I’ve been an online entrepreneur for a little over fifteen years now. I’ve dabbled in a number of online ventures and I have seen many online business opportunities come and go. A lot has changed; including all of the technical aspects you need in place all the way through to how an online business can and should be run.

However, if I could pinpoint one thing that has remained consistent during this time it has been my mental approach and mindset. In fact, this is something that every entrepreneur needs to have in place to achieve success.

Below are five traits that I have not only helped me succeed in my own businesses, but that I have observed from some of the most successful entrepreneurs:

1. Consistency

Perhaps one of the most crucial elements is the need and requirement to be consistent. Consistency is not just about showing up, but consistently trying to improve and find better ways of doing things.

Regardless of the type of business you are running, it’s important to take a long-term approach. Success does not typically come overnight – it snowballs and is the culmination of a lot of tiny steps that add up.

Putting in the effort on a consistent basis is what enables you to make real progress. 

2. Working When You Do Not Want To

There are aspects or processes to every business that will not be typically enjoyed. Unfortunately, it’s just a part of life. Equally, there will be times when you feel a little bit off, a little bit flat, or demotivated. It can happen for a multitude of reasons.

Either way, in order to be truly successful, you do need to put the work in. Even if at times you do not want to. Sure, there will always be distractions, but being able to grind through those days when you do not feel up to it can make all the difference.

Usually, you’ll find that when you just begin, it’s enough to get you in the spirit and before you know it, you’ve overcome the resistance.

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” – Thomas Edison 

3. Exploring New Opportunities

No business or industry can, or should even, attempt to remain the same. Industries change, markets develop and customers have new interests, requirements, or expectations. For these reasons among others, it’s important that you routinely seek out new opportunities. This could be both internally or externally to your current business. 

Having an open-minded approach is all part of this. It’s about being able to look subjectively at what you do and proactively look at ways to stay ahead of the competition. If you don’t, then your competitors will and you’ll be left behind before you know it. 

4. Forging Your Own Path

Part of the allure and perhaps the main advantage of being an entrepreneur is the ability to forge your own path, be your own boss, and live life on your own terms. Sure, risk comes with the territory, but there is something about knowing you need to succeed in order to pay the bills.

The desire to work for oneself can be a huge motivator, and knowing that it can all come tumbling down takes it one step further. Working for somebody else is always an option of course, but having either left that path or the thought of having to re-enter the 9-5 is usually enough to ensure that this does not become a reality. Often once an entrepreneur works for themselves, going back is simply not an option.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

5. Having Fun

We all want to live our best lives, and of course making time to have fun is all part of that. However, when it comes to running our business, we should never forget that we should enjoy the process. This is essentially why we do it.

We should enjoy the challenges, but we should also cherish those times we close a deal, make a sale or exceed our targets. If you are not enjoying your business then not only will it make it harder, but it will also result in lower discipline, effort, and ultimately your results will suffer.

One of the best things you can do to enrich your life and your business is finding out exactly what you enjoy doing. Make that the majority of your day, and simply outsource the rest. Get others to do those tasks you dislike or take up time. Spend your day running the parts of the business that you personally love.

Closing Thoughts

Entrepreneurship is not simple; yet a change in mindset can have profound improvements in your success and the satisfaction you derive from your business.

I have come to believe that anyone can be a successful entrepreneur if they truly want it enough. It may take some people more time than others, it may even be a rockier journey, but with the technology we have at our fingertips today – there is a wealth of opportunities to pursue. Just do not let your mindset be the limiting factor!

What trait do you believe is most important for you to become successful? Share your thoughts with us below!