High-profile investors, billionaires, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs all have one thing in common: they’ve mastered the art of levelling up their entrepreneurial game.
Of course, it takes a lot of hard work, lifestyle changes, sacrifices, and luck to attain the same level of success.
From finding the most exciting and unique business idea to executing it seamlessly, from learning to manage your time effectively to developing an efficient work-life balance, entrepreneurship has many moving pieces.
It’s no easy feat, but if you’re determined to make it happen, here are 31 habits you should take on if you want to level up your entrepreneurial game in 2023:
Number 1: Develop a Routine and Stick to It
Think of a routine as a plan to govern your day. You can’t just wing it and expect things to fall into place.
Everything from waking up early to taking breaks and eating healthy should be part of a well-calculated routine.
So, what should your daily routine contain?
That’s upon you to decide. Figure out how you work best and what time of the day you concentrate better.
Do some trial and error before settling on a routine that works for you.
You’ll also need to be careful about your lifestyle, time-management abilities, bandwidth, and more to create a reasonable and achievable daily routine.
Once you have that settled, stick with it even when things get tough—your entrepreneurial game will thank you.
Here’s a five-step guide to help you develop a perfect daily routine for yourself, even if you’ve never created one:
- Step #1: Make a List: List everything you want to accomplish each day.
- Step #2: Structure Your Day: Decide which activities you’ll do first, second, third, and so on. What task will you do early in the morning, midday, evening, and right before bed?
- Step #3: Get Specific: Don’t just write “work on a project” for your morning task—be specific about what you want to achieve. For example, if you aim to launch a website, decide exactly which page and features you’ll work on each day.
In other words, your daily routine should look something like this:
6:00: Wake up, Shower
6:30: Coffee & Breakfast, Plan the day’s tasks
7:00: Work on Website Build
9:00: Reach out to Potential Customers/Partners
10:30: Take a Break for Exercise/Meditation
12:00 Lunch and a Short Walk
13:00 Answer Emails & Networking
15:00 Retool Website
17:00 Set Goals for Next Day
18:30 Exercise/Meditate Again
20:00 Checkin with Friends & Family
21:30 Review Progress, Make Adjustments as Needed
22:30 Personal Time—Journaling, Reading, Relaxation
23.00 Sleep
- Step 4: Schedule Time for Flexibility: Don’t be too harsh on yourself if the plan doesn’t go as planned. It’s life, and regardless of how well you plan, something will pop up and throw a wrench in your plans. Take this time to reflect on what went wrong and how to improve for the next time. Be flexible with your schedule and give yourself some wiggle room each day.
- Step 5: Test Drive the System: It’s time to ensure the plan works for you. Getting the hang of things may take a few weeks or months. Track your progress and adjust until you find the best routine system.
Number 2: Stay Curious and Ask Questions
The statement “curiosity killed the cat” is only true if you let it be. Stay curious and ask questions whenever you come across an unfamiliar concept.
Your entrepreneurial curiosity will pave the way for new ideas and innovative solutions. On the contrary, you’ll miss out on a lot of potential opportunities by not questioning the status quo and exploring the unknown.
And the best part? Asking questions shows your willingness to learn and grow, a trait that will serve you well for the rest of your life. So don’t be scared to put yourself out there and ask questions – the knowledge gained will be invaluable.
So, how do you stay curious?
- Read regularly.
- Attend online webinars and industry events to learn from others.
- Make it a habit to question the status quo.
- Set aside time each week for research and exploration.
- Sign up with reputed blogs and newsletters to stay up-to-date with industry trends.
- Follow thought leaders on social media, and join online communities that match your interests.
- Brainstorm ideas with colleagues – great things can come from bouncing off each other’s ideas.
Number 3. Learn to Sleep Early and Wake Up Early
Sleep is crucial for recharging the mind and body. But entrepreneurs often find it hard to switch off, whether thinking of ways to grow their business or worrying about deadlines.
That’s why it’s advisable to set up a sleep schedule — aim for 8-9 hours per night so your brain can rest.
And just as important, aim to wake up early – the earlier you can rise, the more time you’ll have to focus on achieving your business goals. Do it consistently and watch as your energy levels begin to rise and ideas start to flow.
Number 4: Time Management
Knowing how to organize and prioritize tasks efficiently will help you reach goals faster.
You can start by breaking down bigger tasks into smaller chunks. This way, you can focus on taking one step at a time, and you won’t be overwhelmed.
Use the Pomodoro technique to break your day into productive, focused 25-minute sessions. It will help you avoid distractions and procrastination. You can also use the Eisenhower Matrix to help prioritize tasks more effectively and focus on the most critical tasks first.
Finally, don’t forget to give yourself breaks throughout the day. Your productivity will suffer if your mind and body are overworked, so learn to take time off for yourself during the day.
Number 5: Exercise
Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean bodybuilding, weight lifting, and running marathons. All you need is a good 30 minutes of daily physical activity to help keep your energy levels high and improve your overall mood. It could be anything from yoga to brisk walking or even stretching regularly.
Number 6: Read
Successful entrepreneurs don’t just read business books – they also branch out to different genres that can stimulate their minds and keep them entertained. So, pick up a book this week or subscribe to an e-magazine and start reading.
Number 7: Have Fun
It helps to have some “me time” and time to relax. Take a break from work and have fun. Go out with friends, take a mini vacation, or do something you love to do — it will help boost your creativity and keep your spirits up.
Start with your daily routine — have a few minutes of fun each day. Whether it’s playing video games, trying a new restaurant, or watching your favourite show – adding a bit of leisure into your life can help you become more productive and successful in the long run.
Number 8: Be flexible
Be open to new ideas and opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take risks and find creative ways to get things done. Flexibility will help you stay ahead of the curve, discover new solutions, and make sure that you can react quickly when needed.
Be prepared for anything in the ever-changing business world – because the only certain thing is that nothing is certain. Stay flexible, and you’ll be able to make the most out of any situation.
Number 9: Always be One Step Ahead
Learn to plan for contingencies and always anticipate what can go wrong. Let nothing catch you off guard. Have a plan of action in place for any situation. That way, you can be sure you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.
You can start by planning for the next day, week, and month. Research new solutions, and ensure you can react quickly when needed. Don’t let yourself be caught unawares — if you plan ahead, the unexpected won’t be a big deal.
Be prepared for anything in the ever-changing business world.
Number 10: Learn to Encourage Your Team
You’re only as strong as the team you work with. A leader should be in tune with what their team needs to succeed and never be afraid of giving them the motivation they need.
Remember, a team doesn’t necessarily mean employees but even your partners and friends. You want to be the support they can rely on, the source of inspiration they need.
You want to check on them regularly and ensure they have the resources to reach their goals. After all, you are your team’s biggest cheerleader.
So be an encourager, and don’t forget to always keep learning yourself — it will give you more tools to support your team.
Number 11: Learn About Money Management
It all boils down to how good you’re with money. And in business, that is the backbone of success.
After all, how can you sustain a business if you don’t know how to handle money well?
First, learn to keep track of your cash flow and how to leverage it for growth. Second, make sure you’re investing in the right projects and not wasting resources on failed ones.
Third, learn to budget for the future so that your business will be on solid financial ground no matter what comes your way.
Mastering money management is the key ingredient to achieving business success.
Here are a few money management books you can read:
- Best for Building Wealth: The Automatic Millionaire
- Best for Beginners: Broke Millennial
- The One-Page Financial Plan: The One-Page Financial Plan
- Will Teach You to Be Rich: No Guilt. No Excuses.
- The Psychology of Money
- Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence
Number 12: Be In-line with Your Priorities
Your goals and objectives should always be top of mind.
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and grind, but it’s important to stay focused on what matters most—and that begins with clear objectives.
Some entrepreneurs maintain Excel spreadsheets with details on their short, medium, and long-term goals.
You can also set yourself regular reminders, either mentally or through a physical reminder system (like sticky notes).
Not only will this help you stay on track, but it’ll also ensure you’re constantly investing in the right areas.
Have a 5-year plan, and be sure to reassess it each year. Next, break it down into yearly, quarterly, monthly, weakly, and daily objectives.
Don’t let yourself get complacent — it’s always important to stay aware of new opportunities or changes in the market that may affect your business.
Number 13: Learn Something New Daily
It’s never enough to just be good at what you do. It would be best if you also strived to learn something new daily.
Remember, entrepreneurship is a combination of various skills, and each new skill you learn will help to level up your game.
Whether it’s an entirely new language or something related to business — make sure you’re expanding your knowledge base daily.
Doing this will not only give you an edge over the competition, but it’ll also improve your confidence and productivity in the long run.
Plus, with the rapid changes and unities in the market, it pays to be prepared for any eventuality that may come your way.
Here are a few skills you want to learn in 2023:
- Coding or programming
- Financial literacy
- Data Science
- SEO and digital marketing
- Sales techniques
- Leadership and communication skills
- Project management
- AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- UX Design
- Self-management skills such as time management, goal setting, stress management, etc
Sign up with sites like Allison and get certified in the fields you are interested in, or join a class on Udemy.
Number 14: Picky Up a Hobby
Golfing, painting, gardening, biking, baking, photography – whatever your passion is, pick up a hobby. It should help you take a break from all the business hustle and provide much-needed me time.
Plus, hobbies can help give you perspective when dealing with stressful situations. Who knows — maybe one day, your hobby can even become a side business or something you can monetize.
So, go ahead and pick up a hobby.
Number 15: Learn UX Design
UX Design is one of the most sought-after skills in the world right now. Understanding UX design principles can help you to create better products and services for your customers. After all, if you want your business to be successful, it has to be customer-centric.
You can start by taking some Udemy courses or find some free online resources to get you started. Once you’ve grasped the basics, you can experiment with different product mockups and wireframes or even build a prototype. You never know—you might discover something that takes your business to the next level.
Number 16: Prioritize Deep Work Over Multitasking
If you only focus on one task at a time (or better yet, just one aspect of a task) instead of trying to juggle several tasks at once, you’ll get more done in less time.
Deep work is the process of focusing on one complex task or project for a certain period and resisting any distractions that could come up. It allows you to think clearly and stay focused on the task at hand while ignoring potential distractions, leading to a better outcome in less time.
We suggest you use the first few hours of waking up each morning for deep work to capitalize on the most productive time of the day.
Don’t open any social media or emails first thing in the morning. You also don’t want to talk to anyone until you finish your deep work.
This way, you’ll be able to get more done and have a sense of accomplishment for the day. Remember, it’s not about how many tasks you can do in a day but how well you can focus on each task and get them done efficiently.
Number 17: Your Health, Your Wealth.
The key to unlocking your entrepreneurial potential is taking care of yourself. A balanced lifestyle, eating healthy meals, regular exercise, and de-stressing through yoga all contribute to keeping yourself sharp and motivated.
Be sure to take care of yourself before tackling the day’s challenges. After all, your body is the foundation for everything else.
Number 18: Build A Network You Can Rely On
Surround yourself with people who will help you reach your goals. Having a strong network of mentors, advisors, and friends can make all the difference when tackling big projects or dealing with difficult issues. Reach out to your contacts and build relationships you can rely on for advice and support.
Here’s how you build a reliable network:
- Join professional groups and organizations in your industry
- Attend networking events and meetups to connect with like-minded people
- Utilize social media and online forums to build relationships
Number 19: Have A Mentor or Coach
Many great entrepreneurs have mentors or coaches to help them level up their game. Having someone who can guide you through tough decisions and provide valuable advice can be a real advantage.
You don’t need to pay for a coach or mentor; you can also find them through networking, joining professional groups, or taking online courses. The idea is to consider reaching out to people with more experience and knowledge than you in your industry.
Number 20: Zero Inbox
One of the best habits you can pick up is getting your inbox to zero daily. Allowing emails to accumulate and pile up without responding will only cause stress and anxiety in the long run. Make it a daily goal to either respond, delete, or archive every one of your emails. When you’re done, take a few moments to bask in the glory of an empty inbox.
Number 21: Automate Everything
Nothing will help you level up faster than automating certain processes. You can use automation to create systems and structures that are easy to maintain. This will allow you to free up more of your time, energy, and resources so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business. Take advantage of automation tools like Zapier or IFTTT to automate mundane tasks quickly and easily.
Number 22: Diversify Your Portfolio
Diversify your portfolio to reduce the risk of market downturns. Look into investing in stocks, bonds, real estate, and other alternative investments. It will help protect your financial future while also giving you more options for growing and diversifying your income.
Number 23: The Pareto Principle
The Pareto Principle states that 80% of the results come from 20% of the effort. It’s a useful tool for remembering how you utilize your time and resources. Focus on the 20% of activities that give you the greatest results and leave the rest for later. It will help you maximize your efficiency and reduce wasting of energy.
Number 24: Get Comfortable with Failure
Failure is like the air that successful entrepreneurs breathe. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to improve your projects. It’s ok to make mistakes, just don’t make the same ones twice! Use failure to fuel innovation, and you’ll soon find yourself on the path to success.
Number 25: Reflect and Reassess
Take a few moments each day to reflect on your progress. Are you sticking to the habits you’ve set for yourself? How can you improve upon them?
You also want to reflect on your goals and score your progress.
Score each day and month and remind yourself of your progress. It’s amazing how this small habit can help keep your motivation up and drive you to success.
For example, if you complete all tasks on your to-do list, that’s 100% progress. With every milestone achieved, you’ll feel closer to your goal. Celebrate each small victory and use it as a springboard for greater success in the future.
Number 26: Challenge Yourself
Challenges can be great motivators. Why not set yourself a challenge? Whether it’s an educational course or running a marathon, challenges give us something to strive for and can help keep us focused on our goals.
Number 27: Plan Obsessively
The plan should precede execution. Whether working on a new business venture or tackling a project, you want to lay the groundwork before taking action. Planning helps to ensure that everything goes smoothly and nothing is left to chance. It also allows you to anticipate setbacks and develop strategies for overcoming them. So learn to plan obsessively.
Number 28: Look for Inspiration Everywhere
It can be easy to get caught in an entrepreneurial rut. To keep your creative juices flowing, look for inspiration everywhere you go. Keep an eye out for emerging trends, innovative products, and people who are pushing the boundaries of their craft. Then use what you find to inspire your own work. Who knows? You might just discover the next big thing.
Number 29: Get Into a Groove
Successful entrepreneurs understand that progress takes time and consistency. Find your groove and stick with it. Create a routine that helps you stay focused and productive, even when the odds seem overwhelming. Figure out what works best for you, then take it one step further.
Number 30: Find Your Balance
Entrepreneurship is a balancing act. You must find the sweet spot between work and play, risk and reward, and profit and loss. It’s not always easy—sometimes you’ll go too far in one direction or another—but as long as you remain mindful of your goals, adjusting your course as necessary, you’ll find your groove and be closer to achieving success.
The final habit on our list? Celebrate Your Accomplishments! No matter how small a success may seem, take the time to recognize and celebrate it. Every victory counts when you’re an entrepreneur—it’s the fuel that will keep you going and propel you to the next level.
