Ever wonder what it takes to become successful? You might think ‘Why does it happen to some but not others?’ Well there’s no real secret, it’s simply all down to hard work and good habits.

Ever wonder what it takes to become successful? You might think ‘Why does it happen to some but not others?’ Well there’s no real secret, it’s simply all down to hard work and good habits.

Bad habits can waste time, energy and leave you feeling deflated.

Making better choices can help steer you in the right direction and lead you down a path to success.

Check out theses 8 habits for successful Entrepreneurs.

1. Get Up Early

As the saying goes ‘The early bird catches the worm’. By getting up early you can get the most out of your day. Many studies have shown that early riserS are more optimistic, conscientious, happier and proactive than night owls.

By getting up early it gives you that head start to do what is needed without distraction, and enables more productivity.

Some of the most successful people on the planet get up as early as 4.30 am like Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. He told Bloomberg Business “I get up at 4.30 am every morning to walk my three dogs and work out. Around 5.45 am I make coffee for myself and my wife using an 8-cup Bodum French press”.

2. Exercise

Exercising in the morning can give you a boost of energy and create motivation. It leaves you feeling positive and pumped and ready to take on the day ahead.

As well as that, if you sit at a desk for most of the day it’s going to have negative effects on your health.

You  don’t need a gym membership to stay active. Go for a run, jog or walk.

There’s also plenty of apps available online to give you that extra push. Such as Couch to 5K.

Billionaire Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, says that he gets four additional hours of productivity by working out.

3. Make a Plan

Set goals for the week ahead. Don’t try to multi task. Successful people know this to be a big productivity killer. You are less likely to complete tasks efficiently and effectively if you’re tying to do 101 things along with it. So minimise your tasks to achieve your daily goals.

Tim Ferris, author of the 4 Hour Work Week, recommends a maximum of two goals or tasks per day to ensure productivity and accomplishments align.

4. Focus 

Focus on one thing at a time,that way all your energy will channel into that one goal and you’ll complete it much quicker.

To avoid interruptions or distractions turn off any notifications, beeps or vibrations. Schedule time to reply to emails and check social media.

De-clutter your work space.

Having a disorganised workspace can cause more distraction and make it harder to work.

Steve Jobs take on focus is “People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.”

5.Make Time For You

It can be difficult for Entrepreneurs to find some ‘Me time’ as their schedules are usually very busy and often include working weekends.

But ‘Me time’ is just as important in creating that perfect work/life balance. It allows you to recharge and reflect.

Schedule your life as well as your work.

Take time to spend with loved ones and stay in tune with what’s truly important.

Watch a movie, start a hobby, play some music,meditate, anything. This not only relives stress but can often spark creativity which can aid success.

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Square and founder of Twitter, who works 16 hour days says “Saturday take off. I hike. And then Sunday is reflections, feedback, strategy and getting ready for the rest of the week.”

6.Never Stop Learning 

The industry is constantly moving and evolving. If you want to be successful it’s important that you do the same otherwise you’ll fall behind. Rejection is inevitable at some stage in our lives but it shouldn’t stop you from moving forward. Use it as a learning kerb. There’s ample resources available online to allow us to learn and keep up to speed with the industry.

Here’s an example of a few places to do just that

Want to learn a new language? Check out Livemocha or Duolingo.

Gibbon has plenty of resources for learning for almost anyone. As well as Coursera, Tutsplus and Udemy.

Learning is a necessity and essential ingredient to the success of any business.

Bill gates said “I’m excited by the possibilities. If you never stop learning, you will never stop seeing the possibilities.”

7.Eat Healthy

We’re all familiar with the phrase ‘You are what you eat’ so basically if you eat well you’ll feel well, eat crap you’ll feel crap.

Without good food you can be sure that it will effect your mood and mentality.

Many people rush out the door in the morning without having breakfast, but your breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. You’ve spent a few hours fasting whilst asleep so it’s important to break that fast when you wake. Without eating a good breakfast in the morning it can have to detrimental effects on a person ability to make decisions, concentration and focus.

Eating sugar first thing in the morning can give you a short burst of energy but be prepared for that sugar crash soon after which will contribute to more negative effects. So stick with something healthy and nutritious. Keep hydrated also.

Food is fuel and it has be proven that eating healthy can improve your mood, increase energy and make you feel better all round.

8. Get Enough Sleep

We all need approximately 8 hours sleep every night. It’s a key part to living a healthier lifestyle. If you don’t get enough sleep at night it can contribute to negative effects on your physical and mental health.

While we sleep our brains are preparing themselves for the next day.

Adequate sleep helps with learning, focus and creativity.

If you’re sleep deprived it can alter activity in certain parts of the brain, causing you to make bad decisions, and have trouble with problem solving.

Some people suggest leaving your electronics like phones and tablets switched off or even leave them in another room before going to bed as the light from the screens promote wakefulness.

Try get into the habit of going to bed at a reasonable hour every night and you’ll start to feel better and make better choices  in your work.

What habits work for you?

Mention in the comments below.