It’s a brand new year, which means it’s time to adopt some new habits, and by new habits, I mean productive habits that will make your time more valuable. Think about it, CEOs at large companies do not spend time sitting around watching TV. They use their extra time to bring more value to their portfolio.
So if you want to leave your old habits behind, and adopt some new ones, then here are some habits that CEOs have that you can incorporate into your daily routine. Whether you already have your own company or are looking to start one, the tips in this article will be useful to you.
Wake Up Early
If you were to Google the CEO’s daily routine, you might notice that they start their day very early, like at around 4:00am. Why do they do this? Because these are the most productive hours of the day, at that time, most people are sleeping, and it gives you enough alone time to get some essential tasks out of the way.
While it may seem like it is impossible to achieve and the thought of waking up early seems dreadful, it is actually a great way to start the day. If you think you’ll have a hard time adapting to this habit, then consider gradually waking up earlier and earlier instead of doing it so suddenly, this way, your body will get used to it.
Stay Current
Have you ever had an in-depth conversation with a successful CEO before? They seem to be very well informed of current events and what is happening in the world. While no one is saying to read the New York Times from front to back, it’s still important to stay updated on current events. Whether it’s politics, sports, or foreign affairs, reading a little bit every day will come a long way.
So why is this important? It’s important because it shows you can hold a conversation, and this comes a long way when you go to a networking event. While it’s advised not to bring up politics at an event, it’s still good to have some facts in your head in case the conversation ever comes up.
Balance Your Work and Personal Life
It may look like your company’s CEO is always working, but they do take some time to tend to personal matters. It is vital to make sure that your life does not always revolve around work and that you take some time to yourself. Whether it’s having dinner with your family or going out for drinks, make sure that you leave work back at the office during that time.
By creating this work-life balance, you will decrease the possibility of burnout and will actually increase productivity because you took a nice break.
Clean Out Your Inbox
One of the worst things to wake up to is an inbox that has 100 unread emails. A cluttered inbox will decrease your productivity because you will continuously find yourself playing catch up instead of focusing on the task at hand. Take some time to clean out your inbox throughout your day; all you need is 10 minutes a day to sit and review emails.
A clean inbox will allow you to work more efficiently and keep you up to date on everything that is going on. Also, you’ll never miss important correspondence because your emails will be checked on a daily basis.
Keep Working On Yourself
Suppose you ask a CEO what book they are reading. In that case, it’s probably a business book or some form of self-improvement book, this is because they are always working on themselves. Whether it’s a book or a course, they are likely improving themselves so that they can keep up with the world around them. If you’re not sure which book to buy first, consider purchasing a Tony Robbins book, it is sure to change your life.
This is a great habit to adopt because not only will you be able to improve yourself, but you will also enhance your business because you will also be adopting new practices.
Put Yourself Out There
Networking is essential for CEOs, and in most cases, adds to the growth of their business. While some networking events may sound like a bit of a drag, it may actually bring in more money for your business, which is why you’ll probably see at least two networking events a week on any CEOs’ calendar.
So the next time someone invites you to a networking event, consider going, it may actually turn into a possible business deal by the end of the night.
Put Your Staff First
If you already have a company, then this one’s for you. Yes, money should always be the goal; however, you’ll never achieve that goal if your staff is unhappy. Treating your team properly and keeping them happy it’s a definite way to increase productivity, which is excellent for a business. Google is famous for keeping their staff happy, and while not every company has a budget as big as Google’s, there are some things you can still do to ensure you have a positive work environment.
Does this mean you have to throw them a pizza party? Not necessarily, but you can offer them incentives, room for growth, and always keep your door open to make yourself more approachable. If you do this, your staff will surely work harder to ensure that you succeed as a CEO.
Keep The CEO Mentality
Whether you already have a company or are looking to start one, you should always keep that CEO mentality in the back of your head. Yes, it’s difficult to incorporate some of these habits, and while the success of a CEO will not happen overnight, it is still important to adopt these habits to help secure those goals.
Keeping an active CEO mentality even if you are still working for someone else is sure to bring you success down the line.
