Successful habits are the foundation of every transformation story. At Cumorah Academy, building these habits is not just encouraged—it’s woven into every lecture, activity, and personal goal. Ann and Scott, two of our inspiring mentors, spent their time on campus helping students understand what successful habits really mean and how they can become the backbone of a life well-lived.
Ann, raised in California, joined the Church at 18 and pursued a career in communications, later earning her MBA. She’s now a mother of three and a business management and marketing professor. Scott, from Washington state, served a mission in Guatemala and followed his passions in journalism, business, and education, ultimately earning a doctorate. Together, Ann and Scott bring a rich blend of academic excellence, spiritual depth, and real-world experience to the classroom.
Their message to students was simple but powerful: “There is no failure—either you learn or win.” They also encouraged everyone to stretch beyond their comfort zones: “The most important thing we can do is challenge ourselves and say yes to difficult things.” This mindset laid the groundwork for the core message they shared during their time on campus—how to build successful habits.
How Successful Habits Shape Future Leaders
Ann and Scott focused on equipping students with tools to build lasting habits. Drawing on insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, they led students in setting both long-term and short-term (5-day) goals. The idea was to make change manageable and meaningful—showing that clarity and focus are essential to creating successful outcomes.
Scott’s leadership classes emphasized humility, active listening, and lifelong learning. He reminded students that great leaders never stop growing. “Strong leaders recognize they always have more to learn,” he told the group. Ann guided students through principles of professional development, encouraging them to create systems they could take with them beyond their time at Cumorah.
At Cumorah Academy, “successful habits” are more than buzzwords. They represent extraordinary effort—choices that may seem small in the moment but lead to life-changing results. Whether it’s showing up early, planning ahead, or choosing kindness, habits define who we become. Students here are not just taught about success—they are trained to live it.
What Do Successful Habits Look Like?
Habits aren’t one-size-fits-all. One student may dream of becoming a novelist and commit to writing every day. Another may envision running a company and practice delegating tasks effectively. Both are practicing successful habits because they are aligning daily actions with long-term goals.
That’s the magic of Cumorah Academy—students are encouraged to dream big and then taught how to break those dreams into daily disciplines. It’s a creative and empowering process, one that instills a deep belief in progress.
Of course, some habits are universal. Showing up on time, preparing in advance, treating others with respect—these behaviors carry weight in any field or culture. The message here is clear: Success begins with what you do every day.
As students move through the semester, they don’t just hear these lessons—they live them. They are immersed in a culture where accountability is part of the rhythm. It’s not just about knowing what’s right; it’s about doing what’s right, repeatedly, until it becomes second nature.
How to Build Your Own Successful Habits
Everyone has the capacity to grow, but growth doesn’t happen by accident. Here are three simple steps that Ann and Scott recommend for developing successful habits:
1. Create a Plan
Clarity is power. Start by writing down your goal. What are you trying to achieve? How will this habit support that goal? Break it into steps and prioritize them. When your plan is specific, you’re more likely to follow through.
2. Make It Easy
Remove obstacles. If you want to read more, put your book where you’ll see it. If you want to start your mornings better, lay out your clothes or prep your breakfast the night before. The easier a habit is to start, the more likely you are to stick with it.
3. Stay Committed
Motivation will come and go, but commitment brings results. Every time you choose your habit over convenience, you’re investing in your future. Think of your future self and the kind of life you want to build. Then act accordingly.
These small changes—done daily—are what separate dreamers from doers.
Join a Community of Committed Leaders
As this semester draws to a close, our students are not just reflecting on what they’ve learned—they’re actively applying it. They’re building momentum with new routines, better time management, and a clearer sense of purpose. Each habit they form is a brick in the foundation of their future.
If you’re looking for a place that helps you discover your potential, set meaningful goals, and actually reach them—Cumorah Academy is the place to be. Here, you’ll learn more than theory. You’ll gain tools and experiences that change how you approach life.
Whether you want to become a leader, improve your discipline, or find a supportive international community, Cumorah Academy can be your next step. Discover what’s possible when your daily habits match your biggest dreams.
Start your journey. Build successful habits. Shape your future.
Apply now and become part of a global community committed to growth and purpose.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Julieta Ramirez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
