INSIDER

Has an entrepreneurial journey called your name, whispering tales of thrilling risks, aweinspiring innovations, and the chance to make a dent in the universe? Erase the idea of stumbling upon a secret recipe for overnight success. Instead, think about fostering habits that have sculpted successful entrepreneurs, launching them on an upward trajectory. Intriguing, isn't it?

You've probably read and heard countless narratives about entrepreneurial triumphs from humble beginnings in a garage blossoming into tech giants, or a small town girl or guy turning into a global fashion mogul. Although each journey is distinct and packed with personal lessons, there's a common thread. Top-tier entrepreneurs embrace certain habits that set them ablaze on their success path, irrespective of the industry they disrupt. Ready to add that spark to your entrepreneurial dream? Let's deep dive and unravel these habits!

1. Rising with (or before) the Sun

A cliché? Sure, but a powerful one. Margaret Thatcher, Tim Cook (Apple), and Richard Branson (Virgin Group) what unites these leaders, apart from their undisputed success, is their affinity for greeting the dawn. Waking up early gifts them (and can gift you) a head start on the day when distractions are at minimal and the mind is at its creased-best.

2. Perpetual Learning

Warren Buffett, the investment maestro, spends 80% of his day reading. Bill Gates, the tech wizard, engulfs a book per week. Here's a favourite quote from Gates: "Every now and then, I like to pick up a copy of 'The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy' and let my mind wander." Simply put, successful entrepreneurs never stop learning. They're updated about industry trends, they broaden their knowledge base, and they're not shy of an occasional galaxy hitchhiking trip!

3. A Healthy Body Hosts a Sharp Mind

True, businesses don't run on salads and marathons. But what if I told you that exercise improves cognitive function, enhances mood, and boosts energy? Entrepreneurs like Jack Dorsey (Twitter) and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) sweat it out regularly using activities like running, yoga, or even walking meetings because they know a sharp mind resides in a healthy body

4. People-First Approach

Successful entrepreneurs recognise the value of building and maintaining strong relationships they know success is not a one-person show. Take Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn co-founder, who states, "No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team." Networking, valuing your team, and simply putting people first can transform your entrepreneurial journey.

5. Embrace Failures

Not all who wander are lost this Tolkien quote stands true for entrepreneurs like Henry Ford (Ford), who witnessed several failed businesses before his triumphant ride Embracing mistakes, learning from them, and harnessing them into stepping stones for growth are hallmarks of A-list entrepreneurs.

6. Unwavering Perseverance

It's no surprise that the entrepreneurial journey isn’t a stroll in the park. There will be setbacks, countless naysayers, and times when throwing in the towel seems like the sensible option Successful entrepreneurs, however, stand undeterred. They, like Steve Jobs, are the "round pegs in the square holes" who see setbacks as setups for a grand comeback.

7. Time Management

Time is the only non-refundable resource. Successful entrepreneurs know this and adeptly juggle multiple tasks They understand and categorize tasks based on urgency and importance, delegating where needed, mastering the art of productivity, not busyness.

8. Vision As The Guiding Light

Above all, successful entrepreneurs are visionary they can see the invisible, they catch the wind before the storm, they embrace the future before it arrives. Like Elon Musk visualizing electric cars way before Tesla, successful entrepreneurs live in tomorrow, today

Remember, these habits are not innate gifts bestowed upon a chosen few. They represent a conscious choice, a daily commitment.

Pick a habit from this list, make it your own, and you're already one stride closer to the success you envision

Let the entrepreneur in you shine!

Insider

Plan to start waking up at 5 am every day? Or maybe you’ll finally climb a mountain? Your commitment soars sky-high when you have a reason: a vision.

For entrepreneurs, a vision isn't just an idealistic image of the future. It's the guiding North Star that shapes strategies, drives innovation, and inspires the team. Without a clear vision, chances of long-term success are as dim as a candle in a hurricane

Vision vs. Goals: What's the Difference?

While vision and goals are words often used interchangeably, they're as different as cake and doughnuts. Vision is the guiding principle, the long-term aspiration. It's the big picture of what you want to achieve in the grand scheme of your entrepreneurial journey. Goals are specific, measurable achievements that lead you toward that vision.

Why is vision more important? Think of vision as the rudder of your entrepreneurial ship. It steers your journey, guiding your venture through the vast, often tumultuous seas of the business landscape.

At the core, vision paints a picture of the long-term future your business seeks to create, a destination you aim for. This overarching principle helps align your decisions, set priorities, and measure success. Without vision, you may sail, but the voyage lacks a predetermined purpose.

On the other hand, goals are the wind in your ship's sails, propelling you forward. They are specific, measurable, and concrete targets that you aim to hit in your voyage. But, if the rudder of vision is absent, these goals can turn misguiding.

You might make progress and sail swiftly but with no clear direction; it's akin to being lost at sea. In that sense, whereas goals constitute short-term and medium-term targets, your vision encapsulates the ultimate impact you want to achieve. That's why vision takes precedence it lends meaningful context to your goals, ensuring that each nautical mile you traverse is a step in the right direction.

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Examples of Visionary Success

One shining example is Coco Chanel. In early 20th century France, Coco Chanel envisioned a future where women expressed themselves freely through their attire Challenging the restricting corsets and heavy gowns of that era, she introduced an aesthetic that was simple, functional, and elegant.

She transformed women's fashion by daring to imagine a world where comfort doesn't have to compromise style The 'little black dress' concept and the revolutionary Chanel suit bear testament to her visionary success.

Then there's Steve Jobs. Many remember Jobs for his vision of creating “a computer for the rest of us,” transforming complex, intimidating technology into aesthetically pleasing, friendly, and consumer-friendly products His vision extended to revolutionizing the music industry, mobile telephony, and animation. The iPod, iPhone, and Pixar Animation Studios are fruits of his visionary thinking still ripening today, long after his death.

Staying Motivated & Focused

Staying motivated and focused on your vision is about resilience it's a marathon, not a sprint Every step towards your vision no matter how small deserves recognition Celebrating small victories maintains morale, increases motivation, and can offer light relief during a challenging entrepreneurial journey.

When doubts cloud your mind, remind yourself why you embarked on this journey in the first place Reconnecting with the passion and purpose that sparked your vision can refuel your motivation.

Remember, vision is far-sighted. Seeing it through can take you through turbulent weather. But just as the lighthouse guides the ship through a storm, your vision when coupled with motivation and focus will guide you towards entrepreneurial success

Dream Big

As entrepreneurs, we shape our world; our vision is the blueprint. Let's dream and dream big.

The visionary entrepreneur Jonathan Swift once said, "Vision is the art of seeing the invisible."

So, let's take our canvas, paint our vision vividly and create our masterpiece an entrepreneurial journey that matters.

So, what's your vision?