If lifelong learning is a strength, these up-and-comers are already flexing their muscles. When Arkansas Business asked its 2024 class of 20 in Their 20s about small habits that make a big difference, they didn’t disappoint. Here are some of their responses.
Mariana Abarca
Multicultural liaison, City of Little Rock
“Maintaining balance. I have developed the habit of balancing all aspects of my life. If I fail to find balance and focus too much on one area, I can easily feel overwhelmed. Despite having a demanding full-time job, I also make time for my studies, social life, exercise, mental health, family and hobbies. This balance allows me to be happy and enjoy every part of my life. Without it, focusing solely on one thing would make it difficult to find fulfillment and sustain my success. Finding this balance helps me stay grounded and ensures that I can give my best to each part of my life without feeling burned out.”
Eden Garrett
Owner and chief flower officer, Eden’s Flower Truck + Eden’s Botanicals
“I always try to consider every decision from multiple points of view. Will this decision make my life or someone else’s life better? Will this decision create a positive or negative reaction? Is this something I can live without, or is it truly necessary?”
Myranda Grulke
Realtor, The Charlotte John Co.
“Time blocking. We live in a day and age in which it’s so easy to lose so much valuable time by doom-scrolling or mindlessly filling our minds with distractions. By prioritizing my schedule daily and allocating enough time for each item on my to-do list, I am able to be more efficient.”
Clara Henderson
Continuous improvement facilitator, Hytrol Conveyor Co.
“I would say being present and attentive. It pays to pay attention. I hope that for the rest of my life, I’m smart enough to listen, because other people have different experiences and know different things. I put it on myself to know to ask for help and to listen to what other people have to say.”
Kylie McClanahan
Chief technology officer, Bastazo
“Finding a creative outlet! I have a very technical job that doesn’t often provide opportunities for creativity in the traditional sense, so it’s important to seek them out. I was part of a choral group for many years, I cross-stitch and I play Dungeons & Dragons with friends. It’s a chance to step away from work and breathe.”
Sheridan Owens
Senior closing agent, Waco Title Co.
“Diligent notetaking quickly became a habit when I started working in the title insurance industry and has become one of the most important things about my job. It helps me stay on track and pay attention to smaller details, and that has greatly helped my success.”
Venesha Sasser
Chief development officer, Walnut Hill Communications
“Quarterly evaluations. I take the time to separate my goals and actual achievements every quarter to ensure I am making the progress needed to hit each of my goals.”
Tori Scott
Communities manager, Excel by 8
“When I meet new people, I try to stay focused on the person in front of me. I have learned so much from taking an interest in the careers of others and learning from their life experience.”
Ashlee Smith
Chief retail officer, Farmers & Merchants Bank
“I am very big on setting goals in my personal and work life, whether they are big or small, and I strive hard to achieve them. I feel there is always something to be working toward, and I like to have a path outlined to get there. That has been something that has helped me tremendously in developing my career, and I am constantly trying to evolve and work toward the next step.”
Itzel Velazquez
Capital access manager, Kiva Little Rock
“Taking a walk outdoors has become a small but significant habit for me. It’s a valuable time to decompress and recharge.”
A version of this article originally appeared in our sister publication Arkansas Business.
