10 habits of successful entrepreneurs

Striking out on your own, running a business, seeing your idea flourish and being your own boss is the dream of many, yet one realised by very few. Being a prosperous and prospective tycoon isn’t, however, necessarily about having an idea that is potentially the next Facebook, or being able to sell ice to the Inuit. Yes, both of these things help, but truly successful entrepreneurs have more than just an idea or the gift of the gab. Take Steve Jobs as the ultimate example, he was an average coder, didn’t design and certainly didn’t manufacture, yet he’s credited for making Apple the world’s most valuable company, after starting it from nothing. These are the habits that can be the difference…

EXERCISE

Find half an hour to 40 minutes in the day to indulge in some exercise – sleep in your running gear if you have to. The adage, “a healthy body is a healthy mind” is not to be scoffed at. The better shape you’re in, the sharper you’ll be.

SET GOALS

Short and long term. Don’t lose sight of the little victories as much as the big ones and be realistic. It’ll help morale, create accountability and promote focus.

MAKE LISTS

Many people find to-do lists the key to productivity, break these into timed sections and stop on a task once time is up. Breaking your day down into smaller projects can help you from getting demotivated by seemingly insurmountable tasks.

WAKE UP EARLY

Most CEOs are up before 6am for a reason, to get a head start on the day before most have even stirred. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is up at 5:30am, Richard Branson 5:45am and Tim Cook 4:30am – surely that tells you something?

TALK THROUGH IDEAS

Having a sounding board, a trusty confidante who you can bounce thoughts off and have a bit of back and forth with to hone an idea is essential – you won’t have all the answers and they might notice a crucial detail you’ve missed.

JUST DOING IT

The famous Nike tagline is clichéd but all too true. Nothing happens when you say you’re going to do something – get up and start that business, make that phone call or take that meeting.

SEEK NEW EXPERIENCES

The inspiration for a new product, campaign and the like is unlikely to strike whilst going through a daily routine for years on end. Get out more, try new things and don’t get complacent.

STICK TO YOUR STRENGTHS

You won’t get anywhere being average or adequate. Do what you do best and learn to delegate the tasks that aren’t your strong suit.

DON’T GET SUCKED INTO EMAIL

Rarely is productivity epitomised by spending the day reading and occasionally responding to emails. Get actual stuff done and find a strategy to manage your inbox.

THINK POSITIVE

A negative and pessimistic mind will rub off on others, clients and employees and will in no way be good for business. If you’re not sold on the idea, how can others?