7 Habits of a Successful Entrepreneur

vickyroquepr
Apr 9
3 min read

Inspired by The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

There are countless courses, books, and gurus discussing productivity habits, scaling strategies, and even how to earn money while you sleep. However, very few discuss the internal habits — the ones they don’t teach in an MBA, but that ultimately determine whether you’ll build a business with purpose… or burn out along the way.

This article is inspired by the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, a Toltec wisdom text that has transformed lives with its simplicity and depth. I bring it into this entrepreneurial space because, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s no solid entrepreneurship without inner work.

Agreement #1:

Be Impeccable with Your Word

Habit #1: Speak truthfully about your business

Stop saying things like, “It’s just a little side hustle,” “I’m just seeing if it works,” or “I have a little website somewhere.” Being impeccable with your word means honoring your project and speaking about it with pride and clarity. Words create reality. If you don’t respect your business, who will?

Agreement #2: Don’t Take Anything Personally

Habit #2: Don’t live for others’ approval

Clients who don’t respond, relatives who don’t support you, people who question your path… none of that is truly about you. The world reacts to its fears and limitations.

Learn to listen without absorbing. Be firm in your vision. Not everyone will understand your path — and that’s okay.

Habit #3: Separate criticism from your identity

When someone rejects your product, they are not rejecting you as a person. A successful entrepreneur learns to receive feedback without falling apart.

Constructive criticism is fuel — if you know how to use it.

Agreement #3: Don’t Make Assumptions

Habit #4: Ask, clarify, and communicate with intention

In business, assumptions are dangerous.

Assuming a client isn’t interested without offering alternatives.

Assuming your team understood what you meant.

Assuming everyone is “on the same page.”

Ask questions.

Confirm agreements.

Communicate with intention, not emotion.

Agreement #4: Always Do Your Best

Habit #5: Do your best — based on your capacity for the day

Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean being in machine mode 24/7.Doing your best doesn’t mean burning yourself out

— it means showing up and giving the best of what you have today.

Some days are full of ideas. Others are just about holding the structure together. Both are valid. The key is not to give up. Habit #6: Be consistent, even when results don’t show immediately

Many entrepreneurs quit right before the breakthrough.

Consistency is one of the hardest habits — but also one of the most rewarding.

Do what needs to be done, even when no one’s clapping.

That’s the difference.

BONUS: Beyond the Agreements

Habit #7: Surround yourself with energy that uplifts

Not everyone deserves a seat at your table. A successful entrepreneur protects their environment — choosing carefully who to share dreams with, who to work with, and who to listen to.

Your environment influences your growth more than you think.

Reflect:

Success is not measured only in numbers. It’s measured in peace of mind, alignment, and purpose. A business can bring you money — but only you can bring yourself the emotional stability to sustain it.

The Four Agreements are not just life principles. They’re powerful tools to lead your business — and your journey — with integrity.

Are you applying them?