There are so many factors that can play a role in determining our results, performance and ultimately our success, but some factors matter more than others. We asked folks what they felt was the most important factor driving their success.

Chloe Kat, Nathan Foley, Aspene Taylor, Isaiah Johnson, Brandon Holt-(Not Present For This One) N/A | Bandmates, Entrepreneurs

The most important things I’ve learned is friendships are everything, try your hardest to be a good person, and do good business. Knowledge is infinite, so always be willing to be a patient student and a teacher. This is actually a marathon not a sprint. Find you a team and stick together. Nobody actually did anything by themselves. Nathan: The most important things I’ve learned thus far is that things don’t need to hit immediately, time is a factor but not a ‘be all’ element. Hard work and potent rest bring results. Kat: I have learned that clear communication and mutual respect can solve most problems. It is important to envision group goals in collaboration with others in order to see from multiple points of view (big picture). When everyone feels equally valued in a creative space, everyone continually shows up to the table with their own gift to share. All of our gifts are of equal value. Isaiah: For real, patience is key and be you no matter what. Read more>>

Glenda Emory | Life and Relationship Coach, Quantum Healer

I personally believe my stubborn nature and tenacity gave me the drive to never give up. Too many entrepreneurs start out with a dream and quit when it gets hard. I had to push through a lot of fears and limiting beliefs. Read more>>

Rick Saavedra | Filmmaker and Photographer

I believe that If you want to achieve something in life, the first thing you need is to truly love what you do, and fully surrender to it. To be successful in life, you must mix several ingredients – for me, the main ones would be: creativity, passion, perseverance and dedication. These elements seem to balance each other well, the spontaneity of creativity and passion grounded in dedicated perseverance has been an effective way for me to develop my craft. Also, I always have my camera with me and am ready to capture moments as they reveal themselves each day. I love photography, and am also a passionate filmmaker. I enjoy creating stories, music videos, capturing nature and playing with emotions in my films. Read more>>

Leo Lei | CEO / Founder

Without question, a positive mindset was the most important change in my life to set the foundation for success. I highly recommend reading Napolean Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, which goes over the very basics and fundamentals of how one should think and approach business and life. Read more>>

Harriet “Hattie” Gilpin | Jewelry Designer

I believe that consistency is the most important factor. Consistently producing high-quality content, branding, and hard work every day. Read more>>

Diana Lasus | Owner at A Wedding By Di

When I decided to get into wedding planning 21 years ago, it was particularly important to me that I was an extension of my clients wants and needs when it came to planning their perfect day. I did not want to be a wedding planner that told them what they wanted, and tried to convince them to make decisions they were not comfortable with whether it was their budget, style, design, etc. I wanted to listen very closely and respect the perimeters they had set, while trying to create the day they had always dreamed of. It is a fine line. Some couples have expectations of a fairytale day that is far beyond their means. It is important that I always balance being realistic with being the creator of one of their most special days. Many of my clients have dreamed of this day since they were a child. There is a lot of pressure in that task, but a task that I am happy to take on. Having a steady and calm demeanor on a day that is filled with so moving parts and stress is critical as a wedding planner. Read more>>

Sonal Kanodia | Real Estate Advisor

The most important factor for the success of my brand is Approachability. We live in a culture of sales resistance and people work with those they can trust. Being approachable comes naturally to me and that what has helped me build connection and trust. I take the time and enjoy getting to know my clients on a personal level. Every client I meet is unique and different, and so are their needs – whether they are a growing family, a first-time home buyer, an investor or someone looking to downsize at different stages of their life. I have learned to listen and always exceed my client’s expectations in a positive way. They see me as a professional they admire, respect, and choose to work with. Over time I have built relationships that have resulted in some wonderful friendships and I am so lucky and thankful for that. Read more>>

Bebo Diaz | Barber

I don’t make any move unless it’s going to make me happy. Read more>>

Kayla Schaffroth | Business Owner & Actor

I’m obsessed with getting my clients awesome results. I believe that I was put on this earth to serve and help people (especially kids and teens in my case). It keeps me focused and motivated, even when I don’t “feel” like doing the work. I’m always trying to find new ways to offer more value to my customers. Every Sunday, I’ll write out my goal for the week, actionable steps to achieving this goal, and the “why” behind the goal itself. The “why” almost always revolves around my drive to help and serve my clients. It lights me up!. Read more>>

Bernadette Torres | Founder & Owner of Happy Hour Pilates and Wellness

Believing in myself, following my passions, and staying true to who I am. In order to become successful, in any endeavor, a person must be willing to learn, fail, adapt, listen, and be disciplined. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you lose everything. Always be a student of your craft. That is how you become great. Read more>>

Melissa Pollock | Psychotherapist & Wellness Expert

The most profound factor in my successful private practice is my commitment to taking excellent care of myself. Any time that I have “pushed through” or put my personal needs aside for the business has come back to haunt me. I’ve learned that the only way to a sustainable feeling of success is the way in which I prioritize myself in my life. I am not my work or my business, and yet both flow effortlessly when I take time to focus on not being productive, of doing gentle movement, of taking breaks intuitively not just the ones scheduled. Ultimately, successful therapy means that clients feel relief and well in their lives –and I know that as a therapist, if I commit to doing these for myself, I model and emit true wellness. Read more>>