we should speak up.

I see it every day in my clients and community, and I’ve lived it, too. These hidden scripts aren’t who you are. They’re habits you inherited. Each one has hidden cultural scripts shaping how we show up or don’t, at work, in our families, and in our ambitions. The good news is you don't have to entirely rewrite them but you do have to become conscious of how and when to use them. Awareness is the first step to change.

Five Common Latina Mindsets Holding Us Back

1️⃣ Humble Hilda

Hilda is the first one in the office and the last one to leave. She does outstanding work but rarely talks about it, because she was raised to believe that bragging is ugly and humility is noble. Her mother still reminds her, “No te creas tanto.” So Hilda keeps her head down, hoping her good work will speak for itself. Often, it's taken for granted, and she watches less capable people get promoted while she stays invisible.

The shift: Humility is beautiful, but you also deserve to be seen. You aren't an impostor. Hypnosis can help you feel safe and strong sharing your wins and claiming credit for your impact.

Don’t: Downplay your accomplishments in meetings. Shrug off praise with “It was nothing.” Avoid applying for promotions because you think you’re not ready.

Do: Keep a “Brag File” and share wins regularly. Say “Thank you, I worked hard on that!” when praised. Apply for stretch roles by letting your work speak AND you speaking for your work.

2️⃣ Hardworking Juana

Juana’s hustle is unmatched. She believes that, as a Latina, she has to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. So she pushes through exhaustion, never asks for help, and says yes to extra projects to prove her worth. But she rarely feels she’s done enough. Burnout is her norm. She doesn’t yet believe ease and rest can coexist with ambition.

The shift: Hard work is honorable, but overwork isn’t required for success. Hypnosis can help untangle self-worth from exhaustion and open you up to working smarter, not just harder.

Don’t: Keep your head down hoping someone will notice you. Tie your worth solely to how busy or productive you are. Decline help or tools that make work easier.

Do: Share progress and results proactively. Schedule intentional rest daysand use your vacation time. Productivity needs recovery! Leverage your strengths for smarter, not harder, work.

3️⃣ Silent Sofia

Sofia has brilliant ideas but struggles to share them. Raised hearing “Calladita te ves más bonita,” she learned early that her voice was risky. Now, at work, she defers to others, holds back in meetings, and kicks herself later for staying quiet. Her silence hides her leadership potential and there's even a financial implication. Deep down, she knows she has so much more to offer.

The shift: Your voice is powerful and needed. Hypnosis can calm the fear in your body, unlock your throat, and help you speak up with clarity and calm confidence.

Don’t: Stay quiet in meetings even when you have ideas. Let others take credit for your contributions. Wait to be invited to share your thoughts.

Do: Prepare 1–2 points to speak up in every meeting. Practice your “advocacy muscle” by raising your hand and asking clarifying questions or offering suggestions. Find safe spaces to practice speaking up, then expand. (In my coaching cohorts like the LinkedIn Lab and Woman Warrior WIthin, I encourage participants to use the group as a playground to build their courage muscle)

4️⃣ Boundaryless Beti

Beti is everyone’s go-to, at home, at work, in her community. She says yes because she wants to be supportive and valuable. But all those yes' leave no time for herself. She often feels drained, resentful, and secretly wishes someone would take care of her for once. Guilt keeps her trapped in this cycle.

The shift: Boundaries don’t make you selfish, they make you sustainable. My Boundaries Are Bonita workshop was designed with Beti in mind. You’ll learn to say no lovingly, plug your energy leaks, and protect your peace without drowning in guilt.

Don’t: Say “yes” to every ask, at work and home. Put your self-care last on your to-do list. Equate overgiving with being loved or valued.

Do: Use a pause: “Let me check and get back to you.” Block time on your calendar just for YOU and honor it. Practice saying “no” with grace and firmness.

5️⃣ Grateful Gloria

Gloria is so thankful for every opportunity. Her parents sacrificed so much, so she feels ungrateful asking for more. She’s never negotiated her salary. She never asks for raises. She quietly accepts extra work, convinced she should just be glad to have a seat at the table. She’s a hidden gem in her company, but she’s tired of feeling underpaid and overlooked.

The shift: Gratitude and abundance can co-exist. Hypnosis can help break scarcity beliefs and build the self-trust you need to ask for what you’re truly worth.

Don’t: Accept the first salary offer without negotiating. Think you have to prove your gratitude by never asking for more. Assume “just working hard” will get you noticed.

Do: Research salaries and advocate for your market value. Never negotiate based off your last role or salary. Set goals to keep growing, not just staying grateful. Remember: You earned your seat - gratitude doesn’t pay your bills.

Why This Matters

These mindsets didn’t start with you. They were woven into our upbringing and are part of our cultural values, but in modern workplaces, when they run on autopilot instead of being used with intention, they can keep you stuck, stressed, and unseen.

You don’t need to assimilate or disregard your values. You just need awareness and additional tools to live your values on purpose, not by default.

That’s where hypnosis comes in. It’s not magic, it’s science. It gently rewires old beliefs at the root, so you can show up bolder, speak up easier, and rest without guilt.

This Summer: Two Ways to Rewrite Old Scripts

✅ Hypnosis with Me — Summer Promo Rates Use hypnosis to build confidence, master public speaking, overcome writer’s block, or finally ask for what you deserve. Contact me directly at hello@rubygarcia.com for a special summer rate. Limited spots available.

✅ Join My Boundaries Are Bonita Workshop Tuesday, July 15th | 1:00–2:30 PM EST A practical, heart-centered workshop for high-achieving Latinas ready to stop over-giving and start protecting their time and energy.

In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll: ✔️ Define what healthy boundaries look like for you ✔️ Practice clear communication ✔️ Plug your energy leaks ✔️ Get tools to manage guilt ✔️ Leave with a workbook and a plan to protect your peace

Register here — spots are limited.

Amiga, these scripts don’t have to run your life anymore.

You get to choose a new story, one that makes space for your dreams and your wellbeing.

Contact me today to learn about hypnosis, or reserve your spot for Boundaries Are Bonita. Let’s rewrite what’s possible, together.

¡Hasta Pronto!

Ruby