“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.”

—Andrew Carnegie, steel industrialist

Successful entrepreneurs are characterised by a high need for achievement. You can’t afford to be complacent and passive if you want to make a success of any entrepreneurial venture.

Craft a vision and mission for your life. Develop a life plan. Create a five-year plan. Decide which milestones you can reach this year. Break these down into monthly targets. Use this monthly plan to plan your week. Use your weekly plan to plan your day. Schedule your priorities. Set reminders. Get things done. Track your progress.

You may use a notebook, Microsoft Office template or app to set goals and track their achievement.

Whatever your preferred method, you need to exercise your muscles of initiative, drive, self-direction and grit in order to thrive as an entrepreneur.