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.

Monique Flores | Founder / Creator @ Mija Fitness

I stopped blaming others and the world around me for my shortcomings. I stopped blaming my parents for the life I thought they should’ve given me, for the way I thought they should’ve raised me. I stopped letting childhood trauma be the reason I wasn’t where or who I wanted to be. I started holding myself accountable and taking responsibility for everything, especially the negative things. Because every decision that was made (the smart and the reckless) was made by me. No matter how much someone tried to sway me one way or the other, it was always ME who took the step. I got into the habit of taking ownership of my actions and life. Read more>>

Azuri Vallatine | Director & Writer

So far I know that having staying organized, setting goals, and motivation have been the key to my success. For example, this year, I was selected as a Teen Director for a program called Black Girl Film Camp, to direct my first short film. I knew this opportunity was absolutely amazing, but without any personal or production goals, I would have struggled to thrive as a director in the program. Knowing this, I strived to stay organized to meet deadlines during the production process. I found that keeping a schedule of both my schoolwork and production schedule helped my workload become more manageable and my production team stay organized. Read more>>

Fabio Dourone | Visual artist , Contemporary artist

There’s one habit that, even though it might sound like a cliché, really works: consistency. Ever since I can remember, I’ve spent a few hours every day focusing on creativity and making progress on the projects I’m working on. Success comes when it’s meant to, but it’s always better to be ready to embrace it when it arrives. Read more>>

Denise Aguilar | Global Marketing Strategist | Startup Advisor | Keynote Speaker | Advisory Council for The Latin Grammys Cultural Foundation

As a first-generation Afro-Latina immigrant with roots in Colombia, I’ve had to overcome unique challenges on my path to success. However, a combination of physical, spiritual, and mental practices have been instrumental in my professional journey. Consistent Learning I’ve always been a voracious learner, constantly seeking out new knowledge and skills. Whether it’s taking online courses, reading industry/trade publications, or attending conferences; I make a habit of continuously expanding my expertise. In an ever-evolving landscape, staying ahead of the curve through learning has been crucial to my success. Read more>>