Habits of success start with small, consistent steps—and the Powells showed us how those steps can change everything. This week, Cumorah Academy was blessed by the presence of Allen and Kristina Powell, a couple radiating light, sincerity, and a fresh, youthful energy.
Their deep, visible love for each other and for Jesus Christ formed the foundation of their classes on the “Habits of Success.” They didn’t just teach us; they invited us to view our lives as a canvas, urging us to use intentional habits to paint our personal masterpiece.
Fun Facts About the Powells
Before diving into their teachings, here are a few fun facts that made Allen and Kristina even more unforgettable this week:
- They’ve been best friends for 28 years of marriage — and it shows in every glance, joke, and gentle nudge they give each other.
- They live in a 140-year-old house in a forest in New Hampshire, which sounds exactly like something out of a cozy movie.
- They’ve lived in seven different countries, from Finland to Bolivia, collecting stories, lessons, and lots of stamps on their passports.
- Kristina has an artistic soul — she can turn any painting into a life lesson in less than five minutes.
- They both speak with the kind of peace that makes you want to take notes on how to breathe.
- And yes — they somehow look younger than they are. Maybe joy and discipleship really are the best skincare routine.
The Art of Self-Worth: Labels Don’t Define You
Every session with the Powells began with an artistic touch, with Kristina inviting students to engage in painting or drawing—a beautiful metaphor for creation and self-expression. A truly impactful moment came when they shared the story of Max Lucado’s You Are Special, reminding us of the little wooden people, or “Punchinellos,” who were defined by the labels they received.
The core lesson was powerful and directly aligned with Cumorah Academy’s values of identity and divine potential: labels do not define us.
Regardless of the “stickers” or “dots” others place on us, in the eyes of our Creator, we are perfect. This message served as a powerful introduction to the concept of Identity-Based Habits, teaching us to focus on who we want to become rather than just what we want to achieve.
The Canvas of Success: Systems Over Goals
Allen and Kristina delivered a comprehensive framework for building effective habits, synthesizing the wisdom of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits and James Clear’s Atomic Habits. They taught us that success is not a final destination, but a process—a system built through consistency, emphasizing the profound power of getting just 1% better every day.
Key lessons included:
- Engineering Your Environment: Habits are built using the Four Laws of Behavior Change—making good habits Obvious, Attractive, Easy, and Satisfying.
- Prioritizing the Vital Few: They urged us to identify our MIT (Most Important Tasks) and cautioned against distractions, telling us to “Stop polishing cannonballs.” The goal is not perfection, but momentum: “Done is more valuable than perfect.”
- Emotional Checkpoints (H.A.L.T.): To maintain focus and prevent negative habits, they provided practical wisdom: “Do not have important conversations or make decisions when: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.”
Our actions shape who we are and who we are becoming. In fact, habits of success are those that are anchored in our purpose. It is altering the way we make decisions and solve problems. Building habits of success doesn’t happen overnight, so one excellent exercise students undertake is called the Accountability Challenge, in which they implement habits every week.
Leadership Rooted in Light and Service
The Powells’ vision of leadership is deeply spiritual and highly actionable.
Kristina emphasized that effective leadership starts with empathy: “I think a good leader is a listener.” By understanding and caring for people, leaders can naturally inspire loyalty and cooperation.
Allen expanded on this with the principle of servant leadership. He defined the leader’s job as removing obstacles so the team can succeed: “A good leader is someone who takes care of their people so that the people can take care of their work.” This attitude of service, paired with their personal motto, “It’s not about who is right but what is right,” shows a path to leadership built on humility and purpose.
Final Message: Building your Habits of Success is a Journey
The Powells’ lives, which have spanned 28 years of marriage, six children, and seven countries, are a testament to the principles they instilled. Their final counsel to the students was both profound and encouraging:
“Keep going. Even if it was baby steps… The skills and the centering you have here are true principles that you will take into your life. You’re going to face cultures and environments that are not supportive. But if you do little things in your sphere of influence, you will have a bubble of success that will grow.”
They left us with a simple, powerful call to action: to “Be yourself” (or as Kristina uniquely phrased it, “Be allen,” being who you are) and to “stay close to the Lord because that’s where there’s going to be joy, and He can help you through anything.”
Ready to Design Your Life with Intention?
Are you ready to build habits for success and achieve results that will change your life forever? The habits you build today are the future you paint tomorrow. If you are ready to acquire the skills, spiritual centering, and global perspective offered at Cumorah Academy, your journey begins now. Apply to Cumorah Academy today and begin painting your path to purpose!
Written by Thamara Egídio
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
