5 Paths to Growth Every Entrepreneur Should Explore

Knowledge, health and networks are all essential and each can be developed with sustained effort.

learn more about Timothy Sykes

By Timothy Sykes

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

With 2016 in full swing, countless people from all walks of life are looking to make positive changes that will help them become better, higher-functioning individuals this year. For today's busy entrepreneurs, the right actions can go a long way in not only transforming their lives but transforming their business as well. Here are five of the top changes every entrepreneur should make to ensure 2016 is their most successful year yet.

1. Self reflection.

We're barely two weeks into the new year, and a new year means a clean slate. As an entrepreneur, there is no better time to self-reflect than when the year is still young. Take some time to really look at what your strengths and weaknesses are and what you can do personally to make 2016 the best year yet. Write down your goals, both personal and professional ones and write down action steps that you can take to achieve these goals. Make sure you put your goals up somewhere where you can see them, whether it is at your desk or in your home. You need a constant reminder of where you want to go and how you want to get there, pushing you on.

Related: How to Get Un-Stuck: 10 Key Questions for Self-Reflection

2. Stop trying to do everything yourself.

If there is one thing that most entrepreneurs are alarmingly guilty of, it is trying to do too much. A great change for many entrepreneurs to make for 2016 is to stop trying to do everything themselves. Take the list of strengths and weaknesses you made for yourself to see what areas you really need help with. Then, find an expert in those categories.

You may be bad a cleaning your home, so consider hiring a maid. You may be bad at cooking healthy, so hire a food service or a chef. Giving up control of things doesn't always mean giving up control of things at work, it can also mean finding help in your personal life as well as this help can easily translate to more professional success.

3. Find business partners.

If you are a busy entrepreneur, then 2016 is the year to start finding business partners for all of your projects. If you need help with an online venture, find a programmer to make your ideas come to life. If you need help with marketing and public relationships, consider hiring a PR firm to help spread the word about your company and your idea. There are professionals in all different types of fields... use them to your advantage. Even if it seems like a big investment at first, imagine how far they can take your company and how much more free time you will have to focus on the important components of running your business.

Related: 3 Ways to Bring On a Silent Partner

4. Set new health goals.

Everyone would probably like to be a bit healthier, whether it's losing five pounds or drinking less. These new health goals are doubly important for busy entrepreneurs. Creating new health goals does not just mean losing weight or buying a gym membership, it means setting big, tangible life-changing goals that will alter your health and the way you live.

Set goals to eat better, exercise more and get more sleep. If you take care of your body and your health you will have more energy and mental focus to pour into your business, and that is one thing any entrepreneur can use more of.

5. Commit to studying more.

One of the best things that any entrepreneur can start doing more of is reading, which is why committing to studying more is such a powerful change to make. Take the time to study free guides and articles on subjects that interest you like this guide that I made on the stock market. Dedicate 1 to 2 hours per week just to reading, Entrepreneur is actually a really great place to start. Pour over all of the articles on this site, read through the content, take notes and implement the advice of all of the different individuals and entrepreneurs from all different walks of life. There are so many people who have been successful in the past and who want to share their experiences, study their advice, it can be instrumental in helping any entrepreneur succeed.

The year is still young; commit to these things and make sure to hold yourself accountable and follow through. If you make these changes your own, you will see the results you want out of your life well before the year is over.

Related: 8 Lessons Learned Studying World-Class Achievers

Timothy Sykes

Entrepreneur and Penny Stock Expert

Timothy Sykes is an entrepreneur and a penny stock expert, trader and advocate. He has been featured on CNN, Fox News, CNBC and more. Watch his media appearances and speeches on Youtube here.

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

This 61-Year-Old Grandma Who Made $35,000 in the Medical Field Now Earns 7 Figures in Retirement
A 'Quiet Promotion' Will Cost You a Lot — Use This Expert's 4-Step Strategy to Avoid It
3 Red Flags on Your LinkedIn Profile That Scare Clients Away
'Everyone Is Freaking Out.' What's Going On With Silicon Valley Bank? Federal Government Takes Control.
Leadership

How to Detect a Liar in Seconds Using Nonverbal Communication

There are many ways to understand if someone is not honest with you. The following signs do not even require words and are all nonverbal queues.

Celebrity Entrepreneurs

'I Dreaded Falling in Love.' Rupert Murdoch Is Getting Hitched for the Fifth Time.

The 92-year-old media tycoon announces he will wed former San Francisco police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith.

Productivity

Having Trouble Focusing? Here's How to Become Unstoppable in Your Performance

Here are a few tips on how to improve your focus, discipline and ability to complete projects.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas To Start Right Now

To start one of these home-based businesses, you don't need a lot of funding -- just energy, passion and the drive to succeed.

Leadership

How Great Entrepreneurs Find Ways to Win During Economic Downturns

Recessions are an opportunity to recalibrate and make great strides in your business while others are unprepared to brave the challenges. Here's how great entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success despite economic uncertainty.

Starting a Business

Selling Your Business? Do These 6 Things Right Now.

If you want the maximum price you need to make these moves before you do anything else.