📈 The Habits of Highly Successful Entrepreneurs

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Look at the top entrepreneurs.

The ones scaling businesses, building wealth, and somehow still making it to the gym before 6AM.

They aren’t winging it. They follow habits that keep them ahead of the game.

Meanwhile, most entrepreneurs?

They’re stuck in reaction mode.

Putting out fires, drowning in emails, and feeling like they’re running hard but getting nowhere.

So what’s the difference between those who struggle and those who thrive?

Daily habits.

Small, repeatable actions that add up to massive results over time.

Over the past few years, I developed winning habits while scaling Greenbox Storage.

By the time I launched FounderBrands, those habits made it easy to transition from running one company to two.

Let’s break them down.

1. They Prioritize

Putting in 16-hour days won’t guarantee success, but focusing on the right tasks will help get you there faster.

The best entrepreneurs use the 80/20 rule: 80% of their results come from 20% of their efforts.

• Identify your high-value tasks. What actually moves the needle in your business? Do more of that.

• Eliminate distractions. If it doesn’t help you grow, it’s just noise.

• Start your day with intention. No checking emails first thing. Tackle your biggest task before the world pulls you in 10 directions.

2. They Protect Their Time

Successful entrepreneurs don’t let their calendar get hijacked by other people’s priorities.

They say no - a lot.

• Time block your schedule. If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.

• Delegate or automate low-level tasks. Stop spending hours on things software (or an assistant) can do.

• Ignore things that don’t matter. Not every email, meeting, or opportunity deserves your attention.

(Reminder: “Let’s hop on a quick call” is usually code for “Let me waste 30 minutes of your life.” Be selective.)

3. They Keep Learning

The best entrepreneurs are always leveling up.

But they don’t waste time on endless YouTube rabbit holes or business books they never apply.

Instead, they learn with purpose.

• Follow people actually doing the work. Not just “gurus” with a fancy Instagram.

• Invest in skills that directly impact revenue. Sales, marketing, negotiation - these move the needle.

• Apply as you learn. Consuming knowledge is useless if you don’t implement it.

4. They Build Relationships, Not Just Connections

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or sending “Let’s connect!” messages.

The best entrepreneurs build real relationships with the right people.

• Give more than you take. Help others first - opportunities will follow.

• Surround yourself with people ahead of you. Growth happens when you’re in the right rooms.

• Follow up and stay in touch. A single conversation isn’t a relationship - consistency is.

5. They Take Care of Their Health

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor.

You can’t run a thriving business if you’re running on fumes.

The best entrepreneurs know their mind and body are the business.

• Exercise regularly. A strong body = a strong mind.

• Prioritize sleep. You can’t outwork exhaustion forever.

• Disconnect. Rest is fuel. Hustle culture might glorify burnout, but real success comes from sustainability.

The Takeaway

Success isn’t a single breakthrough moment. It’s built through daily habits. The way you work, learn, manage time, connect, and take care of yourself determines whether you’re growing or staying in the same cycle.

Because winning in business starts with what you do when no one’s watching.

Business Blitz Podcast

We flipped the script on Business Blitz this week.

Entrepreneur Mark Bowles and I sat down to discuss how I turned $1,600 into a $1.6M company. Plus, we reveal the best marketing strategy of 2025 ↓

Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways I can help you:

1. FounderBrands: Drive leads to your business from Twitter / X. Grow your online brand in only one hour per month.

2. Hire me as a consultant to take your business to the next level.

3. Offshore Hiring Guide: Learn how to hire inexpensive ($6 / hour) offshore talent in 3 weeks or less.

4. Promote your business to 1,800+ subscribers by sponsoring my newsletter.

Cheers,

Collin Rutherford

PS. Don’t say this to mom…