Success looks different for everyone, but it usually takes more than luck to get there. The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t just talented. They’ve built habits that support consistency, focus, and growth.
Here are 10 timeless habits that the most successful business owners are doubling down on.
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Rise Early
From Tim Cook to Michelle Obama, high performers often start their days before 6am — giving them quiet time to plan, reflect, or move. Olympic medalist Caroline Burckle still wakes up at 5:30am without an alarm.
Why?
Early mornings give you space to think, prep, and win the day before the noise hits. Even 30 quiet minutes can make a difference.
“I’ve had this routine my entire life. I try to have two days a week to ‘sleep in’ — until 6:30 or 7am." – Olympic Medalist Caroline Burckle
Rise and shine, and carpe diem (Latin for “Don’t be a slacker”).
Move Daily
Whether it's walking your dog or hitting the gym, movement = mental clarity.
2025 research continues to confirm that just 20 minutes of exercise can boost creativity and reduce stress — two things business owners need daily.
Why?
You’re your business’s most valuable asset. Keep it fueled and flowing.
Take Care of Yourself
From green smoothies to hot showers, self-care isn’t indulgent, it’s strategic.
Whether your routine is minimal or maxed out, success is harder when you’re running on fumes.
"Eat real food, not too much, mostly plants." – Michael Pollan, author, The Omnivore's Dilemma
Your health impacts your energy, confidence, and decisions. Prioritize it.
Get Organized
If you’re still winging your week on Monday morning, you’re setting yourself up for stress.
Successful business owners plan their weeks in advance and block focused time for high-impact tasks. Try “theming” your days or using Skip’s My Funding tool to stay on top of grant deadlines.
Bonus tip: "Eat the frog" — do the hard thing first.
Why?
Mental clarity starts with physical clarity. A clear desk = a clear head.
Set a Positive Tone
In a world of AI noise and hot takes, positivity is a differentiator.
Dale Carnegie’s classic still applies in 2025: remember names, ask good questions, and make people feel seen. It’s not fluff, it’s business energy.
Why?
People remember how you make them feel. Energy is your brand.
Network Consistently
You don’t need to be everywhere, but you do need to be visible and engaged.
From virtual masterminds to local pop-ups, make space for connection. Use LinkedIn or Slack groups, join pitch competitions, or just follow up with past collaborators.
"79% of successful entrepreneurs network five or more hours every month."– Thomas Corley, Rich Habits Blog
Strong relationships can lead to funding, partnerships, and momentum — often when you least expect it.
Practice Thriftiness
Smart spending isn’t about being cheap, it’s about knowing what’s worth it.
In a high-cost year, successful owners are keeping a closer eye on burn rate and ROI. They know where their dollars go and don’t waste money on tools they don’t use.
Why?
Financial discipline gives you freedom, and makes it easier to stay funded.
Read Daily
Top entrepreneurs carve out time to read, whether it's 10 pages of a business book or a quick newsletter.
Books sharpen your thinking. They also remind you that every problem you’re facing has likely been faced, and solved, before.
Why?
Reading expands perspective and strengthens leadership instincts.
Give Back
You don’t need to donate millions to make an impact. Time, mentorship, and visibility also matter.
Whether you support a local nonprofit, give free advice to someone starting out, or sponsor a community event, generosity builds trust and joy.
Bonus: 85% of consumers say they feel more positively about businesses that give back.
Why?
Success is sweeter when it’s shared. Giving back keeps you grounded and connected.
Protect Time to Recharge
Rest is strategic. Burnout isn’t.
Weekend hikes, weekly game nights, mid-day walks. Protecting downtime helps you show up better during work time.
Why?
Your energy is your engine. Don’t run it dry.
Want to Build Better Business Habits?
Skip helps business owners stay organized, funded, and supported with tools like:
- My Funding to track upcoming grants
- Grant Vault to store and reuse responses
- 1-on-1 expert help
