So much has been written about the traits and skills one must have to be a successful entrepreneur that it’s easy to forget that sometimes it is the little things in life that lead to the greatest success.
In Entrepreneur Habits, we provide you with simple yet effective habits that any fledgling founder can employ in their daily -- or nightly -- routine. With advice from top entrepreneurs and innovative practitioners, these creative customs can help put you on the path to progress.
In this installment, we take a look at some productive weekend habits to help boost your work week routine. There are a variety of ways busy entrepreneurs choose to spend their free time, but the top 5 habits that trend with successful founders seem to be collective. Take cues from these individuals and learn to make the most out of your weekend without losing momentum.
Stop and Reflect
Weekends allow a break from the abundance of menial duties of the week. In the Forbes article “Don’t Balance Work and Life, Integrate Them”, the estimated average business professional has between 30 to 100 projects on their plate, are interrupted an average of seven times per hour, and distracted over 2 hours a day. Take some time to spend alone in order reflect on the bigger picture. Just listen to what Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Zillow Group, has to say on the matter:
My weekends are an important time to unplug from the day-to-day and get a chance to think more deeply about my company and my industry.”
Remember to take a step back from the hustle and bustle. Don’t lose the vision in all the commotion.
Prioritize Health
Most people, including entrepreneurs, have the tendency to neglect their physical health when they have a lot on their plate. In a study conducted by researchers from James Cook University and the University of Sydney, regardless of gender, age, or weight, constant vigorous activity is beneficial for life longevity. Joshua Steimle, founder and CEO of MWI, states:
If exercise stops, then my health goes downhill. With the loss of physical health my productivity at work goes down…I lose motivation to do the things that makes my business successful.”
Keep productivity high by keeping personal health a priority.
Strengthen Relationships
Work hours can be endless for entrepreneurs, thus limiting the time they spend on other relationships. Wired.com states the average US office worker spends more time at work than with their family. More than 3 percent of those are working from home at 2 am. It is important to take a break from work and give energy to other important aspects in life. Utilize some available free time for family, friends, or significant others. In Steve Jobs’ words:
Things don’t have to change the world to be important”.
Give Back
Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of Virgin Group says:
It is amazing how focusing your mind on issues like health, poverty, conservation and climate change can help to re-energize your thinking in other areas.”
A study found that 73 percent of wealthy people volunteer 5 or more hours a month. Helping others who are less fortunate often helps put things in perspective and even help reduce stress, which means everybody wins.
Plan Ahead
Take advantage of the down time to stop and make a to-do list for the upcoming week. On Sunday, start preparing by making a list of events, meetings and other important tasks. Statistics show that fewer than 10 percent exhibit strategic skills. Jack Dorsey, Twitter and Square co-founder says
Saturday I take off… and then Sunday is reflections, feedback, strategy and getting ready for the rest of the week.”
Following this or any other similarly-styled regiments will help ensure that when Monday hits, you’re ready to hit the ground running again.
(girl with a briefcase walking on the grass image by Shutterstock)
