#5amclub has over 312.5 million views on TikTok, which shares the belief that early risers hold the key to success. However, according to Capital on Tap, two-fifths (39%) of small business owners find the daily routines they see online unrealistic.

In light of the new year, Capital on Tap, the small business credit card company, has conducted a study asking 250 UK small business owners to reveal the daily habits that have led to success and at what time of day they like to complete these activities to create the ‘ultimate’ daily routine for business owners – which doesn’t include waking up at 5 a.m.

6am to 9am

1. Get out of bed and get ready for the day

Despite social media saying that people need to start their day at 4:30am to have any chance of being productive, the study has revealed that over half (57%) of successful business owners actually get out of bed between 6am and 9am.

Over one-third (37%) of those surveyed are also showering in this window, and nearly two-thirds (59%) say they eat breakfast then too. 91% of successful entrepreneurs also make sure to catch up on the news throughout the day, with 35% choosing to do so before 9am.

9am to 12pm

1. Engage with customers and employee management

93% of those surveyed say they speak with customers as part of their daily routine, and nearly two-fifths (38%) say they do so in the morning. 90% also say they undertake employee management on a daily basis, with one-third (31%) doing so between 9am and 12pm.

2. Organise workspace

Nearly two-fifths (38%) of those surveyed say that having a tidy workspace helps them feel focused and motivated. Of the 90% of business owners who make sure they have a neat area to work in, 33% think this is the best time to organise their workspace.

12pm to 3pm

1. Review taxes or accounts and monitor finances

94% of those surveyed say that they sort their taxes and accounts as part of their daily routine, with a quarter (24%) doing so in this window. 92% also monitor their finances on a daily basis, and 21% think lunch is the best time to do this.

2. Eat healthy and go on a walk outside

Lunchtime is seen as a good chance to incorporate physical well-being into a daily routine. 93% of those surveyed include healthy eating as one of their daily habits, and one in three (32%) view lunch as the best time to eat well. 92% also make sure to get outside on a walk during a typical day, and one in five business owners (21%) say this is the best time to do so.

3pm to 6pm

The afternoon can be a good chance to get stuck into a to-do list that has been created throughout the morning and prioritise any urgent tasks. In addition to this, according to our study, one in five of the business owners who are journaling do so within this time period.

6pm to 9pm

1. Listen to music

Over one-third (38%) of those surveyed say that music helps to inspire and motivate them, and 93% of business owners say listening to music is part of their daily routine. One-fifth (20%) like to do so after 6pm, but this is also a popular activity at any time of day. Music can be a great way to switch off, or to help move yourself from work mode to a more chilled headspace.

2. Make time for hobbies

Of the 89% who make time for hobbies in their daily schedule, one-third (32%) like to do so in this post-work window. It’s interesting to note however, that as many as one-third (31%) of those surveyed say they have had to sacrifice their hobbies and interests to keep up with their work.

3. Exercise

87% of business owners also include exercise in their daily routine, and 28% of those surveyed do so post-work. While social media often suggests that successful entrepreneurs are hitting the gym before sunrise to maximise their day, the study shows this is really not the case, with a mere 7% choosing to exercise before 6am.

9pm to 12am

1. Review and reflect on the day

As the evening draws to a close, now is the chance to review and reflect on the day. 91% of successful business owners say they incorporate some form of contemplation into their routine, and one-third (28%) say they do so during this window. No matter what form of contemplation they take, 40% of those surveyed say that reflecting back on their day contributes to their overall success.

Although it might not be a regular part of their daily routine, a quarter (24%) of business owners also think that manifestation got them where they are today, so having a clear vision for where the business is going is really important.

To find out more information please visit the following link: https://www.capitalontap.com/en/blog/posts/real-life-habits-of-small-business-owners/