15 Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs Like Musk & Bezos
By: Tom Dougherty
Published: November 29, 2024
Habits shape the path to achievement. Behind remarkable accomplishments lie consistent actions and a mindset geared toward progress. Known entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos attribute their success to practices that fuel creativity, resilience, and leadership.
Let’s explore the routines and strategies that have empowered industry leaders to build transformative businesses and how adopting similar habits can inspire personal and professional growth.
1. They Turn Failure Into Fuel
Every setback is an opportunity to grow. Entrepreneurs who succeed on a grand scale see failure as a stepping stone rather than a dead end. Each misstep offers lessons that guide their next moves.
Elon Musk’s journey with SpaceX is a prime example. Early rocket launches failed, yet Musk remained committed, using those experiences to refine his strategies. Today, SpaceX is one of the global leaders in space exploration. The ability to learn, adapt, and persist transforms obstacles into progress.
Adopting this mindset can create a foundation for long-term success for business owners and beginner entrepreneurs. Learning to embrace challenges and view them as tools for improvement can foster resilience and lead to breakthroughs in any industry.
2. They Make Time to Rest and Recharge
Pushing hard without breaks often leads to burnout, even for the most driven individuals. Successful entrepreneurs understand the value of stepping back to refocus their energy and creativity. Rest isn’t seen as downtime but as preparation for what’s ahead.
Research supports this approach. Studies reveal that periods of rest improve decision-making and foster innovative thinking. Jeff Bezos, for instance, emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep, claiming it helps him make better decisions. Strategic pauses are not a luxury—they’re a necessity for sustainable growth.
3. They Build Success Routines That Stick
Routines simplify decisions and create momentum. By following consistent habits, entrepreneurs free up mental space to focus on bigger priorities. Every successful routine is tailored to the individual, blending discipline with personal preferences.
Oprah Winfrey’s mornings are a great example. She dedicates time to meditation and exercise, setting a tone of clarity and energy for the day. Small, repetitive actions compound over time, laying a strong foundation for long-term achievements.
4. They Keep Growing Their Network
Connections often open doors that effort alone cannot. Building relationships with mentors, peers, and collaborators offers insights and opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. Networking isn’t limited to professional settings—it thrives in any environment where shared interests create genuine bonds.
Many entrepreneurs attribute their breakthroughs to the people they’ve met along the way. A strong network acts as a support system, offering fresh perspectives and resources. Expanding those connections is an investment in growth, both personal and professional.
5. They Set Wildly Ambitious Goals
Big goals inspire action and guide decisions. Entrepreneurs with bold visions often break them into manageable steps, turning overwhelming ambitions into achievable milestones. Every great business idea starts with a willingness to aim higher than most would dare.
At ActionCOACH of Arizona, goal-setting is a central focus. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to outline their long-term vision and create strategies to make progress each day.
A clear, ambitious goal doesn’t just provide direction—it becomes a source of motivation that keeps momentum alive.
6. They Obsess Over Learning
Successful entrepreneurs dedicate time to expanding their knowledge, whether through books, workshops, or conversations with experts. Every skill learned or insight gained adds another layer of strength to their strategies.
In fact, some of our clients at ActionCOACH of Arizona often reflect this mindset. Many arrive already achieving impressive results yet eager to uncover fresh approaches and perspectives. Learning never stops, no matter how much success has already been achieved. It’s the constant pursuit of improvement that sets them apart.
7. They Invest Time in Sharpening Emotional Intelligence
This may be often overlooked, but strong emotional intelligence helps leaders build deeper connections and maintain balance in high-pressure situations. Entrepreneurs who master empathy and self-awareness are better equipped to inspire their teams and create an environment of trust and collaboration.
Reflecting on personal habits and emotions is key to this process. By understanding their impact on others, successful entrepreneurs develop better communication strategies and lead with clarity and focus. Emotional intelligence shapes how they approach relationships and make decisions that benefit the bigger picture.
8. They Take Risks Without Fear of Uncertainty
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, taking risks is the most daunting part of the journey. However, those who achieve remarkable success view calculated risks as opportunities for growth. They evaluate potential rewards and consequences carefully, recognizing that hesitation often leads to missed chances.
Taking risks doesn’t mean acting recklessly—it’s about conducting research, preparing thoroughly, and having the courage to step into the unknown.
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, exemplifies this mindset. By betting on unconventional ideas others dismissed, he transformed industries. Bezos’s philosophy, shared in a 2016 shareholder letter, reflects his approach to innovation:
“Outsized returns often come from betting against conventional wisdom, and conventional wisdom is usually right. Given a ten percent chance of a 100 times payoff, you should take that bet every time. But you’re still going to be wrong nine times out of ten.”
This belief has driven Amazon to enter unexpected sectors, like cloud computing with Amazon Web Services and entertainment with Prime Video, where others saw little potential. Bezos’s willingness to invest in bold, risky ideas has been pivotal in Amazon’s success and its ability to disrupt traditional industries.
9. They Treat Health Like a Business Priority
You probably notice how successful entrepreneurs often talk about their fitness routines or mindfulness practices. That’s because they know staying physically and mentally sharp is non-negotiable. Energy levels, focus, and resilience are all tied to personal well-being, making health a key part of their strategy.
A quote to live by: “A fit body powers your energy, and a sharp mind drives your focus.”
Entrepreneurs prioritize habits like regular exercise, nutritious meals, and meditation. These routines don’t just keep them healthy—they provide the stamina to meet challenges head-on and the clarity to make effective decisions.
10. They Guard Their Creative Energy Fiercely
If you’ve ever wondered how successful entrepreneurs manage to generate fresh ideas consistently, the secret often lies in protecting their creative space. They limit distractions, set boundaries, and carve out time specifically for thinking and problem-solving. Creativity thrives in an environment free of unnecessary noise.
Steve Jobs was known for simplifying tasks and focusing on what mattered most. Eliminating clutter—whether physical or mental—allowed him to approach challenges with clarity.
So, the next time you’re overwhelmed with distractions, consider how simplifying your surroundings might unlock your best ideas and help tackle even the toughest challenges.
11. They Stay Obsessed With Innovation
In our programs at ActionCOACH of Arizona, we emphasize the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing new ideas. Entrepreneurs who lead the pack are always looking for ways to challenge the status quo and disrupt their industries. Innovation isn’t an occasional effort—it’s a constant mindset.
Take Mark Zuckerberg as an example. His commitment to ongoing development at Meta, including adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI, keeps the company ahead of its competitors. Similarly, we guide entrepreneurs to foster environments where creativity thrives and unconventional solutions are celebrated. Progress often stems from thinking beyond what’s expected.
12. They Lead With Gratitude and Purpose
Gratitude has a way of shifting focus to what truly matters. Celebrating progress, no matter how small, reinforces a positive mindset and keeps energy high. Purpose becomes clear through actions that support others, whether in the workplace or the wider community.
Entrepreneurs who prioritize gratitude often build stronger connections and inspire loyalty among their teams. When achievements are viewed as opportunities to contribute rather than just personal wins, the ripple effect can create a lasting legacy of impact and influence.
13. They Reframe Problems as Opportunities
If a challenge feels overwhelming, successful entrepreneurs often pause to see it from another angle. They treat obstacles as puzzles to solve rather than barriers that halt progress. This mindset helps them stay proactive and uncover solutions that might not have been immediately obvious.
Every setback holds the potential for a breakthrough. Approaching problems with curiosity and determination shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what could work. By viewing difficulties as a chance to grow, they stay ahead, even in the face of uncertainty.
14. They Dominate Their Calendar With Precision
Time is treated as the most valuable resource. Entrepreneurs who excel often map out their schedules with clear priorities, leaving little room for wasted effort. Every task is intentional, whether it’s strategic planning, team collaboration, or personal growth.
Tools like digital planners or delegation help them stay organized and focused. Precision in time management doesn’t just increase productivity—it builds momentum.
By controlling their calendar, they create space to focus on what moves the needle forward.
15. They Think Long-Term While Acting Daily
Big visions often require a delicate balance between future planning and present action. Successful entrepreneurs focus on their end goals while breaking them into smaller, achievable tasks. Each day becomes a step toward the bigger picture, keeping the momentum alive without losing sight of where they want to be.
This approach creates a sense of purpose in daily activities. Small wins accumulate, fueling confidence and progress over time. Long-term thinking paired with consistent effort transforms ambitious dreams into tangible realities.
Join ActionCOACH of Arizona!
ActionCOACH of Arizona offers more than just guidance—we create a space for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and thrive together. With tailored strategies and a community of small business owners who share your vision, the path to success becomes clearer and more achievable.
Start building relationships that inspire action and growth. Join us today to refine your goals, expand your network, and create the results you’ve always envisioned. Together, we can transform potential into progress. Reach out to ActionCOACH of Arizona now and take the next step forward.