Benjamin Franklin Quote
If Passion drives, let Reason hold the Reins.
12 Daily Habits for Entrepreneurs
As discussed in Resolutions for Entrepreneurs: Goals & Habits, dividing your New Year’s Resolutions into goals and habits can be very useful as it allows you to work on specific objectives as well as on-going habits. Whereas your goals will change over time, your list of daily habits can last a lifetime.
The idea of a daily habit list can hardly be called new, since Franklin created his first list in 1726. However you can update the idea by making a specific habit list that aligns with one large goal such as self-improvement which was Ben’s objective. In this case, I propose that as an entrepreneur you make a list such as the one below.
The list is divided into two parts. The first six habits are virtues originally identified by Ben, but they are still quite applicable to entrepreneurs. The second group are six additional habits that an entrepreneur should develop.
At the same time every day, review your list and determine if you have behaved in accordance with this habit today.
Six Habits from Ben
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SILENCE |
Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation. Avoid unnecessary e-mails, IMs, etc. Let some calls go directly to voicemail. |
|
ORDER |
Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. Implement a reliable system to capture information. |
|
RESOLUTION |
Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. Work your lists. Be pro-active. |
|
FRUGALITY |
Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing. |
|
INDUSTRY |
Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. Know your priorities and stick to them. Be aware of Parkinson’s Law. |
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SINCERITY |
Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly. Develop your Emotional Intelligence. |
Six Additional Habits for Entrepreneurs
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BIG PICTURE |
Keep focused on your objectives. Be aware of your competition. |
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DETAILS |
Execute flawlessly anything related to your core value. Never repeat the same mistake twice. |
|
LONG VIEW |
Plan for the future. Avoid foreseeable negative consequences. |
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OUTSOURCE |
Only engage in activities if you are the best person to be doing the work. Outsource work that is outside your area of expertise. Know the value of your time. |
|
BRAND |
Only produce work/products consistent with your brand. Uphold the value of your personal brand at all times. |
|
ASSOCIATION |
Work with or employ people whose values and reputation complement or improve your own. |
What virtues or habits would you add to this list?
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