It's the little things that make up the big things. Here's a list of ten traits of some of the movers and shakers in the world today (and from the past).

1. They Stay Healthy
Health is make-or-break. If you have it, your life will take on meaning like you couldn't otherwise know; but if you don't have it, you will only accomplish a comparatively small percentage of what you otherwise would be able to. Like a dedicated runner who sees the need to count calories, log miles, and track their monthly progress when it comes to hitting the pavement, a good leader has to stay on top of their health to unlock those higher abilities to make good business decisions and wise choices. It all starts with managing your health. 

2. They Value Down Time
The greatest leaders have always known how to make time for themselves. They went home after work and enjoyed time with their families. They understood priorities being properly managed. They perfected the art of relaxation and were thus able to push forward much harder, despite their imperfections and vices. If you are constantly running out of steam, you won't be able to build a solid, long-lasting business.

3. They Tend to Their Finances Each and Every Day
You may or may not be a whiz when it comes to money, or you may have someone who manages it for you (most wealthy people do), but if you don't regularly watch your bank balance somehow, you can hardly be called prudent. Track your finances and monitor your cash flow every single day. Stay on top of your business and your business will put you on top!

4. They Stay in Control of Their Emotions
Good leaders know at all times how to manage their emotions. They know that anger never accomplishes anything when it is not directed forward properly

5. They Say 'Thank You!' to Someone Each Day
The best managers know how important maintaining relationships are, and so even if its just a passing: 'You did great! Thanks!', they never go light on justified praise. Entrepreneurs far and wide understand the need for perfecting the art of daily encouragement. This motivates their employees and builds company morale. Without sufficient praise, no one will really want to work hard and strive to do better.

6. They Constantly Hunt for Minor Improvements to Make
As a daily regimen, the successful look for ways to improve their performance, not only in their own daily tasks, but also in the work of those around them. They value improving and augmenting skill-sets. They know that the smallest of changes you make in the person of today make a better person tomorrow, which will lead to more and greater successes

7. They are Humble and Listen to Feedback
Good leaders know they don't know it all. They mine for feedback, and when they get it, they respect those who they got it from more so than before. Why? Because that's how you self-improve and how you lead and direct more effectively. The results are better results in every area.

8. They Seek Out Counseling/Mentoring
No one company has ever been built without the visionary behind it seeking out counsel. No one can be an expert in every area, which is why it is important to seek out expertise in areas where it is needed. Seek out a top-game mentor. Grow in knowledge, and in time, you will learn how to grow your company by leaps and bounds.

9. They See Failure as an Experiment
A failure is an experiment that didn't yield results; a mistake is an experiment that didn't yield results that ran too long. You learn from failing, but you don't make mistakes. You fail (learn) and then move on (don't keep going with what is not working) = no mistake! The mega-successful embrace failure because they know it will make them ten times better than they started out to be. No company can change, develop, or grow without the refining fires of failure. Do you see failure in the same light?

10. They Welcome Adversity
When difficulties arise in any company, it is no surprise to the successful since they went in banking on it! If you are wise, you go in prepared for setbacks to come. Adversity is what motivates the great. It defines them - and refines them - to carve out their potential. Does adversity push you forward or drive you backward? You can easily tell from your answer how successful you will be from this.
How many of these traits have you found characteristic of yourself?

At Paul Martin Chartered Accountant Limited, we can help ensure you have positive daily habits. In addition to annual compliance, we offer a range of services to add value to you and your business, including financial forecasting and monitoring. We also offer financial awareness coaching  to help you stay on top of your business goals and performance.

To find out more about how we can help you create successful daily habits, call us on (09) 576 4166 or request an appointment  today.