It would be wonderful if the secrets to success in business could be codified and recorded in a handy manual that could be passed around to today’s MBA grads. No one would have to struggle to make a name for themselves, and everyone would be armed with the knowledge required to ensure business success.

Success today means studying the tried-and-true concepts that define a master’s of business and learning the skills and habits of successful entrepreneurs. If you want to outpace your colleagues in the rise to corporate leadership, below are six habits you should embrace.

Daily Routines of Successful Entrepreneurs and Businesspeople

Successful entrepreneurs often have a highly regimented schedule and a set of best practices they follow. Although their daily routines vary from person to person, there are a few that have been thoroughly tested and proven. Implement the following habits into your life to maximize your productivity, enhance your business acumen, and stay mentally and physically sharp.

1. Wake with the Dawn

It’s tempting to stay up late catching up on TV shows and your favorite blogs, but if you go to sleep late, you’ll struggle to wake up early. Studies show that early risers enjoy a tremendous advantage over their sleepier peers. People who wake up early are more proactive, better planners, and anticipate problems better than their late-sleeping counterparts. In addition, they have easier early morning commutes and enjoy a quiet hour or so to plan their day, making them more productive.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail

Sir James Dyson, creator of the Dyson vacuum, extols the value of failure in the marketplace on the road to success. Failure spurs the creative process and leads to innovation in ways you could never imagine; it is a steppingstone that leads you to take chances and try new things. Dyson failed 5,126 times before he hit on the magic formula for his revolutionary vacuums. Today, Dyson is the leading vacuum cleaner brand and commands a huge market share.

3. Keep Your Promises

Successful business relationships are built on trust. If you make a promise to your employees, it’s essential to keep it. Don’t use false promises of bonuses or promotions to motivate the people you work with; only promise what you can deliver. This also applies to the promises you make to your clients and customers. It’s always better to under commit and over deliver than vice versa.

4. Exercise and Stay Fit

Too often, people associate exercise only with physical benefits such as a toned body and better cardiovascular health. Exercise is also linked to mental health benefits, such as improved concentration and memory, faster learning, and prolonged mental stamina. It has also proven to be beneficial in helping those who are battling depression, anxiety, and stress. Carve out time for exercise and fitness regimens so your mind is at its best for work.

5. Always Be Networking

According to experts, a healthy network of friends and business relationships is your most valuable career asset. Learn to identify and nurture valuable connections. Reach beyond your circle of friends and colleagues to find individuals in other industries who can broaden your scope of knowledge and influence. Develop the habit of maintaining regular contact with members of your network. Most of all, always look for ways you can help others and bring value to your network.

6. Make Time to Achieve Your Entrepreneurial Goals

Successful entrepreneurs rely heavily on daily routines for a multitude of reasons. Most notably, they streamline their day, which allows them to get more out of it. By having most of your day mapped out by a daily routine, you’re drastically reducing the number of times you need to make a decision. If you no longer have to think about what you’re going to wear, when you’re going to work out, and what you’re going to eat for lunch, it affords you more time to spend on issues that require more devoted thought and problem solving.

While there’s no single secret to success in business, practicing these six habits of successful entrepreneurs will give you a solid foundation to accomplish your goals.

Gain the Education That Will Help You Reach Your Entrepreneurial Goals

The daily routines and constructive habits of successful entrepreneurs are something that any individual can implement into their own lives. Good habits make for successful entrepreneurs—and so does a solid education.

Washington State University’s Online Master of Business Administration program has been developed by expert faculty who are dedicated to delivering the highest-quality education with the added flexibility of online learning. The WSU MBA program offers four concentrations along with a general MBA option, and puts students on pace to graduate in as few as 22 to 29 months.

Take the first step toward becoming a successful entrepreneur today with Washington State University.

Recommended Readings

5 Hidden Benefits of Getting an MBA

What Can You Do After MBA? Ways to Market Yourself and Career Options to Consider

Working During MBA: How to Balance Parenthood and Educational Responsibilities

Sources:

CNN, “Night owls may be twice as likely as early risers to underperform at work, study suggests”

Daily Mail, “How it took me 5,126 failures before I created the ultimate vacuum cleaner': Inventor JAMES DYSON insists it wasn't genius but sheer bloody-mindedness backed by the love and faith of his wife”

Forbes, 10 Reasons Why Networking Is Essential For Your Career

Help Guide, The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise