There are an abundance of lists about the kinds of habits an entrepreneur needs in order to reach success. In fact, there are probably too many. I’m not here to tell you that my habits are the best or that these are the habits you need to adopt as an expat entrepreneur.

Instead, I want to talk to you about how my habits align with my core philosophy. No matter what kind of expat business you are running, your daily habits determine your long-term results. But more than that, habits that are correctly aligned with your core philosophy will determine your best outcome.

We’re human, so our habits are a constant work in progress. Our philosophy, however, needs to remain solid. When we fluctuate with the ebbs and flows of life, it’s our core philosophy that keeps us striving in those habits for the outcome we know it will create.

The ones I’ll present to you today are what I have developed and worked through according to my own core principles.

These encompass not only my role as an expat entrepreneur, but as a father, friend, colleague, and husband. All areas of life intersect, so creating habits that align with your core life principles is key.

8 Habits of a Successful Expat Entrepreneur:

1. They read constantly: How are you making room to see things through others eyes?
2. They are daily students of the culture: Are you making sure to keep up with local market trends, language and customs?
3. They interact with the culture: Are you simply doing your job as an expat, or are you intentional about your interactions with locals?
4. They surround themselves with a support network: Do you have a group of people that challenge and spur you on to the best version of you?
5. They are intentional with their time and maintain strict boundaries: What areas of your life need  to maintain separateness so that they can operate at their best in the right placement?
6. They express gratitude daily: As an expat, how do you express gratitude for the culture and day to day life in which you live?
7. They articulate their “why” and they review it often: If others ask you about your why, do you know how to answer?
8. They plan for rest: Even when it seems counterintuitive, how do you rest and rejuvenate yourself?

Do you have different habits with which to express your underlying values? I’d love to hear what you do and why these habits work best for you. Leave your comments below!