251. From Pizza Hut to HR to Coach: How to Reach Goals Via New Habits

“I was always interested in human behavior, personal development, and what makes people tick.” She earned a degree in psychology— “a degree you can use anywhere”—but detoured awhile in a Pizza Hut kitchen. “It helped me to realize what I didn’t want to do for the rest of my life,” she jokes. Soon, at another company, she was volunteering after hours in Human Resources, just to learn the field. When a paid position opened up, she was first in line to get it.

Jen’s says her decision to get up at 5:00 every morning, “was a huge turning point for me. It’s a habit I started in 2011 that made a big difference in my life. I created time in my day for personal development and daily exercise. I have a family and two kids, so early morning was really the only time when I could consistently fit it in. Now, my passion for music is a part of my daily life, too. Every morning I practice guitar.” Jen is also the lead vocalist in a local band called Magnetic.

“Because I committed to the new habit of getting up early, making time for myself, I actually started having a lot more confidence in other areas of my life as well. And I started feeling happier. And when you’re happier, everything starts to improve.”

1. Make time for yourself. Create habits that support you in your goals.

2. Don’t be deterred. If you can’t follow your passion full time, start pursuing it as a hobby or a sideline.

3. Reach your goals a day at a time, step by step, habit by new habit.