Six Success Principles to Ponder for High Performance

Successful entrepreneurs are admired for high performance. They amplify the best within themselves. They challenge themselves in new ways. In these efforts, underlying principles guide them. Give them focus.

Here are six principles for high performance that many successful entrepreneurs exhibit. Let’s take a look at how you can apply these principles. Ponder them daily, multiple times even, to keep your focus and pick up your performance level. The more you focus on the right questions, the more success you realize.

VISION. How can I serve others? Successful entrepreneurs are always connected to why they do what they do. They create a culture for high performance in accomplishing goals. They strive to provide trusted leadership in the community and in the world. To create something of meaning—make a contribution.

“One of the huge mistakes people make is that they try to force an interest on themselves. You don’t choose your passions; your passions choose you.” —Jeff Bezos

PRESENCE. What level of emotional, physical, energetic engagement do I have this moment? Successful entrepreneurs have the ability to be fully invested in the moment. They are fully present, with clarity and focus when it matters.

“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” —Vince Lombardi

AUTHENTICITY. Am I living my truth? Successful entrepreneurs live in congruence with their selves. They rely on psychology, thoughts and behavior to reach goals. Choose three words to define yourself (for instance, curious, daring, imaginative) and three words on how you show up and interact with others (inspiring, connected, enthusiastic). Live aligned with the truth that is you. Successful people have a clear identity—and they live into it.

“Success is not what you have, but who you are.” —Bo Bennet

PHYSIOLOGY. Am I rested, nourished, and well hydrated? Good nutrition and plenty of sleep are most important for sustaining focus and energy. Care for your self. Successful entrepreneurs know that it is important to exercise; and to fuel for energy, strength, and stamina. It is hard to accomplish your ambitions when fatigued. High performance requires a sustained level of energy, engagement, and strength to endure.

“Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration.” —Thomas Edison

PRODUCTIVITY. What must I accomplish today? Successful entrepreneurs are masters of getting things done relative to their objectives. Tackle the things that get you out of bed and closer to your target. Know that every accomplishment moves you toward your goal.

“Always work hard on something uncomfortably exciting!” —Larry Page

INFLUENCE. Am I demonstrating bold enthusiasm? No emotion spreads as fast as enthusiasm. The ability to inspire others is paramount to success. Excitement is contagious. Successful entrepreneurs have the ability to influence others, to communicate their vision in a way that persuades and generates interest.

“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” ―Henry Ford

Ponder these principles daily, many times. Forge your path of productivity and performance as you take your startup from idea to fruition.