As a busy entrepreneur, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the never-ending “to-do” lists, the constant social media posting and, the 24-hour workdays that feel more like 36 hours. And yet, no matter how many hours or how much effort you put into your business, there’s always so much more that still needs to get done.
There are multiple articles and gurus telling entrepreneurs that the hustle is the path to a successful business. There is some truth to it; working hard is a requirement of building a business and achieving the results you desire. However, it can also lead to a significant impact on your personal and family life. Sometimes, it even leads to the loss of the things that were, once upon a time, so important to you. The stuff that made you want to become an entrepreneur in the first place is no longer a priority because you simply don’t have the time or the mental energy to invest yourself in anything other than building your business and keeping your clients happy.
It doesn’t have to stay this way thankfully. With a few simple revisions to your routine, it is amazing what you can accomplish when you evaluate what is truly important to you. A few tweaks to what you’re doing and how you’re doing it can have a major impact on your overall success both personally and professionally.
Here are 3 Actions to Add To Your Entrepreneurial Routine to be more successful overall.
1. Stay in Bed for the first 5 minutes
So many entrepreneurs hear their alarm clock like a blazing siren first thing in the morning. It’s the unwanted disruption to an otherwise perfect and comfortable slumber. The temptation to hit the snooze button over and over again is real but, with so much to do, the luxury of being lazy in bed is not an option. Yet, there’s magic in the first few moments of being awake. Set your alarm clock a few minutes early and when you roll over to turn it off, lay back, comfortably in your bed, close your eyes, and breathe. Allow your body to gradually come to its senses. Close your eyes, breath and quietly and calmly in your mind, visualize the people you love, the job well done yesterday or, the tasks ahead of you that you’ll conquer with purpose today. When you wake up with hustle on your mind, it raises your blood pressure and stresses you out. Take five minutes to remind yourself of your “why” and what you’re doing this all for in the first place. Your peace of mind will thank you for it.
2. Make your stomach and your mind the morning priority
With so much to do, it makes sense that all you want to do is get to work. Neglecting your mind and body can take a back seat sometimes to all the other things you’re working on. However, it’s your mind and body that is the powerhouse behind the hustle and without looking after them, they quickly decline and can wreak havoc on your game plan. Eating a sugar-filled granola bar for breakfast or drinking 5 cups of coffee first thing in the morning is not a habit that most successful entrepreneurs participate in. In order to reach your full potential, it’s important to be aware of what you’re eating and how you’re thinking. If you’re not a big morning eater, no problem. Eat a nutritious snack or fruit on your empty stomach. It can provide your body with the best concentration of vitamins and minerals first thing in the morning. It’s also important to take care of your mind. You can do this by listing to a motivational podcast or reading a chapter of your current personal development book while fueling your body with a healthy meal or beverage. A simple routine quickly becomes a habit and, when you start your day off on the right foot, it’s amazing how easily the rest of the day can flow.
3. Message your special people on non-special occasions
There is a big difference between having meaningful conversations and connecting. The entrepreneurial hustle can become a lonely existence. Conversations tend to get limited to topics such as productivity, accomplishments, and failures. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of what to talk about especially when you’re tired and overwhelmed. Whether it is your wife, husband, or any other special person, make sure that your connection isn’t filled with discussions that are entirely work-based. They are there for you and are happy to support you. It is so easy to bring work home but it’s important to celebrate the relationships you have with those you love and appreciate outside of your work parameters. Write a random note or message to your special people and truly connect with them. When people feel genuinely valued, they are more likely to reciprocate with understanding and tolerance when you’re having a bad day. It’s amazing how much better you will feel through the hard times when you know, without a doubt, that the special people in your life think you’re pretty special too.
It is easier to stay motivated and on track with your big goals and dreams when you are calm, nourished, and loved. These three actions may seem like simple tasks to incorporate into your daily routine. However, it is often the simple things in life that will make you feel better and achieve more.