July 5, 2012

Page 1 Page 2

Determination, consistent discipline and enthusiasm for excellence are all recurring characteristics of these people. They are often as philanthropic as they are accomplished, and the insight you will gain from observing them is priceless.

Reading Malcom Gladwell’s Outliers, Jim Collins’ Good to Great and Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich will help adjust your thought patterns or reaffirm concepts you’ve already internalized. I also listen to TED talks and audio books via audible.com while driving or waiting in an airport. One of my more creative methods is using ifttt to sends the links of tweets I “favorite” directly to a specific Evernote folder.

3. Keep a consistent daily rhythm.

Rhythm is defined as a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound. Ups and downs are inevitable when starting a business, but the key is to maintain consistent effort on a daily basis despite initially invisible results.

My good friend John Alexander used this theory throughout his baseball career where he won a Division III collegiate national championship, played professionally overseas and had a stint in the Atlanta Braves organization.

John’s successful baseball career was due to his discipline, patience and even willingness to give it a rest occasionally. As someone who has the tendency to do the exact opposite, I proactively schedule gym, social, and personal time similar to my professional hours.

Find a pattern that works for you and don’t let wins or losses influence the execution of your critical daily activities.

Connect with Evan on Twitter.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, subscribe to YFS Magazine and never miss an update. Don’t forget to make our friendship official and join Young, Fabulous & Self-Employed entrepreneurs on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Evan Kirkpatrick of Wendell Charles Financial

Evan Kirkpatrick is the Founder and CEO of Wendell Charles Financial, a private wealth management firm for select individuals and institutions. Prior to founding Wendell Charles, Evan began his career at a global Fortune 100 firm and ran the investment division of a boutique wealth management and corporate benefits company.

Page 1 Page 2