7 Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs That Startup Owners Should FollowChasing deadlines, crunching numbers and pushing innovation are '"just another day at work" for startup owners. But, what do they do for themselves?

ByPratik Dholakiya

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Chasing deadlines, crunching numbers and pushing innovation are components of '"just another day at work" for startup owners. They have a lot on their plates, knowing that80 to 90 percent of startupsfail in the growth stage.

Related:5 Tips for a Healthy Entrepreneurial Lifestyle

Given all this pressure and constant workload,startup owners are left with no time for themselves. And that's a shame because little do these entrepreneurs know that following the tried-and-tested habits described below -- ones successful owners follow all the time -- can boost their productivity like never before.

Here they are:

1. Get moving -- any time of day,

Indulging in a fitness activity is the best way to kick-start your mornings, as exemplified by numerousentrepreneurs, leaders and CEOs.

Hit the gym or go for brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, yoga, or simply take your dog out for a walk. Not only does physical activity add to your health and wellbeing, it also sets the tone for the day, leading to better performance at work.

Not all of us are early birds likeRichard BransonandJack Dorsey. However, you can always make time for a quick workout in your schedule even if it's not at the crack of dawn.

As Russell Pate, a professor of exercise science at the University of South Carolina said in anAmerican Heart Association article:"The best time of the day is when you will do itmost consistently, because the benefits of physical activity are tightly linked to the amount you do on a consistent basis."

2. Network. It's the key to growth.

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 on 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.

Related:This Lifestyle Guru Explains Why It's Important to Put Yourself First

3. Take frequent breaks between work tasks.

Researchers have foundthat 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 stress. This means that schedulinga 15-minute breakbefore burning out does more good than harm.

Wondering about the frequency of your breaks versus your need to boost your productivity? Studies point to working consecutively for52 minutesfollowed by a 17-minute break. Another article advises "unplugging"every 90 minutes.

4. Remember: "Reading maketh an entrepreneur."

Reading is a common pastime that unites highly successful people.

  • Elon Muskreportedly said,"I read books" when asked how he learned to build rockets.
  • Warren Buffett spends 80 percent of his dayreading.
  • Bill Gates is a known bookworm andreads up to 50 books in a year. He also collects rare books.
  • In 2015, Mark Zuckerberg pledged to read a book everytwo weeks.
  • Entrepreneur David Rubenstein takes reading to the extreme level by -- he claims --reading six books a week and 10 newspapersa day.

So, step into the shoes of entrepreneurs like these who love reading, and putsome good books on your reading listto add to your personal and professional growth.

5. Pursue some hobbies (even if they are offbeat).

Rich and famous entrepreneurs also pursueunusual hobbies.

AsMarissa Mayer put it, "My hobbies actually make me better at work. They help me come up with new and innovative ways of looking at things." While Mayer has a penchant for cupcakes, other entrepreneurs have just as individual hobbies and 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.

6. 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 thathe never wanted to stop learning.

Stay on top of the startup game by being aware of the latest happenings and trends in your industry. At the same time, constantly add new skills to your arsenal and use them for the betterment of your startup.

7. Practice philanthropy -- give back.

Integrated philanthropy is another common trait successful entrepreneurs share.

TheBill and Melinda Gates Foundation,Chan Zuckerberg Initiativeand Marc Benioff's1/1/1 Modelare all examples of founders giving back and exhibiting social responsibility. More recently, Airbnb's co-founders committed half their fortunesto charity. And while Steve Jobs was criticized for not being philanthropic enough, it was later revealed that hedonated $50 million to hospitalsin California, and funded HIV and AIDS research.

Related: Lifestyle Entrepreneurship Is the Ultimate in Work-Life Balance

Take the cue from people like these and work toward giving back to society in some way or another.
Pratik Dholakiya

Founder of Growfusely

Pratik Dholakiyais the founder ofGrowfusely, a content marketing agency specializing in content and data-driven SEO.

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