15 Apr Habits of Successful People
Being a successful leader is what many managers aspire to be. They also develop good habits to reach their goals. They know to be successful those habits take time to form and it is a commitment.
We know some great leaders have good leadership skills such as being empathetic, inspiring, and great communicators.
But what habits do most successful leaders have in common?
1. They develop great morning routines
Many great leaders have successful morning routines added to their daily habits. Additionally, It is important to have a good structure in the morning to set the tone for the rest of the day. From getting up in the morning early to exercising or planning your day, a good morning routine is necessary for success. Productive leaders aren’t running out the door last minute. They have well-thought out plans.
There are many successful people with good morning routines. For example, Oprah Winfrey and Tony Robbins meditate, and Mark Zuckerberg and Richard Branson exercise each morning.
2. They are always trying to continuously improve
Great leaders know their weaknesses. They know they aren’t perfect, so they study and try to improve themselves daily. Also, If they aren’t able to do something well, they find others who can do it better. They want continuous improvement for themselves and for those who work for them. These leaders are always looking to improve their department, their teams, or their business.
Many successful leaders try to use and practice the concept of Kaizen, which is the Japanese term for improving yourself. It is the practice of improving yourself by taking small, daily actions to form habits which stick. What could you change and improve by 1% every day? This term was mainly used for manufacturing, but many other industries are implementing Kaizen methodologies, including small businesses.
3. They take action
Strong leaders take action when they need to. They don’t wait for things or fear anything. If someone needs to be disciplined or terminated, they take care of it. If someone needs to be hired, they hire them. Also, they know when to take action on a new project, a new goal, or a new business venture.
Great leaders make decisions. They take risks, but they aren’t reckless. Furthermore, they plan, organize, and calculate their next big steps. Once they decide to take the risk, they don’t hesitate.
4. They keep balance in their lives
Great leaders know they need to unwind and unplug. They take vacations or days off. They enjoy time with their family, and they make rules and try not to break them. For example, some leaders don’t work at all on Sundays so they can spend time with their family. Also, some don’t let any interruptions happen during dinner time or after a certain time a day.
It is important to have a work-life balance and make this a part of your daily habits. Successful leaders make plans and try to stick to them. Obviously, there are unknown circumstances when working with customers and others, but it is important to take needed breaks away from the office. It helps to prevent burnout.
5. They surround themselves with great people.
Great leaders like to be around positive, hardworking people. Obviously, people have bad days, but they like to be around those who aren’t pessimistic. They want to be around employees and co-workers who motivate and inspire them as well.
Many successful people hire people who are smarter than them. They want to surround themselves with those that build them up, challenge them, and make their business better.
Make hiring people and surrounding yourself with positive people a habit. Don’t settle for people you don’t want in your business.
6. They are focused
It is important to know your goals. What do you want to achieve for you and your business? Great leaders are focused. They are focused on themselves, their employees, and their goals for the business.
They plan everything, and they are organized. It is important to stay on focus and think about what you want to achieve. Write down your goals and ensure everyone else knows the goals of your business. Delegate small issues to others.
7. They find and use great technology
Many successful leaders find apps or tools which help their business. There are many productivity tools small businesses use which are low-cost and helpful. Some are great for accounting use and others help leaders stay organized. It is important to find the right ones for your small business.
Another app for small businesses is ezClocker. The ezClocker time clock app is simple, easy to use, and affordable. This scheduling and time tracking app allow employees to use their own mobile devices to clock in or out. A GPS time stamp is also recorded which allows you to verify that your employees clocked in and out of the right locations.
8. Successful leaders exercise
Great leaders exercise to help them maintain their health. Running a small business can be exhausting, especially at first. That is why exercising can help you improve your life and give you energy. Although exercising would be great to do in the morning, it can also be done anytime.
Many successful people state that exercise is the one thing they do every day. They feel they are more focused, and they have more energy.
9. They read articles and books
Successful people read anything to help them improve their lives. Furthermore, they know that by reading books and articles they will learn something they didn’t know before. Subscribe to magazines and take time each day to read different ideas to improve yourself and your business.
It is also important to read books for personal hobbies or interests as well. You may have an interest in gardening or bird watching. Reading books and articles can make you smarter. Also, it is a way for you to relax and focus on new ideas.
10. Successful leaders network
Successful people build relationships. They go to networking events and talk about their business. They get to know others and learn best practices from each other. For an introvert, this is probably the hardest thing to do. Take a friend or co-worker to a local chamber or business event. This will help you feel comfortable while you get to know others better.
Get to know other business professionals. By developing relationships, you will find others who will help your reach your goals as well. You may even find people you can partner with on different projects. Also, If they like you, they may even tell others to use your business.
Develop Good Habits to Improve Your Life
Think about what your strengths and weaknesses are. What could you do better? Additionally, what habits could you develop to help you improve your life and your business? You have already identified your goals but what habits could you identify to help you become more successful?
Plan and organize your work and your life. Also, develop good morning routines to help you reach your goals. Network with others and build relationships as well. Get rid of your fear, stay focused, and take action. Know what you need to do and learn what you don’t. Ensure you hire great people and surround yourself with people who build your business.
Richard Branson said, “Whatever your goal is, you will never succeed unless you let go of your fears and fly.”
Finally, It is important to continuously improve every day – personally and professionally. What do you need to learn or do to take your business (and yourself) to the next level?
Author: Kimberley Kay Travis June 13, 2019