However, most successful entrepreneurs do have something in common: they regularly ask themselves a series of questions. Furthermore, these questions all tend to be the same. Why do they need to ask themselves on an almost-daily basis? It’s important to stay relevant and realistic to continue succeeding. Also, asking certain things gives entrepreneurs much-needed perspective. If you want to be successful in business, ask yourself the following five questions as often as you can.
1. What have I achieved?
Looking back at the end of each day, week, month and year are integral to determining how well you’ve been performing. Regularly take a step back from work and look at all of the things you’ve achieved.
If your career as of late has been filled with more failures than successes, as is common in the world of entrepreneurship, it’s especially important to pinpoint your achievements. Not only will this practice help improve your energy and confidence, but it will also show you where you’re most productive, which will help you become more successful in the other, not-as-thriving areas of your business.
On a day when there haven’t been very many achievements, also ask yourself what you’re grateful for. There will always be bad days with no silver lining, but you can still find things in your life that you’re thankful for.
2. Are there any habits I should break?
Everyone has bad habits. Entrepreneurs are skilled at noticing their bad habits and then taking the necessary steps to break them. When something you’re doing is damaging your client relationships, credibility, income, reputation, motivation or efficiency, it’s important to break those old habits and form new routines.
People can always improve, so long as they take a good, honest look at themselves.
3. What is motivating me?
It’s incredibly difficult to run a business, particularly if you’re in charge of a team of people. Even if you’re a solopreneur, entrepreneurship can be difficult and challenge a lot of the time.
Your motivation is what will keep you going when those times become particularly challenging. Figure out what inspires you and draw from those things for both your well-being and the betterment of your business.
When your enthusiasm is low, you’ll be able to turn to your primary motivation and get inspired again. Leaders understand that their motivation is one of the best ways to keep moving forward.
4. How do I want to be remembered?
The legacy you want to leave behind at the end of each day will determine how you behave in business. You should always be happy with the way you conduct yourself; if you’re not, it’s time to make some changes.
The character is incredibly important to entrepreneurs. As you experience more successes and failures, your character will continue developing. By keeping your eye on your goals, you can determine the type of character you nurture.
5. What mistakes have I made and what can they teach me?
Everyone experiences failures. The difference between a successful entrepreneur and someone who’s not particularly successful in business is how they respond to those mistakes. Failure can either serve as proof that you’re inadequate or it can be a real life learning experience that you can build upon.
When you’re able to recognize your setbacks and problems, you can take the necessary steps to make changes. This is much better than turning a blind eye to issues that need attention.
Entrepreneurship can be great, but it can also be heartbreaking, lonely, confusing and pressure-filled. One of the best ways to make a change for the better in your business is to ask yourself important questions at the start and end of each day.
The right questions will help you get the right answers. Then, you can use those answers as a jumping off point for making important, positive changes in your career.