7 top Habits of successful Founders of Startups that you should use
“Pushing development, chasing deadlines, demanding customers + crunching numbers are typical day of Startup Founders. But, what do they do for themselves – to lead a Happy Life?
Founders Topics: Get Moving early, Take frequent Breaks, Learning to become Expert & increase Productivity, Networking, Hobbies, Giving Back.
Given all this pressure and constant workload, Startup Founders are left with little time for themselves. That’s a shame because little do these Founders know that following the tried-tested-&-true habits described below. These are the habits successful Founders follow all the time. These habits can boost their productivity like never before. Here they are:
1. Get Moving early & any time of day.
Indulging in a fitness activity is the best way to kick-start your mornings, as exemplified by numerous entrepreneurs, leaders and CEOs. Hit the gym or go for a brisk walk, jogging, cycling, swimming, yoga, or simply take your cat (no) dog out for a walk. Not only does physical activity add to your health & well-being, it also sets the tone for the day, leading to better performance at work. Not all of us are early birds like Richard Branson & Jack Dorsey. However, you can always make time for a little physical activity in your schedule even if it’s not at the crack of dawn. A professor of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina said in an American Heart Association article: “The best time of the day is when you will do it most consistently, because the benefits of physical activity are tightly linked to the amount you do on a consistent basis.”
2. Take frequent Breaks – between Tasks.
Researchers have found that brief diversions from a task have the potential to vastly improve focus on a task for prolonged periods. This also supports the belief that skipping breaks can result in extra stress. This means that doing a 5-15 minute break before burning out does much more good than harm. In fact, it re-energizes you. Wondering about the frequency of your breaks versus your need to boost your productivity? You have to find out what works best for your body. Some people like more frequent breaks (ie, 30 min work & 5 min bread). Others like longer intervals (ie, 50/10). If you don’t get to a natural break, try each one of these or 75/15 – and see what works best for you
3. Learning will make you more of an Expert & increase your “productivity”
Reading is a common pastime that unites highly successful people.
- Elon Musk – when asked – “I read books” when asked how he learned to build rockets (ie, to the Space Station).
- Warren Buffett spends 80 % of his day reading about trends & co’s to make the best investments.
- Bill Gates is a known “bookworm” and reads one a week (50 a year). He may be micro-soft, but he’s macro knowledge.
- In 2015, Mark Zuckerberg pledged to read a book every 2 weeks – when he’s not on his Facebook page.
- VC David Rubenstein takes reading to the extreme level by — he claims –by reading 6 books a week & 10 newspapers a day.
So, follow the good habits of these Founders entrepreneurs like these who love reading, and put some good books on your reading list to add to your personal & professional growth. (see 13 top Books & other Posts on Wiz4biz.
4. Never stop Learning.
This one’s a no-brainer. You should strive to get better with each passing day. Even Bill Gates attributes his success to the fact that he never wanted to stop learning. Stay on top of the startup game by being aware of the latest developments & trends in your industry. At the same time, constantly add new skills to your arsenal and use them for the betterment of your startup.
5. Network. Tap that knowledge pool.
Constantly being in touch with people who subscribe to the same school of thought you do is a definite morale-booster. The incessant flow of knowledge, the wide access to multiple opportunities and the sharing of ideas with influencers and peers at various business and social events raises the bar for any business. Network with them thru social media, join organizations, attend local meet-ups and drop in at business seminars or at meetings at co-working spaces. Also, don’t forget to follow up, to keep the relationship alive.
6. Pursue some Hobbies (even if they are wacky or unusual).
Rich and famous founders also pursue unusual hobbies.
- As Marissa Mayer said: “My hobbies actually make me better at work. They help me come up with new & innovative ways of looking at things.”
- Warren Buffett’s passion is for playing the Hawaiin Ukulele. He has even played a duet with Bon Jovi.
- Elon Musk collects James Bond Memorabilia.
- The Segway Polo world championship is also known as the Woz Challenge Cup after Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple – who’s an avid player of the “sport of nerds.”
- Jeff Bezos is funding the construction of the 10,000-year clock in New Mexico.
- Richard Branson’s Hot-air Balloon flight across the Pacific Ocean reflected just one of his diverse interests.
Take up any hobby of your choice that’ll help you unwind after a hard day’s work. It’ll add to your personality and get your creative juices flowing.
7. Giving back.
Philanthropy is another common trait successful founders share: 1) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Zuckerberg Initiative & Marc Benioff’s (SalesForce Founder) 1/1/1 Model are all examples of founders giving back and exhibiting “social responsibility”. More recently, AirBnB’s co-founders committed half their fortunes to charity. And while Steve Jobs was criticized for not being philanthropic enough, it was later revealed that he donated $50 million to hospitals in California, + funded HIV & AIDS research. He gave back !!!
Comments: Do you know any other Founders – where you admired their good Habits?
from Entrepreneur.com 07 June 17 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz
For more Info, click on Founders.