“Are you willing to go after success? Do you have a clear vision? Do you have a burning desire? Are you willing to fail? If so, you are well on your way to succeeding.” That’s how Mike Anderson, founder and CEO of the National Small Business Chamber, starts off his book Never Surrender. Become Super Successful Now.
The motivational book not only focuses on helping individuals to “dream big and dare to dream”, but also outlines the habits and practices of successful entrepreneurs. Originally published in 2012, Anderson writes and publishes an updated version of Never Surrender annually. The well-known speaker also gives away copies to entrepreneurs who attend his seminars.
“People who have become successful in changing the world have successfully conquered themselves first. They have transformed themselves from arrogant to humble, lazy to hardworking, negative to positive, unhappy to happy, ungrateful to grateful, pessimistic to optimistic, and unlikeable to likeable,” Anderson writes in the book.
Here are 10 habits you should cultivate to become an effective entrepreneur according to Anderson’s book .
1. Wake up early
“Successful people often talk about the ‘Golden Hour’, which is the first hour after you wake up in the morning. It’s the best time of day to prepare mentally, physically and spiritually for the upcoming day.”
2. Find your passion
“What would you really like to do and what are you are really good at doing?”
3. Believe in yourself
“Without courage and self-belief, it becomes extremely difficult to succeed… See yourself as successful before it happens.”
4. Practice gratitude
“When things don’t go as planned, people who are grateful can put failure into perspective.”
5. Just start
“Begin with a small goal – I’m talking super small – then just start knocking down goals.”
6. Determine your priorities
“Switch your focus from being busy to being productive – focusing on what’s important so that you can accomplish more, see tangible results and have time for fun.”
7. Take control of your money
“Having money saved is what provides the means for you to take advantage of situations, whether it’s studying further, starting a new business or taking advantage through shares when the stock market crashes… If you can’t write down an actual reason for buying a particular item, then you probably shouldn’t buy it.”
8. Push the boundaries
“Step outside of your comfort zone and experiment. Try something different in life. Put your ideas to the test. Innovation relies on trial and error. If it doesn’t work, bank it as experience. This will allow you to move forward and try again.”
9. Associate with positive, successful people
“Surround yourself with people who make you come alive, generate creativity and encourage progress.”
10. Be persistent
“The most successful people do three simple things: 1. They always learn new things. 2. They always try new things. 3. They never give up!”
