Achieving success in the entrepreneurial world isn’t solely reliant on major opportunities or lucky chances. It’s all about the habits you develop and the regular, daily behaviors you engage in. Successful entrepreneurs understand this. They are purposeful in how they spend their time, ensuring that each day is meaningful and adds value to their life.

People often wonder how entrepreneurs achieve such remarkable success. Ask any entrepreneur, and they would attribute their success to small, daily improvements. These small habits build up over time, eventually leading to major impacts.

However, creating new habits can be challenging at times. A new habit typically takes a minimum of about 21 days to become ingrained. For entrepreneurs dealing with daily challenges, establishing intentional habits is crucial for achieving success in life and business.

After extensive research and insightful conversations with successful entrepreneurs in our network, The StartupLab has curated a list of the top 5 habits of insanely successful entrepreneurs. We’ve also added actionable tips to help you integrate these habits into your life as an entrepreneur.

Habit #1: Relentless Grit and Determination

In the competitive world of startups, resilience and determination are essential. Consider it like your protection, which every entrepreneur requires to endure the challenges and obstacles that come with the journey.

This holds particularly true within the dynamic environment of Indian business, where there are many tales of individuals overcoming failure to achieve even greater success.

Resilience and determination were the keys that enabled some entrepreneurs to face the uncertainty of COVID-19. The same resilience and determination were the reasons behind the success of Aman Gupta, the founder of boAt and judge in Shark Tank India, who had closed five companies before finding success with boAt, which is now a successful unicorn.

The lesson we learn from their experiences is that success is achieved through facing and overcoming trials, which help us build strength and expertise.

To build your resilience and grit, consider these straightforward, actionable steps:

• Write down both achievements and hurdles to gain perspective and track growth.
• Incorporate mindfulness and physical activity into your routine for mental and physical strength.
• Seek out mentors and join peer groups for guidance and support.
• View setbacks as learning opportunities to foster a growth mindset.
• Connect with fellow entrepreneurs for support and to exchange ideas.
• Celebrate all successes to motivate yourself and acknowledge your progress.
• Regularly reassess your goals and be open to adjusting your strategies.

Habit #2: Continuous Learning and Curiosity

What similarities do Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett share besides their vast riches? Their dedication to constantly learning is what truly propels their success.

In the fast-evolving world of today, staying competitive requires continually updating your knowledge and sharpening your skills. And if you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind your competitors. However, expanding a business is not solely about keeping pace; it involves advancing, quickly adapting, and making informed choices.

So, it is important to maintain a mindset that is continuously curious and committed to continuous learning. Ensuring you are the initial responder when the opportunity arrives is crucial.

Here’s what you can do to keep learning at the heart of your routine:

• Block out a couple of hours every week on your calendar. Call it your “power-up” time—a period dedicated solely to learning something new or improving a skill.
• Make your inbox a treasure trove of insights. Find a few well-regarded newsletters in your field and hit subscribe. Let the latest news, trends, and expert opinions come straight to you.
• Join the conversation, online and in person. Find forums, LinkedIn groups, or even Twitter threads where professionals in your field gather to share knowledge. And don’t forget about the real world—local meetups and industry conferences can be goldmines of information and new connections.

Habit #3: Wellness and Self-Discipline

Many successful entrepreneurs have attributed their wellness and discipline to keeping them intellectually alert and their minds at peace. A good fitness regime is the reason that Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, looks so young and fit even at 52 years old.

Nevertheless, just a small number of entrepreneurs make room in their hectic timetables for physical activity. Nowadays, it has become common to always be busy pursuing one goal after another. 

This culture that emphasizes constant work has made it more crucial to find a balance between ambition and personal health. This significant balance was highlighted recently when Nithin Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha, suffered a mild stroke, underscoring the repercussions of neglecting one’s well-being.

Kamath attributed this health scare to a mix of stress from personal loss, insufficient sleep, physical exhaustion, dehydration, and over-exertion from workouts. His doctor’s advice was a poignant reminder of the necessity to “know when you need to shift the gears down a bit.”

Here’s how you can incorporate wellness and self-discipline into your entrepreneurial journey:

• Begin your mornings with meditation or quiet time to sharpen focus. 
• Add movement to your day with brisk walks or simple stretches.
• Stick to a regular bedtime routine for refreshing sleep.
• Hydrate well and choose nutritious meals for optimal body and brain function.
• Draw clear lines between work and downtime for a healthy work-life balance.
• Delegate and say no to excess commitments to manage stress effectively.

Habit #4: Innovative Mindset

Success often finds its way to the entrepreneur who keeps an innovative mindset, always searching for new possibilities and opportunities. Such ideas spring to life when they truly engage with their environment, fueled by curiosity about what’s happening or noticing what’s missing. This innovative approach means not letting limitations or the fear of ‘it will never work’ stand in their way.

Many Indian business owners are leveraging technology to disrupt traditional methods. They are introducing new, creative ideas to address major obstacles, streamline procedures, and create solutions that are more eco-friendly and inclusive for all. Some examples are using AI to enhance healthcare accessibility or IoT for more efficient farming. In addition to improving India’s economy, these entrepreneurs are establishing the foundation for a future where technology is not simply an addition—it is central to progress and beneficial transformation.

Embrace these habits to spark innovation in your journey:

• Jump into innovation challenges to push your and your team’s creative boundaries.
• Set aside a budget specifically for research and development to explore and innovate freely.
• Attend tech conferences for the latest trends and networking opportunities.
• Participate in innovation challenges to stimulate out-of-the-box thinking.
• Allocate resources for R&D initiatives. This allows your team the space and resources to experiment and innovate.

Habit #5: Robust Networking and Optimism

Successful entrepreneurs stand out in the business world due to their strong networking skills and persistent optimism. It’s not just about your social circle, but also about how you build connections and nurture relationships that matter.

Besides having a solid network, facing challenges with a positive mindset can turn obstacles into opportunities, helping you see potential where others might see problems.

Successful business owners understand that each chance to interact with others offers a possibility for personal growth. Every day, they approach life with gratitude and a positive mindset to find the silver lining in every situation.

Here are some ways you can incorporate these vital habits into your own entrepreneurial journey:

• Dive into real conversations on social media with fellow entrepreneurs and mentors.
• Join entrepreneur groups or clubs to exchange stories and insights.
• Get involved in community events for unexpected, valuable connections.
• Keep a daily gratitude journal to maintain a positive and motivated outlook.

Final Thoughts:

Wrapping up, it’s evident that adopting these top 5 habits can transform your entrepreneurial journey, boosting productivity, goal achievement, and stress management. Small daily improvements are the foundation of a successful business. Embrace these habits, and you’ll be amazed at the progress you can make over time.