We have already started another year, and with it comes greater opportunities and chances for every entrepreneur to become better in all aspects, and working to become better business people than they were in 2017.

2017 might have been tough and challenging to some of you but that doesn’t mean 2018 has to be the same. Here’s how you can be a happier entrepreneur in 2018:

Have positive energy

Who you work with is just as important as how you work. Surround yourself with staff members who genuinely believe in the brand or product you are offering. That way, a bad day will also be filled with solutions and pro-active buzz, so you never feel like you are solving issues alone.

Get out of the office

Avoid spending all the time in the office, but rather go out on a hike or hang out with your friends and colleagues at your free time. Interact with new people and gather new information e.g on emerging business trends etc.

Outsource, outsource, outsource

Outsource every possible task that could be done by someone else, but make sure you give that person the tools to get the job done to your standards. To really make it work, you have to be prepared to write detailed instructions, or make video or audio that outline every step you take to get a particular task done. It feels like a big-time investment upfront, and it’s not the most enjoyable thing to do, but the payoff is so worth it. The feeling you get from handing something over that used to take you hours – and letting someone else get on with it – is a huge stress reliever.

Hour of power

A ‘power hour’ keeps your mind clear, fresh and awake. It helps you manage your time more efficiently and makes for a happier entrepreneur, because as an entrepreneur you tend to have at least five to ten different things going on at once. Start early in the morning, around 5am to 6am if you can – before everyone else in the house is awake. Giving yourself that ‘power hour’ first thing, to plan and focus on the day ahead, is a great way to focus the mind and stay on target. It does mean that you need to sleep well at night, too, so give yourself space to switch off and relax in the evening, even if you do have a tablet, smartphone or your laptop by your bedside!