Developing the Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs
- Akino Davis
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
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Welcome back to the Becoming An Entrepreneur Newsletter! In our last issue, we explored The #1 Mindset Shift That Makes Quitting Your Job Less Risky, a powerful perspective for professionals navigating the fear of leaving a stable career to pursue business ownership.
This week, we’re continuing the theme by diving into something just as crucial: habits. Because once you adopt the right mindset, the next step is developing the right routines. Your habits are the structure that holds your success together, and if you don’t build them intentionally, chaos fills the gap.
The Fear Behind “I’m Not Ready Yet”
Let me ask you something: Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I just don’t feel ready to start a business yet”?
That statement usually has nothing to do with your skills or business idea. It’s often rooted in a deeper worry, a fear that you won’t be consistent enough, disciplined enough, or confident enough to do it well.
And I get it. Whilst I was working full-time in operations management and quietly laying the groundwork for SME Digital, I wrestled with this fear too.
I’d start strong, wake up early, sketch ideas in a notebook, and build frameworks. But then life would happen. Work demands would spike. Fatigue would set in. I’d fall off track, and it would feel like proof that maybe I wasn’t cut out for this entrepreneurial life.
But what I learned and what I want to share with you is this: success in entrepreneurship isn’t about perfection. It’s about small, repeatable habits done with intention.
Why Common Productivity Advice Falls Short
Let’s be real, most productivity advice out there is designed for people already running businesses full-time. “Time-block your entire day,” they say. “Work on your business for six hours every morning,” they recommend.
But if you’re still working your 9-to-5 job, that advice just isn’t realistic. It leaves you feeling more frustrated than focused. You don’t need a guru’s schedule; you need a system that works for your real life.
And that’s where habit-building comes in.
The Real Problem: Lifestyle Mismatch
Here’s the real issue I see with professionals transitioning into business ownership:
You try to adopt the habits of full-time entrepreneurs before your lifestyle allows it.
You feel disappointed when you can’t stick to routines that weren’t made for your context.
And over time, you start to think the problem is you, when really the problem is the plan.
The reality? The habits that build successful entrepreneurs aren’t complicated. They’re intentional, consistent, and flexible, and most importantly, they’re designed to grow with you.
The Entrepreneur Habits That Changed Everything for Me
When I finally stopped chasing perfection and started focusing on sustainable habits, SME Digital began to take shape. Here are five daily and weekly habits that made all the difference:
1. The 20-Minute Business Block
Every weekday, I committed just 20 focused minutes to SME Digital. No distractions. Whether it was writing a blog post, refining an offer, or following up on leads. Those micro-wins built momentum.
Why it works: It eliminates the pressure to “do everything” and creates a rhythm of forward movement.
2. Weekly Planning Rituals
Every Sunday evening, I’d map out 1–3 key business goals for the week. No fluff. Just tasks that moved the needle.
Why it works: Clarity reduces overwhelm. It also helped me stay consistent, even with a demanding job.
3. Voice Note Journaling
Instead of traditional journaling, I’d record voice notes while commuting or walking. I’d reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what I needed to focus on next.
Why it works: It builds self-awareness and keeps your entrepreneurial thinking sharp, without needing a ton of time.
4. Repetition Over Reinvention
In the early days, I reused winning frameworks and repurposed content rather than trying to reinvent the wheel weekly.
Why it works: It reduces decision fatigue and makes your efforts feel more manageable.
5. Celebrating the Small Wins
Every week I’d note one small win: a conversation with a potential client, a positive comment on content, or a new idea mapped out.
Why it works: It trains your brain to recognize progress, and that fuels motivation like nothing else.
What This Means for You
You don’t need to be superhuman. You just need structure.
If you’re a professional who feels overwhelmed by everything entrepreneurship seems to require, here’s what I want you to know: your consistency matters more than your intensity.
So instead of trying to overhaul your life overnight, focus on building one small habit at a time.
Start with:
A 15–20 minute business task each day
One goal per week
One tool or idea that simplifies your process
And keep going from there.
You’ll be surprised how fast momentum builds when you stop chasing “perfect” and start choosing “progress.”
A Final Word on Discipline vs. Identity
Here’s one last insight, something that changed everything for me: Discipline isn’t just about what you do. It’s about who you believe you are.
When I began to identify as an entrepreneur, not just a full-time employee dabbling in business, my actions started to align naturally. I wasn’t trying to “fit business into my schedule.” I was showing up for my future.
If this resonated with you, here’s your next step:
Subscribe to the Becoming An Entrepreneur Newsletter at www.smedigital.biz/blog
Every week, I share tools, strategies, and lessons to help professionals like you confidently transition into entrepreneurship without the guesswork or overwhelm.
Whether you’re building your side hustle after work, mapping out your exit plan, or already taking your first few steps, just know this:
You’re not behind. You’re just getting started. And you’re doing better than you think.
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Great read full of useful insights