7 behaviors that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who stay mediocre, according to psychology

My father used to say, “Success isn’t about being the best. It’s about always getting better.” And he was right.

Improving, evolving, growing – that’s what defines truly successful entrepreneurs. They are not content with mediocrity; they strive for greatness.

But what is it that separates these high-flyers from those who seem stuck in the rut of mediocrity?

The answer lies not in some secret formula or magic spell. In fact, it’s all in the mind.

According to psychology, there are seven specific behaviors that set successful entrepreneurs apart. And the good news? They’re habits you can learn and develop.

So, if you’ve been asking yourself, “How can I take my entrepreneurial journey from ordinary to extraordinary?” this is exactly where you need to be.

Stay tuned as we dive into these seven behaviors and how you can cultivate them within yourself – not just to build a successful business but also to create a personal brand that speaks volumes about your commitment to growth and excellence.

Let’s get started on yours.

1) Embrace failure

Failure. It’s a word that most of us dread. But here’s the thing.

Successful entrepreneurs don’t shy away from failure. Instead, they embrace it.

Why? Because they understand that failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s part of it. Each failure is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to improve.

Think about it. When you try something new and it doesn’t work out, you gain valuable insights into what doesn’t work. This knowledge can then be used to refine your approach and increase your chances of success in the future.

So don’t be afraid of failure. Embrace it. Learn from it. Grow from it.

Every successful entrepreneur has a history of failures behind them. It’s what they did with those failures that made all the difference. So can you.

2) Cultivate resilience

Resilience is a trait that sets successful entrepreneurs apart. It’s the ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep going even when things get tough.

I learned this first-hand when I started my own business. In the early days, there were countless times when things didn’t go as planned. Clients backed out at the last minute, projects fell through, and there were even times when I doubted my ability to make it.

But each time, I picked myself up and kept going. I reminded myself of why I started in the first place and used that as motivation to push through the challenges.

This resilience helped me build a successful business and personal brand that is grounded in authenticity and growth. It taught me that setbacks are not roadblocks, but stepping stones to success.

3) Practice self-awareness

Let’s get real for a moment.

The path of entrepreneurship can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, one that tests your mettle in every possible way. During such times, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and lose sight of who you really are.

But here’s what separates the successful from the rest – self-awareness.

Knowing your strengths, understanding your weaknesses, recognizing your emotions and how they impact your decisions – that’s what self-awareness is all about.

It’s about taking a hard look in the mirror and accepting yourself for who you are, warts and all. It’s about understanding your own triggers and patterns so that you can manage them better.

It’s not always pretty. In fact, it can be downright uncomfortable at times. But it’s necessary.

Because only when you truly know yourself can you leverage your strengths, work on your weaknesses, and make decisions that align with your core values.

4) Stay curious

Ever noticed how children have an insatiable curiosity about the world around them? They’re constantly asking questions, exploring, and learning. That’s a trait you’ll find in successful entrepreneurs too.

Curiosity.

A curiosity to learn new things, to understand how things work, to find solutions to problems. This curiosity fuels innovation and creativity, two key elements of entrepreneurial success.

It’s this curiosity that drives entrepreneurs to step out of their comfort zones, to take risks and try new things. It’s what encourages them to ask “What if?” and “Why not?”

So, stay curious. Keep learning. Keep asking questions.

Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey of continuous learning and growth. And curiosity is the fuel that will keep you moving forward.

5) Foster adaptability

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the likes of Netflix and Blockbuster, it’s this: adapt or perish.

Successful entrepreneurs understand that change is the only constant. Markets evolve, customer preferences shift, and new technologies emerge.

In fact, the American Psychological Association lists adaptability as one of the key traits that enable people to effectively manage change. It involves adjusting to new conditions and facing the unknown with a sense of confidence and resilience.

So, how do you foster adaptability?

Stay open to new ideas. Be willing to change your mind when presented with new information. Learn to pivot when circumstances demand it.

In other words, be like water — flexible and ever-changing. This is what helps businesses not just survive but thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

6) Practice empathy

In the hustle and bustle of building a business, it’s easy to become laser-focused on profits and performance. But here’s something equally important: people.

Successful entrepreneurs understand that at the heart of every business are people – be it your team, your customers, or your partners. And understanding people requires empathy.

Empathy allows you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, to understand their feelings and perspectives. It helps in building strong relationships, fostering a positive work culture, and creating products or services that truly meet the needs of your customers.

It’s not always easy. We all have our own biases and preconceptions. But practicing empathy can help you see beyond them and connect with others on a deeper level.

So be kind. Be understanding. Practice empathy.

Because at the end of the day, businesses are all about people. And those who understand people, succeed.

7) Maintain a growth mindset

Finally, let’s talk about mindset.

Successful entrepreneurs don’t just have a set of skills or a bunch of great ideas. They have a growth mindset.

A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and the right strategies. It’s the belief that challenges are opportunities for learning and that effort is the path to mastery.

This mindset empowers entrepreneurs to persevere in the face of adversity, to learn from their mistakes, and to continuously seek improvement.

Cultivate a growth mindset. Believe in your potential to learn, grow, and improve.

Because entrepreneurship isn’t just about what you do. It’s about how you think. And thinking like a winner is what makes you one.

Final thoughts

Reflecting on these behaviors, it’s likely you’ve recognized some within yourself. Perhaps it’s a nudge to embrace failure more readily or an acknowledgement that your curiosity could do with a boost.

Here’s the encouraging news – these habits are not fixed. They can be developed, cultivated, and refined with conscious effort and commitment.

Begin by identifying the behaviors that resonate most with you. Reflect on moments when you’ve exhibited a fixed mindset, neglected empathy, or resisted adaptability. The first step is always awareness.

From there, challenge yourself to shift these behaviors. Ask the hard questions. Is my fear of failure holding me back? Am I truly practicing self-awareness in my decisions? How can I foster more empathy in my interactions?

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, requiring patience and persistence. But with each small step towards these behaviors, you’re not just becoming a better entrepreneur—you’re becoming a better version of yourself.

Take this journey of growth and self-improvement one day at a time. Celebrate the victories, no matter how small they seem. Remember, it’s not about being the best. It’s about always getting better.

And that’s what truly separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest.