What does it take for a person to become a successful entrepreneur? It is not argued that those who have achieved success are effective at what they do, but what other qualities have they developed and skills have they acquired to facilitate their rise to the top?
Success is not achieved through lackluster planning or laziness; entrepreneurs are hard working and consistent in their steps, calculating risk vs. reward at every twist and turn along the way. Details, organization, and refusal to quit are common traits that many entrepreneurs share, along with many other admirable habits that they have developed and acquired to make them what they are today. If you too, want to break out of the 9 to 5 cycle and begin calling your own business shots, here are 10 habits you must develop in order to be successful:
You Must Be A Visionary
Strong leaders spend some serious time in their own heads, thinking and planning and dreaming about what they would like to create. They are naturally innovative, and they crave the excitement of new discoveries around every corner. If you see a Healthy You Vending machine at your business office, you are the type of person who imagines what it would be like to have a business centered around business office vending. Do you begin asking questions like, “How can I become financially independent? I wonder what direction a venture like this would take me?” Imagination becomes a very powerful asset as it is used to fuel passion around ideas and inspire other partnerships to bring these ideas to fruition. Visionaries are very powerful people, and they inspire others to create and share in their passion as well. This habit lends itself very well to the entrepreneur, as he learns to play within his imagination and create what he sees.
You Must Be An Early Riser
The early bird gets the worm – this well-known saying becomes a reminder that those who are diligent and hardworking will produce consistent, measurable results in business and in life. Establishing healthy habits, like “early to bed, early to rise” and sticking to a schedule will allow you to be more productive during the day. The more steps you take toward achieving your goals, the more likely it is that you will accomplish them.
You Must Keep A Schedule
Successful entrepreneurs put work first and socializing second. If they can combine the two, then all the better! It is certain that both of these activities appear on their calendars, as they are beneficial to each other. An entrepreneur realizes the need to have and create relationships constantly, as it is not known in the grand scheme of things which relationships will become life-changing and significant. Welcome opportunities to work and to socialize, and make sure your schedule is maintained and that it is moving you in a forward direction in your life. Eliminate distractions, and assess which activities are beneficial to you and which ones are time wasters as you seek to accomplish great things.
You Must Sleep!
Entrepreneurs know the power of a good night’s sleep, and how it can benefit the mind, body, and soul. Lack of sleep contributes to increased stress and poor judgment while being well rested leaves you with energy, mental focus, and physical endurance that are necessary for building a successful business. Respect the need for sleep, and take care of the body that is bringing you on this joyous and exciting ride of making your dreams a reality.
You Must Keep It Simple
Creating and maintaining simple routines makes systems easy to follow. Not only are they easy to follow, they become duplicatable, allowing other people to take over certain operations, freeing you to focus on the big picture of expansion. A successful entrepreneur sticks to simplicity, and they do what works. If something is determined to be ineffective, it is altered or eliminated in favor of something that works. “Keeping it simple, stupid,” becomes their mantra as they build their businesses.
You Must Write Things Down
Starting a business can be an overwhelming task, and it is likely that you will not remember little details that can be helpful in the future. Keeping a journal is one way to remember conversations, meetings, and even brainstormed ideas that could benefit you big time. A journal is also a place to record thoughts and feelings as a way of processing through them as they come up, paving the way for more peace and stability that can assist you in thinking clearly. Successful entrepreneurs write consistently and often, focusing on the existential side of life while planning for a bright future. Write it down, make it happen.
You Must Be Flexible
The best-laid plans rarely play themselves out seamlessly; there are always twists and turns on the road to success. A real entrepreneur takes these daily detours in stride, constantly changing business strategies while keeping a positive attitude and a mindset of growth and change. The more you are willing to grow and change, the more likely it is that you will find opportunities in places you hadn’t expected to; who knows how positively they will impact your growth? Embrace change, and be prepared for an exciting and expansive ride.
You Must Be Curious
Making the habit to be open and curious about everything puts you in a position to learn—–a lot. You’ll learn about yourself, your life, and your business as you seek to find answers to questions that pop into your mind. They are there for a reason; embrace them, seek the answers, and always maintain an attitude of optimistic curiosity that there is a helping hand around every corner that will assist you in realizing your dreams.
You Must Take Care Of Yourself
Successful entrepreneurs realize that a business without a strong leader is not as effective. Keeping yourself in tip-top shape, eating healthfully, and tending to your emotional and spiritual personalities as well will prime you for success. The stronger you are as a person, the more you are able to give to your business, your employees, and your customers. Develop the habit of self-care, and your business will benefit as well.
You Must Give Back To Others
Remember those helping hands that you received along the way, and give back as an appreciation of thanks. Giving to your employees makes them feel supported and satisfied, and they will, in turn, take care of your business by investing themselves in your success. Giving to your customers will make them feel special and valued; these types of business relationships keep perpetuating themselves time and time again; people remember how they are treated, and they are far more likely to return to your business again if they feel they are heard, valued and respected. Give to others, and you will receive in abundance.
This may seem like a lengthy list of habits, but as you develop them in pursuit of your business dreams and goals, you will build momentum, and you will become motivated to do more and more to achieve the ultimate dream – financial freedom. What are you waiting for? Go for those dreams!!!