Matt Onofrio is a dynamic individual known for his resilience and dedication to personal and professional growth. With a rich background that includes living in Mexico and engaging in various manual labor jobs, Matt has developed a strong work ethic and a diverse skill set. He pursued an impressive educational journey, leading to a distinguished career in nurse anesthesia, complemented by his passion for continuous learning and community service. Matt’s hobbies, such as reading, basketball, pottery, and coffee exploration, reflect his well-rounded approach to life, embodying the spirit of perseverance and adaptability.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with some form of exercise, either weight lifting, biking or swimming. It helps me clear my mind and energize for the day ahead. To stay productive, I prioritize tasks and break my day into focused blocks of time, allowing for short breaks to maintain mental clarity.
How do you bring ideas to life?
For me, bringing ideas to life involves a lot of reading and brainstorming, followed by discussions with mentors and peers. I like to map out my ideas visually and then create a step-by-step plan to execute them, adjusting as necessary based on feedback and results.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am excited that interest rates appear to be softening in 2024 for real estate investors and that bonus depreciation will be held at 100% through 2025 which is great news.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Setting daily goals is a habit that keeps me focused and productive. Each morning, I list what I need to achieve by the end of the day, which gives me a clear roadmap and a sense of accomplishment as I tick off each item.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to worry less about the path and more about the journey. Embrace every experience, whether it’s a success or a setback, as each one teaches you something valuable.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that failure is more beneficial than success in the long run. It teaches resilience, provides valuable lessons, and ultimately shapes character in ways that constant success cannot.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Continuous learning is something I do repeatedly and recommend to everyone. Whether it’s reading books, taking courses, or simply engaging in new experiences, learning keeps the mind sharp and the spirit invigorated.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I step back and meditate or take a walk. Disconnecting momentarily helps me regain my focus and approach tasks with a fresh perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Networking has been instrumental in my career growth. Building relationships within and outside my field has opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
An early failure in my career was not passing a crucial certification on the first attempt. It was a humbling experience that taught me the importance of perseverance and thorough preparation. I doubled my study efforts, sought advice from mentors, and passed on my second attempt, learning that resilience is key.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An app that connects retired business owners with young entrepreneurs for mentorship and guidance could be incredibly beneficial. It would leverage the wealth of knowledge and experience of retirees to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs.The app could feature educational resources to demystify investing concepts, making it accessible for those with limited financial knowledge.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello is a tool that helps me stay organized and productive. I use it to manage projects, track progress, and collaborate with colleagues, which streamlines workflows and keeps everyone on the same page.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey has been incredibly impactful. It offers timeless principles for personal and professional growth that have guided me in my career and personal life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Its portrayal of perseverance, hard work, and the power of never giving up, despite facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, resonated with me deeply.
Key learnings:
- Embrace Continuous Learning
- Balance is Key
- Resilience Through Adversity
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.