9 habits of successful business owners and entrepreneurs

Let’s be honest; running a business is pretty damn hard. From meeting prospective clients to maintaining relationships with old ones, from providing the best service to dealing with everyday issues – there just never seems to be enough time to get it all done!

Wherever you are in your business journey, it’s important to know that ‘busy’ does not always mean successful. It’s better to work smarter, not harder.

What’s the first step to working smarter? Creating habits that promote positive change.

Practise these 9 daily habits of successful entrepreneurs and business owners and you will be off to a good start!

1. Have an actionable morning routine

How you start your morning usually influences how the rest of your day will go. Your morning routine can be anything and everything, as long as it gets you ready to seize the day. It could be as simple as practising a morning skincare routine or having a coffee while you check in on your goals before writing out your to-do list.

One way to start your day is by sorting out priorities in a journal. Taking some time to figure out your key tasks for the day keeps you laser-focused on what needs to be achieved and inspires you to think of ways to make the day successful.

2. Be a leader and delegate

Say it after us: You. Can’t. Do. Everything. We’re only human after all!

It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks, but it’s more important to never lose sight of the bigger picture. If you don’t have time to focus on social media management or maintain payroll, hire people to do it for you. Surround yourself with a supportive team you trust, so you can stay focused on the bigger goals while they do the behind-the-scenes work.

If you have no budget for hiring, consider asking a loved one for assistance. Just learn to ask for help.

3. Declutter, physically and mentally

Clutter creates stress. A messy work environment leads to a messy mindset. Keep your workspace clean and organised.

In fact, declutter your life wherever possible. Letting go of a personal or professional relationship that isn’t working, or listening to meditation podcasts when you’re overthinking will help clear your mind.

A healthy mind creates a healthy life. A healthy life sets you up for a productive and positive work environment.

4. Give thanks to the good things in your life

Managing your own business is chaotic, to say the least. Whether you work in a team or on your own, giving thanks is an excellent way to stay level-headed and focused. If you manage a team, a simple ‘thank you’ or ‘great job’ can go a long way to creating a positive work culture in your team. When it’s a busy day, sometimes we forget our worth and need to be reminded of it.

If you’re on your own, take some time out of your day to practise gratitude. Reflect on what you love in your life, from family and friends to taking on another client for your business.

You may also find it helpful to write these things down. This list will be your saving grace on hard days when you need a reminder of what’s good in your life.

5. Daily practice of a goal or activity

Having goals for your business is essential for growth, but have you thought about your personal goals as well? More often than not, business owners can become consumed when they only focus on their professional development. This is a sure-fire path to getting burnt out.

A fulfilled life isn’t all about work. It should be fun too!

Think about what your hobbies are, what you enjoy doing and what you’re curious about. Then dedicate a portion of your daily routine to that hobby or activity.

6. Being present in your personal life

As a business owner, you wear a lot of hats to keep it all running. To keep up, you might be working on your phone while you’re spending time with your loved ones or juggling social engagements with work commitments.

While multi-tasking sounds efficient, it really isn’t. It prevents you from being truly present in the moment.

When you run a business, it’s essential to have perspective. Don’t let the rest of your life pass you by because you’re too busy working on your business. Remember to take time out of your day for activities that fulfil you, like spending time with your family and friends. Switch off from work mode so you can truly be present in the moment.

7. Move your body

Literally! As our world continues to move into digital, especially after COVID‑19, more and more of us are working from a computer at home. This limits our body movement, and when you’re in the same sitting position every day, you’ll notice feelings of lethargy creeping in.

To keep your body active, spend at least 30 minutes a day moving around. Whether that be exercising or walking the dog at a park this will keep your body and mind healthy.

Researchers say that 30 minutes of exercise a day may even provide additional weight loss benefits. The shorter workout could leave you with leftover energy to be more physically active as you do things throughout the rest of the day.

If you need help to break up movement over the course of your day, tracking your movement through a fitness journal or app can help.

8. Switch off technology before bed

We’re so glued to our phones, tablets, laptops and computers nowadays that we sometimes find ourselves gazing at a screen without realising it. Every screen emits a blue light which, when looked at for long periods of time, affects our sleep patterns by blocking the melatonin hormone that makes us sleepy. Rest is paramount when you’re running a business, so it’s important to limit technology use before bed.

Turn off all technology (yes, even your phone!) at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Instead, spend this time with other activities, like reading a book or even practising deep breathing exercises that relax your body. Breathe in through your nose, hold, then deeply exhale through your mouth. Repeat a few times and you’ll feel noticeably more relaxed, encouraging sleep.

9. Pay it forward

You’ve probably heard of karma – what goes around, comes around.

Success isn’t measured by how much you have, but by how much you give back. Once you’ve got your business down pat and running, consider giving back to the wider community.

Whether you do this by volunteering or partnering your business with a charity that’s close to your heart, studies have shown that giving back can only have a positive benefit in your life. It also enables you to see the bigger picture and explore what else is out there in the world, which could lead to new opportunities for personal and professional growth.