Forbes Under 30: The Habit That Changes Everything

Learn how consistent action, embracing fear, and mastering repetition can turn your dreams into reality. Discover how Caitlin Clark, a Forbes Under 30 honoree, used mindset and risk management to achieve success and reach her biggest goals.

If you think the time you’re spending at a job you hate, stuck in a routine you can’t stand, is just the way life has to be—stop reading now. This post isn’t for you.

This is for the dreamers. The doers. The people who look at their lives and know deep down, “I’m meant for more.” If that’s you, let’s talk about why you’re not where you want to be yet—and how one habit can change everything.

The Caitlin Clark Blueprint for Success

When you hear about someone on the Forbes Under 30 list, it’s tempting to think they got there because of raw talent. But let me introduce you to Caitlin Clark—college basketball’s brightest star and one of the most influential athletes of her generation. Caitlin, a two-time NCAA player of the year, has shattered records with her scoring ability, including becoming Iowa’s all-time leading scorer. Yes, she’s supremely talented. But what sets her apart isn’t just skill—it’s action and relentless repetition.

Clark is rewriting the rules of women’s basketball. She’s not only Iowa’s all-time leading scorer but also a player who thrives in high-pressure moments, sinking buzzer-beaters and dominating the NIL space with deals from brands like Nike, State Farm, and Gatorade. It’s no surprise she’s a Forbes Under 30 honoree. But here’s the real secret: Caitlin Clark’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s about the actions she repeats every single day.

Talent Starts the Fire; Action Fuels It

Talent is like a spark. It’s exciting, but it won’t take you far unless you fuel it with action. Caitlin Clark didn’t become a legend by coasting on her abilities. She put in the hours—on the court, in practice, and in preparation. Her deadly accuracy around the 3-point line isn’t luck; it’s the result of thousands of shots, taken and missed, until her body and mind mastered the skill.

Why Action Matters More Than Talent

Here’s the truth: you can have all the talent in the world, but without action, it’s useless. Caitlin Clark is proof that:

1. Repetition Builds Mastery: Psychologists agree—consistent action rewires your brain for success. Caitlin’s stats show this: a 40% scoring rate from the 3-point line, a career milestone of 1,000 assists, and countless clutch plays. These numbers didn’t happen by chance.
2. Consistency Beats Motivation: Caitlin doesn’t wait to feel inspired to practice. She shows up, day after day, because she knows that consistency—not fleeting motivation—is what drives results.
3. Action Creates Opportunities: Clark’s rise in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals didn’t come from waiting for sponsors to notice her. It came from her relentless performance on the court, where her actions made her impossible to ignore.

Why We Don’t Take Action

Let’s be honest. You’ve thought about your dream, right? You’ve imagined what it would feel like to be featured in Forbes Under 30, to have your name on that list, to know you’ve arrived. So why aren’t you there yet?

You tell yourself you’re too busy. Or that you’re not ready. Maybe you’re waiting for a “better time.” These sound like reasons, but they’re excuses. And they all boil down to one thing: fear.

Fear of failure. Fear of judgment. Fear that maybe you’re not good enough. Here’s the truth: you’re never going to feel fully ready, and no one is coming to save you. If you want to change your life, you have to take action—messy, imperfect, terrifying action.

Fear is often what holds us back from taking action. But what if you take the time to truly understand your fears? This is a powerful exercise in measuring the risks. What if you fail? Great—now you know what you could lose, whether it’s the cost of a course, a lesson, or even a degree. Failure isn’t something to fear; it’s an investment in yourself. By failing, you gain the knowledge and experience that help you avoid making the same mistakes again. The important thing is to set your mindset in the right place, focus on the long-term benefits, and view these challenges as stepping stones. You’re not just investing money; you’re investing in your growth, your knowledge, and your future.

The Power of Repetition

Action alone isn’t enough. It’s the action you repeat—day after day, no matter what—that changes everything. Think about Caitlin Clark. She didn’t become one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball by accident. She practiced. Over and over. Shots, passes, drills. Thousands of them. Repetition isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation of greatness.

Here’s what psychologists know: repetition rewires your brain. It builds habits, strengthens skills, and creates momentum. The more you do something, the easier it gets. That’s how success works. You don’t wake up one day on top of the world. You build your way there, one action at a time.

How to Take Action: 10 Steps to Start Today

If you’re ready to turn your dreams into reality, here’s your blueprint for success:

1. Write Down Your Goal

Writing it down makes it real. It’s the first step in committing to action.

2. Break It Down Into Smaller Milestones

Big goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into achievable steps.

3. Set Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Targets

Consistency is key. Set targets to keep you moving forward, step by step.

4. Prioritize Your Time

Take a hard look at how you’re spending your time. Make room for your goal.

5. Create a Routine

Develop habits that support your goal. A routine helps you stay consistent.

6. Focus on Consistency Over Perfection

Perfection is an illusion. Consistency in your actions will bring results.

7. Measure Your Progress

Track your success. Celebrate the small wins to stay motivated.

8. Reassess and Adjust Regularly

Don’t be afraid to tweak your plan as you go. Flexibility keeps you on track.

9. Stay Accountable

Tell someone about your goal. Accountability partners help keep you motivated.

10. Visualize Success

Visualization helps align your actions with your dreams. Keep your end goal in mind.

Success isn’t a result of talent alone; it’s about the action you take every day. Fear isn’t something to avoid—it’s an opportunity to grow. Repetition leads to mastery, and failure isn’t an end, it’s an investment in your future.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take action, measure the risks, and invest in yourself. Like Caitlin Clark, you can build your success one shot at a time.