VITAL Habits

VITAL Habits serve as a foundation for fulfillment - and ultimately success.

The first step is to mindfully identify the core values, talents and actions upon which to build your habits.

Ask any older person how hard it is to change counterproductive habits once they are deeply rooted – it's really tough.

Instead, if you start intentionally building habits that serve your long-term goals when you're young, it will be easy to put in the sustained effort that leads to fulfillment and success.

This process grew from the essay brainstorming exercises I have used with students for years with great success.

First, consider your core values… then follow the steps from there.

The process is circular: let a little time go by, then try it again with your new learnings.

Values
What do you believe in? What drives you?

Not what you want on your resume -- what you feel in your gut.

Interests
What do those values compel you to do? What do you love?

Not like, love. This does not have to be a long list.

Talents
That stuff you love? You're probably starting to get good at it.
What talents are you developing?

Actions
What specific, intentional actions can you take to get even better?

Take them!

Learning
Pause, reflect and understand what you've learned from these actions.

Did your values or interests change?

Did you do everything you could to get better today?