Leadership does not begin with big moments.
It starts with small choices.
Daily actions shape who we become.
At Cumorah Academy, students welcomed mentors Thiago and Dani Vilas Boas. Their message focused on one idea: leadership habits.
Small actions done every day create real change.
During the week, students learned how habits affect growth and confidence.
Karen Prado, a student from Brazil, shared her experience:
“This week, we had the opportunity to be with this wonderful couple at Cumorah. I am very grateful for the love they showed the Lord and us, and for teaching us that there is no progress in the comfort zone and that there is no sweeter fruit than hard work. I am grateful for their love, loyalty, kindness, and strength.”
Growth happens when comfort ends and effort begins.
Why Habits Matter
Classes focused on the power of habits.
Lessons came from the book Atomic Habits, by James Clear.
Students learned a simple truth. Big results come from small actions.
Important lessons included:
- Small steps lead to big change
- Consistency matters most
- Systems help more than motivation
- Habits shape identity
Daily choices build tomorrow’s results.
This idea is the base of strong leadership habits.
Students did not chase fast success. They practiced steady progress instead.
Examples of habits included:
- Waking up early
- Reading each day
- Writing goals
- Practicing gratitude
- Tracking progress
Simple habits become powerful over time.
Learning to Change
Each student chose one habit to practice during the week.
The goal was simple and clear.
Students worked to:
- Build something lasting
- Practice every day
- Continue after leaving campus
Dante Cruz, a student from Mexico, shared his thoughts:
“This week, I learned about the importance of creating new habits. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of bad habits and negative emotions, but we are not alone. Our Father is always with us, guiding us and helping us achieve our goals.”
Change can feel uncomfortable. Old routines feel safe. New actions require courage.
Through practice, students learned how leadership habits grow step by step.
Leadership begins by leading yourself.
New actions create new direction.
New direction creates new opportunities.
Meet the Mentors
Thiago and Dani Vilas Boas shared years of experience. Their story helped students connect lessons with real life.
They have been married for 20 years and have four children.
“We are originally from Brazil and moved to the United States about 11 years ago. We lived in Texas for 6 years and have now been in Pittsburgh for about 5 years.”
Their international journey inspired many students.
Thiago also spoke about his career:
“I have been working in management for about 20 years. I really enjoy working with people and helping solve problems. Also, I have a background in Business and International Business, and I value opportunities to work across cultures.”
Leadership appears in many places:
- Family life
- School
- Work
- Community service
Success in each area depends on strong leadership habits.
Small Changes, Big Results
One lesson stood out clearly.
Habits shape results.
Better habits create better outcomes. Small changes improve direction over time.
Students learned an important idea.
Motivation fades. Systems remain.
James Clear explains:
“Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress.”
Students practiced systems every day.
Cumorah Academy supports this growth through the Accountability Challenge.
Participants:
- Choose one habit
- Track progress daily
- Support classmates
- Stay accountable
Accountability turns goals into action.
Through this challenge, students practiced real leadership habits each day.
Leadership Starts Small
Many people think leadership requires big achievements. The mentors taught a different idea.
“Great leaders are not defined by one big moment, but by small, consistent choices made every single day.”
Leadership grows through repetition.
Growth happens when people:
- Choose discipline over comfort
- Act without praise
- Keep promises to themselves
- Continue when progress feels slow
James Clear also teaches:
“Decide the type of person you want to be. Prove it to yourself with small wins.”
Small wins build confidence and identity.
This process creates lasting leadership habits.
Students began to see leadership as a daily practice.
A Culture of Growth at Cumorah Academy
Cumorah Academy has always focused on building leaders.
Students learn through:
- Mentorship
- Challenges
- Teamwork
- Reflection
- Habit practice
Learning happens through action, not only ideas.
Graduates leave with tools for life.
They gain:
- Clear systems
- Strong discipline
- Greater confidence
- A vision for the future
Understanding leadership habits becomes part of their journey.
Your Next Step
Growth begins with one decision today.
A new habit can change your path.
Fresh experiences can change your thinking.
A meaningful season can shape your future.
Cumorah Academy invites you to begin that journey.
If you want to grow as a leader and build lasting leadership habits, this is your moment.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
