We all want to become more successful entrepreneurs, but how can our lifestyles help or hinder our goals? Here are some practical steps to get you started.

1. Get enough sleep

A mounting body of research is proving that sleep is essential to our health and wellbeing. If you don’t consistently set yourself up for a good night’s sleep, you will be limiting your potential. The odd broken or short night is inevitable when you own a business, but it is vital to balance these out with restful sleep. Switch off digital appliances an hour before bed, wind down with gentle exercise or reading, and make sure your bedroom is completely dark and cool.

2. Take breaks

Breaks create better productivity. Even if you take several short breaks throughout the day, you will find that your mind can relax and then return with greater motivation and focus. Ideally, get outside and take a walk when you are having a break.

3. Read

It is vital to read to keep building your knowledge, communication abilities and vocabulary. Keep your reading list broad and varied, and don’t get stuck in a rut. By exposing yourself to new genres, writers and ideas, you will stimulate creativity and challenge your thinking.

4. Eat well

You are what you eat; therefore, if you are surviving on low-nutrition, empty calorie foods, you will eventually end up sick, overweight and feeling terrible. Nurture your health and mental wellbeing with energising wholefoods that protect you from disease and illness. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, prioritise quality proteins, and choose complex carbohydrates. Drink plenty of water. Get a coach if needs be and follow a programme.

5. Exercise

Many entrepreneurs run the risk of burnout by being constantly attached to their desks. Get half an hour of exercise daily, even if this is just a brisk lunchtime walk. Do something that gets you out of breath several times a week. Relax with yoga and seek physical balance. If you are physically tired in addition to mentally tired, you will sleep better and feel better. This translates into better performance at work.

6. Talk to people

Chat to people you wouldn’t usually engage with. Challenge yourself to broaden your network and to strike up a conversation with a broad array of people. You will be amazed at the ideas, feedback, stories and knowledge you gain.

As you start to invest in yourself – mentally, physically and holistically – you will find yourself ready to become a better entrepreneur, problem-solver, creative thinker and relationship builder. Are you ready to take your business forward with your plan? Century Business Finance offers the ready finance you need to grow.

We offer unsecured loans of £25k to £500k and secured loans of £20k to £1m, with interest rates that start from just 4.8 per cent. Borrow over six months to five years and have the option to repay early without any early repayment fee. We don’t charge any upfront fees or hidden costs.

Even better, we accept nine out of ten business applications and your loan will be processed immediately for approval, meaning that the funds can be in your bank account the following day. Contact us to find out more or apply online now in just five minutes.