There’s a ton of research around how setting habits can help us conserve energy because it reduces the number of decisions we have to make in a day. However, not all habits are created equal and so we’ve asked our community to tell us about the habits they have been most effective for them.

Radina Veliova | Vocal Coach, Speech Pathologist & Business Owner

I’ve always had a knack for being disciplined and motivated. I set big goals for myself, sometimes even laughably ambitious (haha), and then I break them down into bite-sized pieces – things I can tackle within a week, month, or year. It’s like that saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? – One bite at a time.” Read more>>

Brent Huff | Actor/Writer/Director

Setting concrete goals and then following through is paramount to success in any field. I have always been a finisher and have persevered in the face of setbacks, and there have been many. Accomplishing your goals, no matter how small, gives you self esteem. Take action then follow through until completion. Read more>>

GIN | Hip-Hop & Amapiano Artist

Persistence! Persistence is key and fundamental to any business. As well as following my passion. Do what makes you happy and stick to it. There will be people who disagree or who don’t want to support. I just learned to push them to the side and keep focusing on myself and my craft. And keep going! Read more>>

Del Harrison | New Comedy Special: From the Mouth of a Black Woman

Following up! Following appears easy but it’s only easy when the person is receptive and is like “now, make sure you call me on this day.” The following up that counts is when the person on the other end sounds busy and you’re their last priority. However, when they hear you’re your own priority and that you’re respectful, firm and polite, things turn around in your favor. Read more>>

Tianqi Chen | Freelance Illustrator & Tattoo artist

As a freelance illustrator & tattoo artist, I always keep a sketchbook with me, no matter where I go. I love to sketch people on the train, which is also a good way to kill time on a boring transit. In fact, I have different kinds of sketchbooks for different situations. For example, the one I keep with me on the trip is tiny. It’s awkward to pull out a huge sketchbook and draw on the train, everyone will look at you! Read more>>

Natasha Agharabi | Photographer & Filmmaker

A habit that I feel has helped me succeed is taking risks and putting myself out there. I had always had a passion for photography, however, I was not getting anywhere with it because I kept myself sheltered and worked closely with people I only knew. However, this year, I came to realize that staying within my comfort zone was not going to allow room for growth both personally and professionally. Read more>>

Yangying Ren | Game Designer & Illustrator

Having conversations and observing people help me a lot, especially when talking with people who are not in my industry or never play games. I think most of my game ideas are from the life of ordinary people, about their happiness and sadness. My initial purpose in making games is to connect with others, whether they are game players or not. Read more>>

Quynh Ly | Permanent makeup artist & educator

Here are my top 3 habits to help me succeed. I always set goals, I break down my goals into smaller, actionable steps and regularly monitor their progress to see what I need to do to achieve my goals. Discipline and consistency are important to achieving success. I set a routine and stick to it, even when I am faced with obstacles or distractions. Read more>>

Walter Askin | Artist

When I was in school/college, whatever line of thinking the teacher/professor started to talk about… the first idea in a chain of ideas… this would set me off on my own associations. Something would jolt me during my personal journey and I would return to the classroom/lecture hall to discover that while I had somehow wound my way to Byzantium, the lecturer was in Mobile Alabama. Read more>>

Erica Hurlburt | Newborn & Family Portrait Photographer

Doing something for my business each day – even if it’s small or only involves replying to an email – has been one habit that has made a big difference for me. I should mention that I started my business during a time in my life when there was very little free time to pursue it. I had our first baby, and then I had our second baby and in the middle of all that my husband was gone a lot because of his Navy career. Read more>>

Dr. Nagabhushan Moolky | Yoga Bhushan, Yoga Expert & Scientist

Everyday I do yoga asanas. I started doing yoga when I was 16 years old, Spontaneously yoga asanas were revealed and did not take any class and advise from others. It was a natural process of growing to new dimension. And now I come up with my own new asanas that are simple and easy to do. I think these asanas will transform the field of yoga. Read more>>