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November 6, 2024

The Blueprint to Success: Proven Habits of Top Entrepreneurs to Achieve Your Own Goals

A quote about the characteristics of successful people. In the background, there is a picture of the hands of a man in a suit.
Brian Tracy Quote- Image from LinkedIn

Success in entrepreneurship is often seen as the product of talent and opportunity, but at its core, it’s deeply rooted in consistent habits that drive individuals toward their goals. Entrepreneurs build their success by cultivating key habits that foster resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to growth. From prioritizing daily discipline and setting clear objectives to embracing risks and learning from failures, successful entrepreneurs demonstrate that strong foundation habits can be as valuable as innovation itself. These habits serve not only as a blueprint for business success but also as a roadmap for personal growth, ultimately revealing that entrepreneurship is as much about mindset as it is about business strategy. If there were proven steps you could take to make you successful, would you take them? Here are some habits that have worked in turning entrepreneurs to successful entrepreneurs.

1. Setting a Clear Intention about Your Goal

Goals give us something to work towards, direction, breaking down our larger dreams into manageable, achievable steps. When we set goals, we define a clear path forward, helping us stay motivated and focused, even during tough times. Goals also allow us to measure our progress, giving us the satisfaction of celebrating small wins along the way, which can boost confidence and reinforce positive habits. You’ll always be limited or lifted by the goals you set. 1 This habit of setting intentions about your goals helps to prioritize what truly matters, and aligns our efforts to lead us closer to the success we envision.

 2. Maintain a Killer Instinct

What does a killer instinct mean? You have to attack time and be cut-throat when it comes to yourself/ business and scheduling. When speaking about maintaining a killer instinct in this context- I’m referring to describing “a certain edge which describes how committed the individual feels about getting things done. It’s this “getting things done” element of work that seems to separate those who are examples of success.”2Nikkie Pryce, a self-published author and speaker from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, puts her phone on do not disturb. 3This allows for the person to not become distracted with social media during work time.

3. Time Aside for Meditation and Relaxation 

Furthermore, it’s equally as important to schedule time for relaxation. “Burnout is one of the top threats to entrepreneurs.” 4 Entrepreneurs face a reality of having no “official” set hours, meaning there are early mornings and very late nights, with stress during all these hours. Time for sleeping, meditation, exercise and practicing self-care is needed in this environment. In the long term you will thank yourself for spending time on yourself and your future. Read your favorite book. Go on a walk. See how clear your mind gets. Sleep impacts everything from health to how you look/feel as well as thinking and decision making abilities. 5 The use of meditation apps to calm thoughts for when you wake up and before you go to bed also proves beneficial. 6

4. Remove Roadblocks 

Removing obstacles is essential for fostering growth and achieving success, as roadblocks can delay progress, drain motivation, and distract from critical goals. By identifying and addressing these barriers early, teams can create a clearer path to success, enabling greater focus, faster innovation, and sustained momentum. Even in top companies, some individuals seem to relish placing obstacles in the way of ambitious teams. In these cases, perseverance is essential. The persistence to keep pushing forward, despite roadblocks, significantly increases the chances of success. 7

5. Network, Network, Network

Chalkboard image with the word "Entrepreneur" written on it.
Image from LinkedIn- “5 Things Entrepreneurs Never Expected They Would Need To Do”

As individuals, we grow with the help of others. In every business, it is extremely important not only to network with others but know how to network yourself properly. Successful people are constantly building powerful networks. Matt Salzberg, founder of Blue Apron, who led the company‘s $1.9 billion IPO and served as CEO built his powerful network while attending Harvard and later, by working for a powerful venture capital firm, Bessemer Venture Partners. 8

6. Money Management 

Money management is crucial for successful entrepreneurs, as it allows them to effectively balance cash flow and make sound financial decisions that sustain growth. It’s not about cutting costs at all expenses, but rather about understanding the value of each dollar and using it strategically. Careful financial planning helps avoid unnecessary risks, especially during critical growth phases. Every investment should be a step toward their goals, bringing them closer to lasting success.

7. Not Afraid of Failure

Chalkboard Image of a drawing showing the relationship between the words "try", "fail", and "success."
Image from Shutterstock

Successful individuals embrace failure as a valuable part of their journey, viewing it not as a setback but as an opportunity for growth and learning. They understand that each mistake brings insights that can inform better decisions in the future. This resilience allows them to adapt and innovate rather than shy away from risks. 9Moreover, they recognize that achieving significant goals takes time and persistence, and they remain committed to their vision every day!

According to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, there are over 31 million entrepreneurs in America. 10With more entrepreneurs than before, many look towards successful people they admire and try to take the steps they have. Success is not solely reserved for the few; it’s accessible to anyone willing to learn, adapt, and persevere. Overall, the habits of successful entrepreneurs—such as these listed are essential for achieving lasting success. By adopting these practices, anyone can enhance their potential and work towards their goals. With dedication and the right mindset, you can cultivate these habits and pave your own path to success.

  1. Cremades, Alejandro. “10 Proven Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 March 2019.
  2. Jensen, David G. “Entrepreneurs & Intrapreneurs Share Several Key Work Habits.” Household & Personal Products Industry, January 2024.
  3. “The self-care habits of successful entrepreneurs who book 6 figures and raise millions in venture capital.” The Business Insider, May 18, 2022.
  4. Cremades, Alejandro. “10 Proven Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 March 2019.
  5. Cremades, Alejandro. “10 Proven Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 March 2019.
  6.  “The self-care habits of successful entrepreneurs who book 6 figures and raise millions in venture capital.” The Business Insider, May 18, 2022.
  7. Jensen, David G. “Entrepreneurs & Intrapreneurs Share Several Key Work Habits.” Household & Personal Products Industry, January 2024, 34+
  8. Cremades, Alejandro. “10 Proven Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 March 2019.
  9. Cremades, Alejandro. “10 Proven Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 March 2019.
  10. Isador, Graham. 2021. “12 Surprising Entrepreneur Statistics to Know in 2021 | NorthOne.” NorthOne Blog. May 7, 2021.

Julianna Zamora

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