Startup entrepreneurs know how challenging it can be to balance and delegate tasks on a daily basis. Things can get so hectic, and sacrifices are often made for the sake of the business. However, those who have become successful and established business leaders know that there are some non-negotiable habits that you have to make time for. Here we will talk about some of those key habits.

Read, read, read

Perhaps the most common thing that leaders in the industry answer, when asked about their key habits, is this — to read. Despite a busy schedule and a long list of tasks, CEOs and millionaires read often. In fact, Bill Gates reportedly reads up to 50 books per year, stating that, “Reading is still the main way that I both learn new things and test my understanding.”

Keep learning

That said, it’s important not just to read, but also to read things that facilitate learning. Keep an eye out for everyday opportunities to learn all around you. Successful startup entrepreneurs pay attention to this because they understand that in order to stay on top of their game, they have to be learning new things across a number of different fields. In fact, Maryville University point out just how many topics entrepreneurs have to be knowledgeable about — from finance and human resource management, down to information technology, project management, and marketing. All of these definitely have an impact on startup ventures, and although founders can and should recruit specialists in these fields to build a good team, they, too, must have a good foundation in these different disciplines in order to make sound and informed decisions.

Get some quality sleep

It’s usually emphasized that waking up early to start the day is a habit often practiced by the most successful professionals. However, you shouldn’t forget the need for a good sleep, which can definitely help you wake up ready to start the day. Sleep can affect many things in an entrepreneur’s day, from their general mood to critical decision-making. The National Sleep Foundation recommends sleeping no less than 6 hours per night to reap all the benefits of a good night’s rest.

Make time to exercise

This is yet another common habit practiced by the most successful people in the world. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to do a hundred push-ups or start running marathons — simply going for a brisk walk or playing with your dog for a few minutes of each day can bring about tremendous benefits on your performance and productivity. Pick a time of day and be consistent with your exercise. This will go a long way and can help you stay both fit and disciplined.

Always persist

A habit that can make or break a successful entrepreneur — whether it’s with client follow-ups, building connections in the field, learning new things, or testing out new concepts — it is important to always be persistent. Success may not come easy for most, and persistence can set apart those who fail from those who flourish.

Building these habits and using available resources like The Startup Playbook, a guide to help build your startup from the ground up, can help or keep your business up and running. Of course, it’s not a walk in the park to incorporate these into your daily routine, but if you make time and put effort into developing these habits, then they will eventually become second nature and help you in your journey to success.

Post solely written for startup-playbook.com by Abigail Price