Building a thriving business isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing better. As a biz owner, it's easy to find yourself caught in a cycle of adding more to your plate: more tasks, more strategies, and more tools, all in the hope of achieving significant growth.
But what if sustainable business growth doesn’t come from cramming more onto your to-do list? What if it comes from refining your focus, simplifying your efforts, and tapping into habits that drive meaningful progress?
In this post, we’re diving into three game-changing habits successful entrepreneurs from the World of Shortcuts swear by. These habits are all focused on helping you working smarter, not harder, and they’ve helped countless business owners achieve sustainable growth.
Through real-life examples, we’ll show you how these practices can transform your approach to business. Ready to start working better, not just more? Let’s get into it.
1. Phase Out Before You Develop
Adding new projects or initiatives without clearing out the old ones leads to clutter and chaos. The habit of “Phase Out Before You Develop” ensures that every new venture gets the focus and attention it deserves by making space for it.
Think of it as subtraction for addition. Regularly evaluate what’s no longer serving your business goals and let it go. Valentina Albaek from Tack Changes describes it perfectly: trying to grow a business without letting go of old practices is like “trying to fill a cup that’s already full.” By questioning the relevance of current activities—asking, “Is this still serving my business?” or “Can I stop doing this to make room for something better?”—you create space for meaningful growth.
To put this into action, regularly assess your business activities and processes. Ask yourself:
- What can I phase out or pause to make room for this new project?
- Will this new initiative add more value than what it displaces?
Phasing out isn’t downsizing; it’s upgrading. By keeping your operations lean and focused, you’ll create room for new ideas to flourish.
2. Start Simple, Get Fancy Later
When it comes to building a business, simplicity is your best friend. The principle of “Start Simple, Get Fancy Later” emphasizes beginning with straightforward solutions before layering on complexity. This not only saves time and resources but also helps you focus on what really works.
A great example comes from Cody Burch, who launched coaching programs and masterminds using nothing more than Google Docs. Instead of overcomplicating things with fancy software or tools, they kept it simple—and it worked exceptionally well. This approach mirrored their cousin’s workout philosophy: while some people dive into elaborate routines with multiple coaches and specialized gear, others stick to the basics and see great results.
Simplicity enables swift action, quick adjustments, and steady growth. When you’re starting out, focus on the essentials. Build a strong foundation, and only add complexity when it’s truly needed.
Here’s how to apply this mindset:
- Identify the simplest path to your goal and start there.
- Delay adding fancy tools or systems until they’re absolutely necessary.
By keeping things simple, you’ll avoid overwhelm and set yourself up for sustainable success.
3. Evaluate your Success Metrics
True business growth isn’t just about hitting external metrics; it’s about recognizing the personal growth and effort that got you there. Conducting “Success Evaluations” is a habit that shifts your focus inward, helping you celebrate your contributions and identify what’s working on a deeper level.
Rachel Smithbone, for example, takes time after every launch or big project to reflect on her efforts. She asks herself questions like, “What did I try that was new?” and “What am I proud of?” This practice helps her value the mindset, skills, and energy she invested, rather than focusing solely on the results. By understanding and celebrating the internal factors behind her achievements, she’s been able to replicate success and grow exponentially.
To adopt this habit, try reflecting on these questions after a project:
- How did I feel during this process?
- What new strategies or actions did I try?
- What personal strengths contributed to my success?
Regular success evaluations deepen your self-awareness and help you pinpoint the habits and approaches that lead to your best outcomes. It’s about appreciating the journey, not just the destination.
Final Thoughts
Building a sustainable business is about focusing on what truly matters. By incorporating habits like “Phase Out Before You Develop,” “Start Simple, Get Fancy Later,” and “Conduct Success Evaluations,” you can create a business that thrives on quality over quantity.
Now’s the perfect time to re-evaluate your approach. Ask yourself:
- What can I phase out to make room for growth?
- Am I overcomplicating my processes too early?
- How am I celebrating my personal victories?
Your answers will guide you toward a more focused, simplified, and introspective way of doing business. Start today, and you’ll find that sustainable growth isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
