13 Habits for a Decade of Growth and Fulfillment

Reflecting on our family’s first Halloween in Canada brought me back to the habits that shaped this journey. Last night, as we connected with neighbors and experienced this community celebration, I thought about the choices and habits I’ve made over the past decade—choices that have brought me to this fulfilling stage in life and business.

Here are the 13 habits I’m carrying forward into the next decade. These aren’t just routines; they’re foundations that create lasting change and growth.

1. Be Kind Towards Yourself and Others

We’re not defined by our mistakes or off days; rather, we are what we consistently choose to be. Everyone, including you, will have those days when things don’t go right. Be kind anyway. When we’re patient and kind with ourselves, we extend that same empathy to others, creating a foundation of trust and resilience.

2. Write Out Your Goals and Follow Them

Goals are our compass. Writing them down brings clarity, and the act of revisiting them keeps us focused. The truth is, we tend to move where we focus, so having written goals helps us take intentional steps toward growth, even if the steps feel small at first.

3. Don’t Get Caught Up in Traps

Traps are appealing in the short term but often come with hidden long-term costs. Whether it’s getting too comfortable or chasing quick wins, avoiding these traps allows us to make decisions aligned with our long-term goals.

4. Make Progress (Even a Little) Every Day

Commit to doing just one thing every day. If you’re in flow, keep going, but even on days when things are tough, just doing one meaningful thing keeps the momentum alive. It’s the small, consistent actions that compound into big changes.

5. Rest When You Are Low on Energy

This one’s counterintuitive because we’re often told to “keep pushing” when things get tough. However, winning creates momentum and energy, so that’s when you should push harder. When you’re losing or stuck, take a step back, refocus, and recharge. Think of Michael Jordan: he didn’t go to the bench on a winning streak. Pause when you’re losing, and put the pedal down when you’re winning.

6. Eat Well, and Nourish Your Body

Start with the basics: breathe deeply, drink water, and fuel yourself with foods that energize. Perfection isn’t the goal, but awareness is. Small changes add up, and nourishing your body is one of the simplest ways to enhance your focus, energy, and well-being.

7. Have Fun, Make Sure You Smile Every Day

Gratitude is born from the ability to enjoy the small moments. Appreciating what you have opens the door to so much more. Making space for joy each day keeps life balanced, no matter what else is going on.

8. Find Someone to Love, and Love Them (No Limits)

Often, the first person we need to love deeply and without reservation is ourselves. Start here. From this foundation, all other relationships grow stronger. Love is the fuel that keeps us grounded, and loving ourselves fully allows us to extend that love without hesitation.

9. Dance Even When Everyone Is Looking

Know who you are, fully—good and bad—and embrace it wholeheartedly. This confidence doesn’t just help you; it inspires others. Authenticity is powerful and contagious when you accept yourself completely.

10. Stop Caring What Others Think

At the end of the day, you’re the only one who lives with your decisions. Opinions are endless, but they don’t define you. The only approval you truly need is your own. Letting go of the need for external validation opens up space to live freely and authentically.

11. Feed Your Mind, Keep Learning

Learning is a daily practice. I started with a habit of reading just one chapter a day. Some days, that was a breeze; other days, it took 100 pages to feel “done.” But keeping the commitment, however big or small, has helped me grow tremendously.

12. Do Not Focus on the Result, Enjoy the Process

When you enjoy the journey, the hills don’t seem as steep, and the results often show up along the way. Outcomes matter, but the process is where we truly grow and learn. Embrace the small steps and appreciate each moment.

13. Learn the Dance of Never Giving Up While Always Beginning

This habit is one of the hardest yet most rewarding to develop. Resilience means balancing persistence with adaptability, knowing when to push forward and when to start fresh. Every new beginning holds opportunity; every step forward adds strength.

Bonus Tip: Build a Support Network

In the last ten years, none of my achievements came from working in isolation. I surrounded myself with people who could help me grow—some were mentors, some collaborators, some just showed up at the right time. Seek out people who help you become your best self. None of us succeed alone.

These habits have shaped my life and career, helping me create a meaningful balance between both. I’m carrying them forward with gratitude, and my hope is that they resonate with you, too.

Which habit resonates most with you? What would you add to your list? Let’s keep the conversation going.