Are You A Lazy Entrepreneur?: Ten Ways To be Disciplined As an Entrepreneur

You never will be the person you can be if pressure, tension and discipline are taken out of your life

-Dr. James G. Bilkey

One of the myths about entrepreneurship is that it is easier than working for someone else. After all, especially for a place like Nigeria, there is nobody on your neck about showing up to work at 7 AM in the morning. There is no need to have that meeting at 9PM. As a business owner, you get to decide when you want to work. Wrong! If you think this way, your endangering your success as an entrepreneur. 

Ten Ways To Be Disciplined as an Entrepreneur

1. Get in the habit of waking up early in the morning and getting dressed. Do this even if you have nowhere to go. It is a way to get you mentally prepared to work.
2. Don't encourage social visits or phone calls during your work hours. Remember to tell them "I am at work / I need to get back to work" if they call or visit. Entrepreneurship is not unemployment as such don't let your family and friends abuse your business ownership.
3. Even if you don't have an office, create a workspace for yourself. Having that place to go, even if it is across your room, can help you get disciplined about work.
4. Be clear about your work hours. Don't work past your "closing" hours unnecessarily. If you stick to this, you will be able to have work-life balance.
5. When you have nothing to do, find something to do during your work hours. Why not read up online about your industry. Take free online classes to inspire you and improve your skills.
6. Don't run errands during your work hours. Well, I know this can be a bit tough but it is important to set boundaries. If you must run errands, find a way to compensate your business for the missing hours of work.
7. Don't browse unnecessarily while you are at work. The internet can be a good way to waste time. Beware of this pitfall.
8. Give yourself a lunch time. Everyone needs a break and working endlessly does not make you more successful. 
9. Develop a daily schedule. When you have a clear agenda for your day, you are more likely to get going.
10. Go on holiday! Just because you own your business does not mean you should not have days off when you do nothing related your business. It helps you refresh and gain clarity on your path.