How to become a better version of your self?

These are the top 10 habits I’ve developed over the last 33 years after studying entrepreneurs, executives from Fortune 1000 companies, and successful entrepreneurs like Gary Vaynerchuck.

1. They view wealthy people as normal.

It is oftentimes difficult for us to accept that one’s wealth is very specific and depends on one’s personal choice. That said, it’s easy for a savvy entrepreneur or business owner to defend their position. They know the only way to prove they are not like everyone else, is to prove that they like being rich. It makes for a good debate on Facebook.

2. They can create magic.

house inside tree

I don’t know why so many millionaires and billionaires don’t outsource and/or hire others on their teams. I’d like to think it’s the attractive performance review that comes from handing money over but really it’s because they have seniority.

3. They delegate.

While I once assailed this as a sign of callousness my more recent assertions are that if someone wants something done right, it’s because they can delegate it to someone who can do it. While I couldn’t prove this (this was before our son), my hunch is that the other way around is true.

4. They resist the urge to fix everything themselves.

As Watch the Show notes, many business owners reached financial independence by involving family and friends, per the book Millionaire Next Door by Richard Easterlin. When you are successful, you can look at “the world’s greatest investor�” and think, “I want the same opportunities.” They really do take pride in their success. As an entrepreneur, you should be the exact opposite.

5. They value people first.

Don’t you respect the word when someone is generous, empathetic, and understanding? Those are qualities that also make up a successful entrepreneur. Fundamentals like honesty (giving and taking), the desire to fix things and even philanthropic endeavors are a hallmark of the truly successful. Don’t you respect that?

6. They set monthly goals.

A principle I learned while working in San Diego was those big businesses foolishly set vague goals that amounted to business as usual and that’s why they didn’t achieve goals. I advocate setting specific goals that describe what you want to achieve; as a result, you have the practical obligation to massively increase your goals from month to month (or whatever your habit and timeframe is when you start).

7. They work to build a team that can execute their will.

As one of the world’s top speakers and entrepreneurs, Bill Gurley said, “Great teams beat big teams”. He had a point.

and opportunity builders around the globe.

They kick-start my success and get me back on track with my personal development each day.

It’s important to have a “why” or a purpose behind your goals. It shouldn’t just be money, for example. Goals are much more important when you tie your goals to what you want to achieve in the next year. The more specific the goal, the greater the impact it will have on you. Set KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) before you start your commitment, and work towards meeting those goals every single day!

8. They believe in their vision.

Every successful person has an internal vision they are alive to. So much of your success is dictated not only by your surroundings but by your daily decisions.

Steve Jobs had it; so does Mark Zuckerberg. It’s always vital to have a brand identity that is based on your core principles. It makes you unique, but more importantly, it reflects your core values. Why do you want to succeed? To achieve more? Do you just want the happy logo or do you want better? What’s missing? How can you bring the brand together?

Try to define your core vision before you set out on your journey. Mistakes happen—it’s inevitable. But don’t get discouraged. A vision is just a tool to get you all the way to your destination.

9. They cultivate self-awareness.

There is absolutely no one way to be successful. Successful individuals are often impacted by the ways other people “see them.” I’m not just talking about other people in the office, either. I’m talking about the people around you, the people you meet, and the people you don’t know.

More often than not, people just see the tip of the iceberg when it comes to who is successful in any given arena, and their vision is limited. Entrepreneurs need to cultivate the ability to see the bigger picture. It’s vital to no matter what industry you are in, to constantly question and be open to change. It’s a major challenge and a major stepping stone to your success.

10. They have persistence.

Success and failure are a function of how persistent you are. The difference between getting fired and leaving on a high note is how persistent you are to get your job done. Mutual respect and a strong relationship with your employer is equally critical in the entrepreneur world. Had people been more forgiving at the start of their journey, I’d still be in my meeting doing what I do today.

and successful people around the world. I think most people can identify a few of them themselves.