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Every entrepreneur has their own version of what got them to where they are today. Whether it’s a specific routine or tried-and-true perseverance, there’s plenty of advice on “things to do” to be successful.
But what are the things to avoid?
There are as many ways to limit your success as there are stepping stones to get you where you want to be. Avoid getting in your way and making it harder to reach your destination. There’s plenty of it not to do to also prepare for success. Here are nine things to avoid. Often, simply shifting to a more positive mindset (eliminating negative habits) can pave the way.
1. Neglecting self-care
Too often, entrepreneurs focus only on work without taking breaks or paying attention to their physical and mental health. This is not sustainable and will lead to burnout or, worse, completely giving up on your entrepreneurial dreams.
Schedule time to exercise, sit for meals, and sleep at approximately the same time each night. These simple habits are as important as any metric for measuring your company’s success. By taking care of your health, you will see the difference in your energy and outlook, which will only help fuel your growth.
2. Doubt yourself
Insecurity plagues every entrepreneur, at least at the beginning. Being your own boss means you also have to be your own cheerleader. Reach out to trusted colleagues and friends to give you constructive feedback when needed, but remain confident in your abilities.
Once you start doubting your choices, it becomes harder to move forward. Getting stuck due to indecision or feelings of unworthiness creates additional barriers. As entrepreneurs, there are already enough to deal with.
Instead, explore different things and experiment with what works. Not every move will be perfect, but they can all help you learn and improve as you go, which makes for a better entrepreneur and business.
Related: The biggest threat to your borders isn’t your boss or your family — there’s someone else you need to deal with first
3. Refusing to ask for help
Even if you have years of experience in your industry, remain humble enough to know when you need guidance. Trying to juggle everything can be overwhelming and means you don’t have time to focus on the things that really matter.
You need to consider not only your business or craft business, but also accounting, taxes, marketing and all the other aspects that help you grow. Whether it’s consultative support from a respected colleague or outsourced help with things like social media or copywriting to build your brand, delegating tasks helps you grow your business.
4. Avoid networking
Building strong professional relationships leads to unlimited opportunities. Expand your connections by networking with people both inside and outside your field. Get started online via LinkedIn. Interact with posts and share your useful information.
Also, attend in-person events to meet like-minded people. It will broaden your business circle and networking can be motivating as you take your business to the next step. You never know who might cross your path and who might be a valuable asset to you or vice versa.
Related: 4 Reasons Why Networking is a Must for All Successful Entrepreneurs
5. Postponing goals
Talking about “someday” means that goals are being pushed further and further back. Aiming high is great, but taking it step by step is a more realistic way to reach your goals and continue once you reach them. Don’t put off your goals because they seem unattainable today. Instead, put in place steps that can get you there, so you get closer to your goal every day until you realize you’ve reached its threshold.
6. Neglecting planning
Planning is the catalyst that helps you achieve your goals. Without a plan, the days pass without structure and it’s easy to do lots of little things that aren’t tied to any goals. Instead, take time at the beginning and end of each day to look at the day/week ahead.
Also, prioritize deadlines. While everything may seem urgent, trying to do it all at once means that fewer things are likely to get done, or, at least, done well. Being an entrepreneur means balancing schedules to ensure you have enough creative time to dream and enough productive time to do.
Related: 4 Strategies to Increase Your Success
7. Play it safe
Being an entrepreneur already means having taken a risk. Explore new areas where you can take the next leap and avoid getting too comfortable. It could be speaking on a panel, writing an online article, or expanding your services.
There is always another lesson to learn or another goal to create. Stay curious and eager to move towards what comes next. However, don’t overlook the wins, big or small.
Related: Do You Want Success? You have to take risks.
8. Minimize your winnings
There was a time when you wanted to become an entrepreneur and you put the plan in place to make it happen. Every time you achieve something, make sure to celebrate the victory.
This can be a revenue goal, a new client, or even crossing off your weekly to-do list. Looking back and adding up all the victories motivates you to move forward and lets you know that you have what it takes to succeed.
9. Moving away from values
Always stay true to your values, no matter how successful you become. When people stray from their integrity, it causes them to stumble and impede future success.
Stay on track with your vision, your work ethic, and how you treat people. You will go further when you align, and the victories will make it even more worth it.