What is it that determines the success of some small businesses and the failure of others? Unfortunately, many businesses don’t make it. What is it that separates the two categories? As a business coach, I get to observe the habits and character traits of small business owners who make their own luck and run successful operations. Top of the list? Those who are successful continuously invest in their self-development. Personal growth not only enhances your leadership skills but also propels your business towards greater success.
We have a saying at Summit SCALE® Coaching, borrowed from one of our own mentors, which pretty much sums up what was just talked about:
“If the owner wants a better business, first the business needs a better owner.”
Here are ten effective self-improvement tips that I personally use and can help you along.
1 . Leaders are Readers
This is great habit to cultivate. Successful business leaders often attribute their success to their extensive reading habits. Engaging with a variety of books, from business strategy to personal development, provides new perspectives and insights. For instance, reading biographies of successful entrepreneurs can offer valuable lessons and inspire innovative thinking.
Also, reading industry-specific literature keeps you updated with the latest trends and developments. Incorporating a daily reading habit can significantly impact your business acumen and decision-making skills.
2. Podcasts & Webinars
Podcasts and webinars are invaluable resources for continuous learning. They offer convenience, allowing you to absorb information while commuting, exercising, or during breaks. Podcasts and webinars cover a broad spectrum of topics, the normal business-related topics like strategy, marketing and technology. They are also a rich source on personal growth topics including leadership, mindset and personal development, providing practical insights from industry experts.
Additionally, these platforms often feature interviews with successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders, giving you access to their experiences and advice. Incorporating podcasts and webinars into your routine can help you stay informed and inspired.
A personal favourite is the High Performance podcast hosted by Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes.
3. Work with a Business Coach
Hiring a business coach could change your professional trajectory dramatically. A coach offers guidance tailored to your particular needs and helps you understand and face your weaknesses, harnessing your strengths. With them, you can get neutral evaluation and be held accountable for goals you set.
Moreover, working with a business coach will help you clarify your vision and create effective strategies to achieve it. This partnership can increase your leadership capabilities, augment decision-making and drive stronger business performance.
4. Peer Networks
Building a network of peers is essential for both personal and professional development. Talking to other business owners and professionals allows you to share experiences, bounce ideas off one another and glean fresh perspectives. Peer networks may happen through industry events or conferences, or local business groups.
Also, being in a network offers chances for collaboration, mentorship and support. It keeps you in touch with the community of people doing business and has potential to lead to important partnerships or new business opportunities.
5. Thinking And Reflection Time
Time spent on thinking and reflection is essential to personal development. In the daily grind of running a company, it’s easy to become caught up in routine tasks and lose sight of the big picture. Investing time in reflection permits you to evaluate what you have been doing, learn from your experiences, and form well considered choices.
Allocating time for thinking and reflection helps in identifying areas of improvement and recognising successes. It encourages a growth mindset, fostering continuous learning and adaptation. Whether through daily reflection or periodic reviews, this practice is vital for personal and business development.
6. The 5AM Club
Another personal favourite of mine. Join the 5AM Club, a concept popularized by Robin Sharma, can be a game-changer for personal productivity and growth. Waking up early allows you to start your day with focus and intention. The early morning hours are often free from distractions, providing an ideal time for planning, exercising, reading, journaling or meditating.
The 5AM Club encourages a structured morning routine that can boost your energy levels, enhance your mental clarity, and improve your overall productivity. Embracing this habit can help you achieve a balanced and productive lifestyle.
7. Volunteer
Volunteering is a powerful way to grow personally and professionally. It offers an opportunity to give back to the community, which can be immensely fulfilling. Additionally, volunteering allows you to develop new skills, expand your network, and gain different perspectives.
By engaging in volunteer activities, you can enhance your leadership and teamwork skills. It also fosters a sense of empathy and social responsibility, which are crucial qualities for any business leader. Volunteering can enrich your life and provide valuable experiences that translate into your business endeavours.
8. Health & Fitness
Maintaining good health and fitness is fundamental to personal growth and business success. Physical well-being directly impacts your energy levels, mental clarity, and overall productivity. Incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep into your routine is essential.
Engaging in physical activities not only improves your physical health, but also lifts your mood and reduces stress. A healthy lifestyle enables you to meet the challenges of running a business more easily than would otherwise be possible and also has the added benefit of sustained performance and resilience.
9. Setting Stretch Goals
Setting stretch goals is a powerful way to push your boundaries and achieve significant growth. Unlike regular goals, stretch goals are ambitious and challenging, requiring you to step out of your comfort zone. These goals drive innovation, foster creativity, and encourage a growth mindset.
By setting and pursuing stretch goals, you can discover new capabilities and achieve extraordinary results. It’s important to break down these goals into manageable steps and celebrate milestones along the way. This approach not only motivates you but also builds confidence and resilience.
10. Journaling and Meditation
This is one that fits neatly into the 5AM Club or thinking & reflection time. However, I think they are worth mentioning in their own right. Journaling and meditation are effective practices for personal reflection and mental clarity. Journaling allows you to express your thoughts, set goals, and track your progress. It provides a space for self-reflection, helping you understand your motivations, challenges, and achievements.
Meditation, on the other hand, helps in calming the mind, reducing stress, and improving focus. Regular meditation practice enhances your ability to stay present and make mindful decisions. Both journaling and meditation promote emotional well-being and contribute to personal growth.
Conclusion
Being on good terms with your own growth is good for business owners who want to lead in the best manner and propel their enterprises forward. By practicing these ten techniques—reading, engaging in podcasts and webinars, consulting with a coach or mentor, peer networking, reflection, joining the 5AM Club, volunteering, health and fitness, stretch goals, meditation and journaling—you can raise your personal and professional self-worth. Continuous self-improvement not only benefits you as an individual but also translates into the success and growth of your business.
If you would like some help taking your personal and business growth to the next level, you’re ready for a business coach. Book a 15-minute call to see if coaching is right for you here: www.TimeWithShane.com
