Everyday habits from the world’s most successful female entrepreneurs

UK based card payments provider Dojo analysed the daily rituals and habits of female entrepreneurs. Here’s what they discovered.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Stack of new one pound coins

Image source: Getty Images.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

It can feel like entrepreneurs have superhuman powers, juggling a plethora of activities while us mere mortals just want to flop on the sofa. But thanks to UK based card payments provider, Dojo, we can see the secrets of their success. So, notebooks and pens at the ready, here are the top four habits of female entrepreneurs.

1. Sleep

OK – pretty essential for all of us just to survive. But studying their biographies, social media and interviews, Dojo found that adhering to strict sleep patterns was also vital for our entrepreneurs’ success. And while most of us already know this, it also seems, quality is more important than quantity.

For female entrepreneurs like Kim Kardashian, waking up at 5.45am is an essential part of her routine. Getting up at (literally) the crack of dawn is also a habit of Whitney Wolfe-Herd, founder of dating app Bumble. Interestingly, Wolfe-Herd prefers to follow the circadian rhythm. This means she follows the natural 24-hour sleep-wake cycle and rises with the sun (no blackout blinds in her bedroom then).

There’s a lot to be said about this approach. For example, the Sleep Foundation says a ‘stable cycle’ helps us deal with more daytime activity while a disrupted pattern affects not just sleep, but metabolism and mental wellbeing. 

2. Preparation and orgnanisation 

Preparedness was another common trait shared by the female entrepreneurs Dojo analysed.

Part of this means reducing what’s called ‘decision fatigue’. In other words, planning stuff so you don’t end up wrestling with simple decisions that you spend hours deliberating.

Examples include planning what you wear or what you’re going to have for lunch the day before (Kim K does both). Einstein did a similar thing and owned multiples of the same outfit so he didn’t waste time thinking about clothes. Vogue editor, Anna Wintour is also known to take the same approach although her wardrobe is significantly more exciting than Einstein’s was. 

Preparation and preparedness isn’t just about clothes and food. It comes down to simply planning ahead. For example, if you’ve got a meeting, read the agenda, make notes of questions beforehand, and clarify your thoughts and opinions. Not only will it better prepare you, you’ll be able to participate in a meaningful way (it really does work).

3. Diet and exercise

This isn’t about being on a diet or submitting yourself to a gruelling gym schedule  — but about eating well and keeping fit.

In fact, Dojo found that fitness entrepreneur and influencer Kayla Itsines said her diet was so important, her entire schedule is based around all her meals. But despite most of us knowing the benefits of fruit and veggies, 36% of the British population is overweight. More than quarter (28%) are obese. Needless to say, that can lead to all sorts of health problems including type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. The latter can also lead to heart disease and even stroke. 

4. Dedicated ‘me’ time and being happy

Nearly all the female entrepreneurs analysed set aside time for themselves. It shows that no matter how busy you are, you’re never too busy to look after yourself. Whether it’s setting time to exercise or just having a long bath, it’s crucial to recharge and relax.  

You don’t even have to ‘do’ anything. Tidy-up queen Marie Kondo takes time to meditate. As does Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey who both use the time to reflect and give ‘gratitudes’.  

Singer and make-up entrepreneur Rihanna also says happiness is key to her success. With an estimated $1.7 billion (£1.2 billion) fortune, who are we to argue. 

And when you look at the entrepreneurs Dojo studied, it’s clear that their success lies in taking a passion, skill or talent and nurturing it. Fundamentally, it’s about being happy in what you do and finding an optimum work-life balance that suits you. 

Perils to avoid by female entrepreneurs 

Entrepreneurs don’t get to where they are by slacking off. But there’s a fine line between a strong work ethic and running yourself into the ground. 

A lesson in point comes from Arianna Huffington, co-founder of the Huffington Post. In 2007 she was thoroughly burnt out and collapsed through sleep deprivation. It was only after this that she changed her routine. 

Top takeaway from our female entrepreneurs

Reading the list of habits and traits, most of us would recognise that it really boils down to old-fashioned common sense.

Eating well, looking after yourself and getting a good night’s sleep are all things we know we should be doing, so let’s make sure we do!

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Personal Finance

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Should you invest your ISA in a model portfolio?

Which model ISA portfolios offer both high performance and low fees? Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell go under…

Read more »

Economic Uncertainty Ahead Sign With Stormy Background
Personal Finance

Is it time to exit emerging markets investments?

Investors may well be sitting on losses from emerging markets funds. Is it worth keeping the faith for a sustained…

Read more »

Personal Finance

Share trading? Three shares with turnaround potential

Share trading has been difficult in 2022, but which companies have turnaround potential? Jo Groves takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Man using credit card and smartphone for purchasing goods online.
Personal Finance

Revealed! Why Gen Z may be the savviest generation when it comes to credit cards

New research reveals that Gen Z may be the most astute when it comes to credit cards. But why? And…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Personal Finance

The 10 best-performing sectors for ISA investors

The best-performing sectors over the past year invested in real assets such as infrastructure, but is this trend set to…

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Personal Finance

Recession risk ‘on the rise’: is it time for investors to worry?

A major global bank has suggested the risk of a recession in the UK is 'on the rise'. So, should…

Read more »

pensive bearded business man sitting on chair looking out of the window
Personal Finance

1 in 4 cutting back on investments amid cost of living crisis

New research shows one in four investors have cut back on their investing contributions to cope with the rising cost…

Read more »

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

The 10 most popular stocks among UK investors so far this year

As the new tax year kicks off, here's a look at some of the most popular stocks among UK investors…

Read more »