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10 Habits of Being a Successful Entrepreneur
Published on October 10, 2022
If you’re a new entrepreneur, you’re probably filled with excitement, passion and determination – all qualities that make a great business owner. Although, you may also be harvesting some feelings of fear and uncertainty which is completely normal for any entrepreneur just starting out. While you’re at the beginning of your new endeavors, you’ll want to identify ways to help keep you motivated and focused so you can stay the course on the fast track to success.
Those who are successful at running their own businesses have learned from the lessons of previous failures and achievements in their careers, and they’ve incorporated those lessons into their habits and behaviors to make themselves more likely to succeed. While every entrepreneur’s journey and experience will be different, there are certain habits of successful entrepreneurs that you can adopt to boost your own career and business.
If you’re looking to kick your business into high gear, these ten habits of successful entrepreneurs can help you reach the next level of success.
1. Take action
A common misconception about becoming an entrepreneur is that you must have everything figured out before you can take action. But, that’s far from true. If you want to lead a career as an entrepreneur, you have to be willing to start somewhere. The best way to learn is by doing. So take the leap of faith, come up with a plan and make it happen. You'll be surprised at how quickly things begin to take shape.
The most successful entrepreneurs achieve success because of their passion and their willingness to try. They have a clear goal in mind, which is critical in helping them on their entrepreneurial journey. Plus, they’re open to new opportunities and taking risks which are both essential for success. So don't be afraid to put yourself out there, give it everything you’ve got and go after your dreams!
2. Wake up early
Getting a routine in place and feeling accomplished first thing in the morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. Feeling like you've already accomplished something before 9 AM can help you maintain a positive attitude and remain productive throughout the day. In fact, some of the most accomplished entrepreneurs and business owners wake up before 6 AM which is key to their success.
How you choose to use your time in the morning is up to you. Maybe you take the time to exercise, catch up on emails, or just read the newspaper while you have your morning coffee. The important thing is that you wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help to train your body and mind to be ready for work each day. A successful entrepreneur is always on the move. So set that alarm clock, get up and get going.
3. Hold themselves accountable
Being an entrepreneur means having to juggle a lot of different things - from keeping track of finances to networking to managing employees. And sometimes things can fall through the cracks. That's why it's important to hold yourself accountable and take responsibility for your actions and what you get done. If you make a mistake, own up to it and learn from it. Good entrepreneurs know that they can't do everything on their own and delegate accordingly. However, they also know that ultimately, the buck stops with them and takes responsibility for their team's success or failure.
Entrepreneurs know that their business is a reflection of themselves, so they take care to always put their best foot forward. This doesn't mean that they're perfect, but it does mean that they're always learning and growing. Holding yourself accountable also means setting high standards for yourself and your team, and striving to meet or exceed those standards. Always keep your eye on the prize - your goal for your business.
4. Make sacrifices
Are you willing to make sacrifices for your business? Being an entrepreneur takes not only passion, but dedication and sacrifice too. This might mean long hours, working on weekends, or investing your own money into the business. In a recent study, 33% of small business owners reported working more than 50 hours per week, and 35% said they work more than 60 hours a week (source). So, if you find yourself working late or waking up early, a lot of entrepreneurs, like yourself, are also committed to working extended hours on their business.
Successful entrepreneurs know that they need to be flexible and learn how to adapt to change. They're always looking for ways to improve and are willing to go the extra mile if it’s beneficial to their business. Realistically, if you're not willing to put in the extra effort, especially in the beginning, it may impact your business and take you longer to achieve your goals. Making these sacrifices will pay off in the long run as your business grows and becomes successful.
5. Learn from others
In order to succeed as an entrepreneur, you have to learn the art of creating your own luck by making the right decisions at the right time. One of the best ways to get better at this skill is to read other entrepreneurs’ experiences and advice, which you can find in abundance on the Internet. Select a few entrepreneurs that you admire or that inspire you and follow them on social media. The things you learn from them you can apply to your own entrepreneurial style.
Some entrepreneurs seek guidance from a mentor who can offer advice that they pull from their own first-hand experiences. Learn from your mentors and peers, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. But, most importantly successful entrepreneurs surround themselves with positive, motivated people. Positive energy is contagious. Spend time with people who will motivate and inspire you to be your best self.
6. Prioritize and delegate tasks
With so many responsibilities, it can get overwhelming at times to figure out where to start and what tasks take precedence over others. You can't do everything at once, and trying to do so will only lead to burnout. Learning how to prioritize tasks can help alleviate stress and make things more manageable so you can increase your productivity.
Figure out what's most important and focus your energy on that. Let go of the things that aren't as crucial and delegate or outsource them to others if possible. Can you hire someone to help with administrative tasks, or a representative to make sales calls? The key for most entrepreneurs is to delegate the right tasks to the right people.
7. Get out of their comfort zone
Would you consider yourself an introvert? Maybe you’re not quite comfortable meeting new people and networking. Well, as a new entrepreneur it is all about getting out of your comfort zone. Oddly enough, most successful entrepreneurs purposefully put themselves in uncomfortable scenarios and seek out opportunities that require them to take risks. The key is to channel that nervous energy and redirect into your confidence and the drive you have to elevate your business.
Constantly pushing yourself to try new things and meet new people will not only help you grow as a person, but it will also help you develop new skills and build relationships that can benefit your business.
8. Eliminate distractions
We all know that entrepreneur life can be hectic and your attention is constantly being pulled in different directions. That’s why it’s incredibly important to eliminate distractions like social media and anything else that can take away from your productivity. You need to train yourself so you can stay focused on your goals. Of course, you want to allocate time to yourself when needed but you want to find ways to minimize distractions as best as possible. Here are some tips that entrepreneur implement to help them manage their distractions:
By eliminating distractions, you can better focus on the task at hand and get more done in less time.
9. Make personal health a priority
As an entrepreneur, you are constantly hustling and grinding to make your dreams a reality. But in order to be successful, you need to make sure you are taking care of your health first and foremost. That means getting an adequate amount of sleep, eating right and taking time to do what you enjoy. All of these things will help you maintain a clear mind and be able to focus on your work.
Plus, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to put your best foot forward. Being healthy will give you the energy you need to keep up with the demands of being an entrepreneur.
10. Willing to evolve
The most successful entrepreneurs are open to change and willing to evolve as needed to be relevant. What worked yesterday might not work today, and what works today might not work tomorrow. They understand that in order to stay ahead of the curve, they need to be constantly learning and growing. This means being open to new ideas, trying new things, and being willing to pivot when necessary.
They also surround themselves with people who will challenge them and push them to be better. They're not afraid of failure, because they know that it's all part of the journey. So, if you want to be successful, you have to be willing to evolve.
Put these habits to practice and become the successful entrepreneur you want to be
What does it mean to be a successful entrepreneur? That's a question with many answers, but there are many habits that successful entrepreneurs share. They're passionate, they set goals, they work hard, and they never give up. They also surround themselves with positive people and embrace change. If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, start by incorporating these habits into your own life to help you to achieve long-term success.
Now that you know what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, get out there, grow your business, and create your own success story!
If you’re a new entrepreneur, you’re probably filled with excitement, passion and determination – all qualities that make a great business owner. Although, you may also be harvesting some feelings of fear and uncertainty which is completely normal for any entrepreneur just starting out. While you’re at the beginning of your new endeavors, you’ll want to identify ways to help keep you motivated and focused so you can stay the course on the fast track to success.
Those who are successful at running their own businesses have learned from the lessons of previous failures and achievements in their careers, and they’ve incorporated those lessons into their habits and behaviors to make themselves more likely to succeed. While every entrepreneur’s journey and experience will be different, there are certain habits of successful entrepreneurs that you can adopt to boost your own career and business.
If you’re looking to kick your business into high gear, these ten habits of successful entrepreneurs can help you reach the next level of success.
1. Take action
A common misconception about becoming an entrepreneur is that you must have everything figured out before you can take action. But, that’s far from true. If you want to lead a career as an entrepreneur, you have to be willing to start somewhere. The best way to learn is by doing. So take the leap of faith, come up with a plan and make it happen. You'll be surprised at how quickly things begin to take shape.
The most successful entrepreneurs achieve success because of their passion and their willingness to try. They have a clear goal in mind, which is critical in helping them on their entrepreneurial journey. Plus, they’re open to new opportunities and taking risks which are both essential for success. So don't be afraid to put yourself out there, give it everything you’ve got and go after your dreams!
2. Wake up early
Getting a routine in place and feeling accomplished first thing in the morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. Feeling like you've already accomplished something before 9 AM can help you maintain a positive attitude and remain productive throughout the day. In fact, some of the most accomplished entrepreneurs and business owners wake up before 6 AM which is key to their success.
How you choose to use your time in the morning is up to you. Maybe you take the time to exercise, catch up on emails, or just read the newspaper while you have your morning coffee. The important thing is that you wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help to train your body and mind to be ready for work each day. A successful entrepreneur is always on the move. So set that alarm clock, get up and get going.
3. Hold themselves accountable
Being an entrepreneur means having to juggle a lot of different things - from keeping track of finances to networking to managing employees. And sometimes things can fall through the cracks. That's why it's important to hold yourself accountable and take responsibility for your actions and what you get done. If you make a mistake, own up to it and learn from it. Good entrepreneurs know that they can't do everything on their own and delegate accordingly. However, they also know that ultimately, the buck stops with them and takes responsibility for their team's success or failure.
Entrepreneurs know that their business is a reflection of themselves, so they take care to always put their best foot forward. This doesn't mean that they're perfect, but it does mean that they're always learning and growing. Holding yourself accountable also means setting high standards for yourself and your team, and striving to meet or exceed those standards. Always keep your eye on the prize - your goal for your business.
4. Make sacrifices
Are you willing to make sacrifices for your business? Being an entrepreneur takes not only passion, but dedication and sacrifice too. This might mean long hours, working on weekends, or investing your own money into the business. In a recent study, 33% of small business owners reported working more than 50 hours per week, and 35% said they work more than 60 hours a week (source). So, if you find yourself working late or waking up early, a lot of entrepreneurs, like yourself, are also committed to working extended hours on their business.
Successful entrepreneurs know that they need to be flexible and learn how to adapt to change. They're always looking for ways to improve and are willing to go the extra mile if it’s beneficial to their business. Realistically, if you're not willing to put in the extra effort, especially in the beginning, it may impact your business and take you longer to achieve your goals. Making these sacrifices will pay off in the long run as your business grows and becomes successful.
5. Learn from others
In order to succeed as an entrepreneur, you have to learn the art of creating your own luck by making the right decisions at the right time. One of the best ways to get better at this skill is to read other entrepreneurs’ experiences and advice, which you can find in abundance on the Internet. Select a few entrepreneurs that you admire or that inspire you and follow them on social media. The things you learn from them you can apply to your own entrepreneurial style.
Some entrepreneurs seek guidance from a mentor who can offer advice that they pull from their own first-hand experiences. Learn from your mentors and peers, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. But, most importantly successful entrepreneurs surround themselves with positive, motivated people. Positive energy is contagious. Spend time with people who will motivate and inspire you to be your best self.
6. Prioritize and delegate tasks
With so many responsibilities, it can get overwhelming at times to figure out where to start and what tasks take precedence over others. You can't do everything at once, and trying to do so will only lead to burnout. Learning how to prioritize tasks can help alleviate stress and make things more manageable so you can increase your productivity.
Figure out what's most important and focus your energy on that. Let go of the things that aren't as crucial and delegate or outsource them to others if possible. Can you hire someone to help with administrative tasks, or a representative to make sales calls? The key for most entrepreneurs is to delegate the right tasks to the right people.
7. Get out of their comfort zone
Would you consider yourself an introvert? Maybe you’re not quite comfortable meeting new people and networking. Well, as a new entrepreneur it is all about getting out of your comfort zone. Oddly enough, most successful entrepreneurs purposefully put themselves in uncomfortable scenarios and seek out opportunities that require them to take risks. The key is to channel that nervous energy and redirect into your confidence and the drive you have to elevate your business.
Constantly pushing yourself to try new things and meet new people will not only help you grow as a person, but it will also help you develop new skills and build relationships that can benefit your business.
8. Eliminate distractions
We all know that entrepreneur life can be hectic and your attention is constantly being pulled in different directions. That’s why it’s incredibly important to eliminate distractions like social media and anything else that can take away from your productivity. You need to train yourself so you can stay focused on your goals. Of course, you want to allocate time to yourself when needed but you want to find ways to minimize distractions as best as possible. Here are some tips that entrepreneur implement to help them manage their distractions:
- Get organized - Use a calendar or daily planner to keep yourself on track.
- Set priorities - Know what tasks you want to accomplish and work to get them done in order of importance.
- Say no to things that don't serve your purpose - It’s always not easy, but sometimes you have to say no so that you can focus your attention on other things.
- Delegate tasks - Give time consuming projects to someone else to work on.
- Put your phone away - Put your phone in a different room or out of sight so you’re not tempted to look at it.
- Don't multitask - Pick one task to do at a time instead of doing them all at once and risk not getting anything fully completed.
By eliminating distractions, you can better focus on the task at hand and get more done in less time.
9. Make personal health a priority
As an entrepreneur, you are constantly hustling and grinding to make your dreams a reality. But in order to be successful, you need to make sure you are taking care of your health first and foremost. That means getting an adequate amount of sleep, eating right and taking time to do what you enjoy. All of these things will help you maintain a clear mind and be able to focus on your work.
Plus, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to put your best foot forward. Being healthy will give you the energy you need to keep up with the demands of being an entrepreneur.
10. Willing to evolve
The most successful entrepreneurs are open to change and willing to evolve as needed to be relevant. What worked yesterday might not work today, and what works today might not work tomorrow. They understand that in order to stay ahead of the curve, they need to be constantly learning and growing. This means being open to new ideas, trying new things, and being willing to pivot when necessary.
They also surround themselves with people who will challenge them and push them to be better. They're not afraid of failure, because they know that it's all part of the journey. So, if you want to be successful, you have to be willing to evolve.
Put these habits to practice and become the successful entrepreneur you want to be
What does it mean to be a successful entrepreneur? That's a question with many answers, but there are many habits that successful entrepreneurs share. They're passionate, they set goals, they work hard, and they never give up. They also surround themselves with positive people and embrace change. If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, start by incorporating these habits into your own life to help you to achieve long-term success.
Now that you know what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, get out there, grow your business, and create your own success story!