12 Habits Every Founder Should Follow to Succeed (And 4 to Avoid): Insights from Top Entrepreneurs

As someone who is always striving to improve and become a better version of myself, I recently binge-watched content related to self-improvement created by some of my favorite founders like Matt Gray, Iman Gadzhi, and Davie Fogarty. After consuming a ton of valuable information, I came up with a list of habits that I believe everyone who wants to become a successful founder should follow.

Here are 12 habits to incorporate into your daily routine to help you become the best version of yourself:

1. Plan your day the night before - This helps you stay focused and makes you more productive throughout the day. By 10 PM every night your brain is burnt out from work. Instead of forcing down more tasks, plan out your next day.

2. Sleep 8+ hours - Getting enough sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health, and can significantly impact your productivity and decision-making abilities.

3. 10+ mins Meditation - Taking a few minutes each day to meditate can help you reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your focus and creativity.

4. Morning pages - Writing two pages of free-flowing thoughts each morning can help you sort through your ideas and clear your mind.

5. Break a sweat - Incorporating some form of physical activity into your daily routine can improve your overall health and boost your energy levels. It can also help you increase testosterone, focus, mood, and well-being.

6. Cold Shower - Taking a cold shower can help you wake up, improve your circulation, and strengthen your immune system.

7. Fast and drink black coffee until 2 pm - Intermittent fasting has been shown to have numerous health benefits, and drinking black coffee can help you stay focused and alert. Wait ~90 minutes after waking up to drink caffeine to prevent an afternoon crash.

8. At least 2-4 hours of deep work - Focusing on a single task for an extended period can help you achieve better results and improve your productivity.

9. Eat a high protein diet - A diet rich in protein can help you build muscle, reduce cravings, and keep you feeling full longer.

10. Drink 3+ liters of water - Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health and can help you improve your focus and cognitive function.

11. Read at least 2 pages every day of any self-improvement book - Reading can expand your knowledge and provide you with valuable insights and perspectives.

12. Choose at least 5 areas to grow and find authors and leaders to learn from their content - Podcasts, YouTube videos, mentorship programs, etc.

But it's not just about what you should do - it's also about what you shouldn't do. Here are some things you should avoid to become a better version of yourself:

• No social media until 2 pm every day - Social media can be a huge distraction and time-waster, so try to limit your usage until later in the day.

• No weed - While some people may argue that weed can help with creativity and relaxation, it can also have negative effects on your motivation, productivity, and overall health.

• No alcohol - Drinking can impair your judgment, hinder your productivity, and have negative effects on your physical and mental health.

• No porn - Consuming pornography can have negative effects on your mental health, relationships, and self-esteem.

Remember, becoming the best version of yourself is a journey, not a destination. It's about continuously working towards improvement and growth, both personally and professionally. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine and avoiding harmful behaviors, you can set yourself up for success and thrive in all areas of your life.

Stay tuned for our upcoming Sunday article in Thrive Brothers newsletter, where we'll dive deep into these habits and share practical tips on how to incorporate them into your daily routine.