So your university years have come to uneventful close, and now it's time to get out into the "Real World." Whether you want to jump into an entrepreneurial endeavor or work a traditional job for a few years before, or do both simultaneously, there's still no getting around this fact—the way you lived in college will be markedly different from the way you live post-university, if you want to be successful. I personally learned this the hard way, and I never realized how true it was that bad habits die hard. Here are a few very common university lifestyle habits that you should work on breaking in order to have an easier and more successful transition into the working world.
1. Going out constantly, partying, drinking excessively, etc.
While going out almost every night somehow worked in college, it really just doesn't as you get older. To my surprise, I also found that partying 24/7 just wasn't that much fun anymore, either. In order to be a successful entrepreneur, it's absolutely instrumental that you are well-rested every day to tackle your work. Of course, this isn't to say that you shouldn't socialize at all—after all, a large part of an entrepreneur's work is social—but cut down on the nightlife. It'll save you money, you'll have more energy during the work week, and you'll have more time to pursue your passions.
2. Leaving important tasks and projects for the very last minute.
Nearly every college student I've ever known tends to save studying for tests, term papers, etc., for the very last minute. While some of my classmates' grades fared better than others using this last-minute method, believe me—it doesn't work in the real world. That's because the stakes of your school work were fairly low. If you did poorly in your classes, no one was hurt but you. As an entrepreneur, many others will be depending on you to follow through—your employees, your investors, and, most importantly, your clients. Plan ahead for important tasks and projects. Get organized.
3. Sacrificing your health for cheaper food.
While it's fun to reminisce about those days in college when you subsisted on toasties, Ramen noodles, and pizza, this diet won't cut it in the working world. Just like getting plenty of rest, consuming a balanced, healthy diet filled with lean meats, whole grains, and fruits and veggies, is an absolutely necessary part of a successful entrepreneur's life. What's more, if you shop the right way and learn to cook simple meals, you can actually save more money as compared to your nutritionally-deprived university diet.
I guess the most important thing that I'm trying to get across to young professionals is that a big part of professional success is lifestyle management. Though it takes time to establish good lifestyle habits, it's absolutely worth it, both for your success and overall happiness. Good luck!
Katheryn Rivas is an avid blogger whose true calling is researching and exploring the future of learning. She also enjoys writing about career advice, personal finance, and entrepreneurship. For comments and questions, she can be reached at katherynrivas87@gmail.com.
