7 habits that make small business owners wildly productive, according to psychology

Running a small business is no small feat.

There’s a constant juggling act between managing operations, employees, finances, and oh, let’s not forget, your own sanity.

But have you ever wondered how some small business owners seem to have it all together—always on top of their game and wildly productive?

It’s not magic or sheer luck.

It’s about adopting certain habits backed by psychology that fuel productivity. Habits that transform their workdays from chaos to calm, boosting their businesses while bringing balance to their personal lives.

So, if you’re thinking, “How can I become one of those super-productive small business owners?” stick around. Because I’m about to share seven habits that could turn your business—and your life—around.

Get ready to dive into the world of productivity, leveraging insights from psychology to create a powerful and efficient workflow that could take your small business to new heights.

Remember, it’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Let’s get started.

1) Begin with a clear morning routine

You might be surprised to learn that your morning routine can significantly impact your productivity for the rest of the day.

Science backs this up.

According to psychology, starting your day with a structured routine can help set the tone and pace for the rest of your day. It’s like setting a positive domino effect in motion.

Think about it.

A rushed and chaotic morning can leave you feeling frazzled, impacting your focus and productivity. On the other hand, a calm and organized start can leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

So, what should this routine look like?

Well, it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. It could be as simple as waking up early, enjoying a healthy breakfast, setting your daily goals, or even spending a few minutes on a mindfulness practice.

Remember, the goal here is to start your day with intentionality, which psychology shows can lead to increased productivity throughout your workday.

So tomorrow morning, before you dive into the sea of emails and tasks, take some time for yourself. Set the tone for a productive day.

It’s a small change that could make a big difference.

2) Embrace the power of deep work

I’ve got to admit, when I first heard about the concept of ‘deep work’, I was a little skeptical.

How could dedicating specific blocks of time to focused, uninterrupted work make such a huge difference? But trust me, it does.

I remember one particularly busy week when my to-do list seemed endless. I was jumping from one task to the next, constantly distracted by emails and messages. By the end of the week, I felt exhausted, yet accomplished very little.

So, I decided to give ‘deep work’ a try.

I set aside two hours each morning for focused work—no distractions allowed. Emails were off-limits, phone on silent, and all notifications turned off.

The result?

In those two hours of deep work, I achieved more than I would typically get done in an entire day. I was able to tackle complex tasks with a clear mind and intense focus.

And guess what? This isn’t just my personal experience. The psychology behind deep work suggests that our brains are most productive when we focus on one task at a time without any distractions.

So next time you’re swamped with tasks, instead of multitasking, try diving into deep work mode. You’ll be surprised at how much more productive you can be.

3) Learn to say no

This one might sting a little, but it’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

Saying ‘yes’ to everything was my default setting, whether it was taking on a new project, attending a meeting, or helping out a colleague. I thought I was being helpful and productive. But in reality, I was spreading myself too thin.

Then came the burnout, the missed deadlines, and the feeling of always playing catch-up.

It wasn’t until I learned the art of saying ‘no’ that things started to change.

Yes, it felt uncomfortable at first. But over time, I realized that every ‘no’ was actually a ‘yes’ to something more important—my priorities, my focus, my time.

Psychology shows us that when we overcommit ourselves, we experience stress and our productivity decreases. On the other hand, when we set boundaries and prioritize our tasks, we increase our ability to focus and boost our productivity.

So here’s my advice: be selective with your ‘yes’. Not every opportunity is worth your time. Not every meeting needs your presence.

Learning to say ‘no’ can be a game-changer for your productivity as a small business owner. Give it a try.

4) Take regular breaks

“Work hard and never stop” seems to be the mantra for many small business owners.

But let me tell you a little secret – uninterrupted, continuous work isn’t the recipe for high productivity. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique?

It’s a time management method developed in the late 1980s. The concept is simple – work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat. After four cycles, take a longer break.

I started incorporating this into my work routine and believe it or not, my productivity skyrocketed. The short breaks allowed my brain to rest and recharge, leading to increased focus during my work intervals.

And this isn’t just my experience talking. Science backs it up too.

According to psychology, our brain needs regular breaks to maintain a high level of focus and productivity. Pushing through hours of work without rest can lead to mental fatigue, reducing our cognitive abilities.

So remember, taking regular breaks isn’t slacking off. It’s giving your mind the breather it needs to stay sharp and productive.

Work smarter, not harder!

5) Prioritize physical health

Running a small business can often leave little time for anything else, let alone exercise. But here’s something you might not know: your physical health has a direct impact on your productivity.

A study found that incorporating regular exercise into your routine can improve concentration, sharpen memory, speed up your ability to learn, and even enhance creativity.

It’s all about getting your blood pumping and those endorphins flowing.

I started incorporating a simple 30-minute workout into my morning routine and I was amazed at the difference it made. My energy levels were up, my focus was sharper, and I felt ready to tackle the day’s challenges head-on.

So, whether it’s a brisk walk around the block, a quick yoga session or an intense workout at the gym, make sure to move your body every day.

It’s not just good for your body—it’s great for your business too.

6) Practice self-compassion

We all have those days when things just don’t go our way. A project falls through, a client gives negative feedback, or we simply don’t meet our own expectations. It’s easy to fall into a spiral of self-criticism and blame.

But here’s the thing.

Being hard on yourself isn’t going to solve anything. In fact, it can make things worse by adding unnecessary stress and lowering your productivity levels.

During my hardest days as a small business owner, I found comfort in practicing self-compassion. Instead of berating myself for my mistakes, I learned to acknowledge them, learn from them, and most importantly, forgive myself.

And it’s not just about feeling better emotionally. According to psychology, practicing self-compassion can reduce stress, improve mental health, and boost productivity.

So next time you stumble or face a setback, remember to be gentle with yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a good friend.

You’re doing the best you can, and that’s always enough.

7) Cultivate a growth mindset

Here’s the big one: the most successful small business owners share a common trait—a growth mindset.

This isn’t about being overly optimistic or ignoring the realities of running a business. It’s about believing in your ability to learn, grow, and overcome challenges.

With a growth mindset, setbacks are seen as opportunities for learning, not as proof of failure. Every challenge is a chance to grow and improve.

According to psychologist Carol Dweck, who coined the term, individuals with a growth mindset tend to achieve more than those with a fixed mindset because they worry less about looking smart and put more energy into learning.

So embrace the power of ‘yet’. You might not have nailed that presentation today, but that doesn’t mean you won’t nail it next time. You might not have landed that big client this time, but that doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.

Believe in your capacity to grow and improve. It’s the ultimate key to becoming wildly productive as a small business owner.

Final thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, it’s clear you’re committed to ramping up your productivity as a small business owner. That’s a win in itself.

Remember, the journey to becoming wildly productive doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about slowly incorporating these habits into your everyday life. It’s about trial and error, figuring out what works best for you.

Start small. Pick one or two habits from this list and focus on those. Once they become second nature, add another. Small steps can lead to big changes.

Most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself during this process. There will be days when you’ll feel on top of your game, and days when everything seems to go wrong. That’s okay. It’s all part of the journey.

Productivity isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

So take a moment now, reflect on these insights and how they might apply to your own situation. Start visualizing the business owner you aspire to be—efficient, balanced, wildly productive.

You have the tools. You have the potential. Now it’s time to put them into action.

Here’s to your success on this exciting journey ahead. You’ve got this!