Being an entrepreneur isn’t a static job. Markets change, people’s buying habits change, and technology changes. As an entrepreneur, you need to be able to deal with these changes and react so you can stay in the game.

An article by Aleksandar Ilic on LifeHack titled 10 Hard Things You Need To Do For Success includes “work hard on improving yourself in all aspects of life” in this list. He explains that while perfecting a single skill or trait is beneficial, to achieve success you need to take a holistic approach –including your communication skills, body language, as well as physical and mental health.

Self development and self improvement can be catalysts of changes that bring further success to the future of your business. The more you grow, the better decisions you make and the more you can grow your business, learn more at pinterest.

Successful entrepreneurs know the value of self development and make it a part of their everyday lives. tweet this

There are a number of things you can do regularly to make self improvement a key part of your everyday life to help both your personal life and business.

1. Read more books

Reading exercises your brain. It improves your concentration and focus, expands your vocabulary, and helps you build better communication skills. It improves your creativity by opening your mind and allowing your brain to explore new ideas. By reading more you learn more. Reading 24 books a year is inline with the Rockefeller habits. It’s suggested that you read 12 business books and 12 personal ones. Business books can include things such as books on strategy, finance, marketing, or a specific skill within your industry. Personal books include things you’re interested in such as culture, current affairs, political issues, etc.

2. Take a course

Being an entrepreneur means constantly learning new skills relevant to your industry. Some companies make it mandatory to brush up on your skills by regularly taking new courses to ensure their staff are up-to-date with new techniques and technology. To increase your skills in general business you can take courses on business strategy, marketing, sales tactics, etc. or focus on something creative if it relates to your business such as photography or Photoshop. Ideally you don’t want to take more than one course per semester as you probably already have a heavy workload running your business.

3. Work on time management

Most entrepreneurs would agree they’re busy. But being “busy” with the right things is a difficult skill worth learning. There’s always going to be things that need to be done in your business, but focusing on the right ones is where you can work on improving. Start by focusing on the big rocks. What are the key things you need to do to keep your business moving forward? Then add in the smaller, less important things that still need to be done but aren’t absolute necessities. Learn how to say no to all the extras that try to creep their way onto your to-do list that you don’t really need to be doing.

4. Improve your people skills

Whether you’re managing a team of people or working directly with clients in your solo business, communicating with people is an inevitable part of your job. Working on your people skills will help reduce stress for you and the people you’re working with. Do you communicate with people mostly through email? Learn how to craft the perfect email so you can be clear and concise without sounding terse. Take a course or watch videos online about public speaking and giving motivating presentations. Practice listening more and talking less. Learn what words have a more positive impact on people, such as saying sorry less and thank you more.

5. Work on your sales skills

Every entrepreneur is in the business of selling whether you’re selling a product or service. Work on your negotiation and presentation skills to help with your sales pitch. Read books about it, watch online videos, or signup for a course. There’s tons of information out there on how to become better at selling.

6. Find your zen

Remember to make time for you. You need quiet time to relax and recharge. Figure out what helps you destress and make time for that. Go to the gym, go on a relaxing nature walk, pray, meditate, paint, or play with your kids. Whatever you find peace and serenity in doing, allow yourself time to enjoy these activities. Giving yourself time to relax and collect yourself helps you remain calm and better prepares you for deescalating stressful situations. When you’re zen, you’re more agile and better equipped to deal with problems by thinking offensively instead of defensively.

7. Focus on your health

Your body needs nourishment to fuel your busy days so help it out by feeding it healthy foods full of nutrients instead of sugar and processed foods. Stay active by exercising and stretching especially if you’re at a desk or laptop most of the day. Be diligent in giving your body the rest in needs. If you’re getting enough sleep and still feel exhausted during the day, consider taking an allergy test. There may be foods you’re eating that cause your body to feel bloated and lethargic. Make your health a priority.