When you become an entrepreneur, you also become your own boss. For many, this shift to personal responsibility and self-management can be challenging. Developing strong self-management skills equips you with the tools to forge a disciplined schedule, adopt a problem-solving approach, and build the confidence to work independently.
The difference between entrepreneurs who thrive and those who struggle often comes down to their ability to manage themselves effectively. Self-management encompasses emotional regulation, decision-making under pressure, and the discipline to stay focused on your goals when no one else is watching.
Read on to learn more about self-management, with insights from Shopify entrepreneurs on strategies for taking accountability and developing their self-management skills.
What is self-management?
Self-management refers to the ability to manage your own time, schedule, and tasks without oversight.
Effective self-management is central to emotional intelligence, which enables you to recognize and manage your emotions rather than let your feelings dictate your actions.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or simply want to learn to work more independently, developing self-management skills can help you stay focused, adapt to change, and make informed decisions, even in stressful situations. It can also empower you to manage your time effectively, take ownership of your actions, and present your best self in both your work and personal life.
8 self-management skills
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Self-motivation
- Adaptability
- Decision-making
- Organization
- Goal-setting
- Stress management
Self-management encompasses a broad range of skills that are key for staying focused, productive, and adaptable. These soft skills, from managing your time to controlling your stress, help you perform effectively without supervision. Here are eight essential skills worth improving.
1. Time management
Time management is the ability to plan and utilize your time effectively to achieve specific, time-bound tasks. Time management is one of the foundational pillars of self-management skills, as it’s necessary for meeting deadlines and making progress toward your goals. If you have a naturally vigilant internal clock and are good about doing self-check-ins throughout the workday, these qualities can help you maintain a productive rhythm. On the other hand, if you struggle with this skill, utilizing time management apps can help you stay on track by providing the ability to schedule reminders and avoid distractions.
Rocky Xu, owner of Rocky’s Matcha, has built a tea company that amassed a global cult following while continuing to work his full-time corporate job, thanks to his diligent time management skills. He describes his process: “Just putting everything in my calendar, having a to-do list on my phone, checking things off.” He also blocks social media during productive work hours to avoid distractions. “I actually have an app that doesn’t let me go on it between the hours of 10 and 4,” he explains.
You have a finite amount of time to complete vital tasks each working day. Superfluous deliverables and “busy work” can be common distractors from more impactful focused production. Take a note from Rocky’s playbook and schedule blocks of time to allow for uninterrupted focus. Meanwhile, set aside a smaller chunk of time to answer emails and complete administrative tasks.
2. Problem-solving
Entrepreneurs can face all kinds of problems, some seemingly out of their control. Problem-solving skills will allow you to navigate these challenges swiftly and confidently. By employing proven problem-solving techniques that align with your personality and the unique situation at hand, you can make calm, informed decisions, even in high-stress moments.
No one understands the value of strong problem-solving skills better than Michelle Razavi, co-founder of Elavi, a brand of low-sugar, high-protein treats inspired by classic desserts that’s available at major retailers, such as Costco. In the early days of Elavi, Michelle and her business partner discovered that a major production error had occurred—the supplier hadn’t properly sealed a large volume of nut butter jars. Although this problem was entirely outside of her own control, Michelle saw an opportunity to connect with their customers with authenticity and transparency. She shared a video of herself on social media explaining the quality control issue, and she offered a significant discount on new orders.
“We didn’t want to sweep it under the rug,” Michelle says on an episode of the Shopify Masters podcast. “We wanted to be very forward-facing about it. It was very nerve-wracking, I almost didn’t even post the video.” Fortunately for Elavi, Michelle’s problem-solving skills helped the brand come out ahead in the long run. “Thank God we did,” she says of her decision to post the video online, “because … we did a month’s worth of sales in one week.”
3. Self-motivation
Self-motivation is the ability to take initiative and stay focused, even in the absence of external rewards or guidance. Self-motivation is a key characteristic of successful entrepreneurs and requires a positive mindset, especially when you’re faced with challenges or setbacks. Your reasons for staying motivated will be unique to you and your business, although there are many time-tested strategies you can try.
Some people find it easier to stay focused and motivated when engaging in activities they’re passionate about. If this describes you, let that knowledge drive your decision-making when possible. For example, if you’re not sure which of two startup ideas to pursue, ask yourself which one makes you happier. Other strategies involve overcoming procrastination, designing a workspace that fills you with joy, and practicing positive visualization. Try different strategies until you find the one or ones that work for you.
4. Adaptability
Adaptability means you can adjust your approach to a task or problem in response to changing circumstances. It encompasses being able to accept feedback or constructive criticism, responding positively to unexpected situations, and learning from mistakes to inform and guide your future performance.
Alexa Curtis is someone who knows how to learn from her past missteps. The CEO and founder of the lifestyle brand and media platform Be Fearless, Inc., Alexa started with a blog about mental health and self-confidence and evolved her business from there—and she says she learned a lot about adaptability along the way. “I actually love the mistakes that I’ve made,” Alexa says on Shopify Masters, telling listeners that she views her mistakes as key learning opportunities rather than regrettable actions. She logs her mistakes in a document so she can remember them, reflect on them, and avoid making the same mistake again.
Alexa’s adaptability and positive attitude have served her well. Through cold pitching alone, she became one of the first creators to sell her podcast to Radio Disney before going on to secure partnerships with other major brands, like T-Mobile and British Airways. Now her business encompasses not just her podcast but also speaking engagements and educational programs that empower young people, increasing mental health awareness and building self-confidence.
5. Decision-making
Solid decision-making skills are central to self-management because you must have the confidence to choose the best path forward when working independently. Develop your decision-making skills by practicing critical thinking, analyzing data, and learning from your past experiences. For example, in a high-priority or high-stress situation, you can pump the brakes and take a step back to examine the situation through a clear lens. Draw on your memories of similar experiences—what were the outcomes in those situations? Let this knowledge inform your actions.
Whenever possible, use data-driven decision-making to inform your business choices logically. This type of approach involves studying key performance indicators (KPIs), such as market trends, consumer insights, and conversion rates. Tracking these metrics will help you make strategic business decisions as well as determine their effectiveness after the fact.
6. Organization
Organization skills are the backbone of self-management. An organizational system is critical for managing your tasks and time. Structuring your day for optimal productivity can include setting reminders for daily tasks or focusing on your most important tasks first (or at whatever time of day you do your best work). Organization for long-term, important projects might include breaking tasks down into smaller, actionable steps to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
There are a wealth of digital tools available to help you stay organized. For example, you can keep track of notes or resources using Google Docs, Google Sheets, Dropbox or Evernote. With an app like Todoist, you can organize your to-do lists and sync them across your devices. There are also project management tools, such as Trello, that can help you track your projects from conception to completion.
7. Goal setting
Goal setting is a skill that brings purpose to your daily efforts. Practicing goal alignment—aligning your personal goals with your broader team and organizational objectives—can further incentivize your commitment to achieving shared outcomes.
One time-tested strategy is setting SMART goals. This acronym stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound, representing the characteristics your goals should have.
But setting goals won’t help unless you know how to act on them effectively. Effective priority setting means identifying your top priority tasks and then putting your energy toward the right task at the right time. With some practice, you will learn how to focus your limited time on the areas that need your attention most.
8. Stress management
Knowing how to deal with stress in a way that suits you best is vital to maintaining your productivity and prioritizing your mental health. Effective stress management skills allow you to remain calm under pressure, manage your stress levels, and stay focused on the task at hand.
In our increasingly connected digital world, where the line between the office and your off-hours blurs, prioritizing physical activity during and after the workday will reduce your risk of stress-related health conditions while also increasing your resilience. Over the past decade, nearly 30% of employees in the US reported feeling burned out at work. Practicing stress management skills can help you maintain balance between your professional and personal life and avoid extreme feelings of burnout.
According to Alexa, having a positive entrepreneurial mindset is essential when it comes to stress management. “In entrepreneurship, you have to live in that mindset of there’s no way you can know everything,” she says. “It's impossible, and so you have to go through, unfortunately, all of the highs and all of the lows to become the best, most successful version of yourself that you can be.”
Give yourself grace as you work through trial and error to develop your stress management skills. Remember that even the most successful people had to start somewhere.
Tips to improve your self-management skills
Improving your self-management skills requires reflection, self-awareness, practice, and consistency. Use these tips to help you strengthen key soft skills that will support your personal growth and professional success.
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Deliver on your commitments. Don’t be the person who overpromises and under-delivers—complete assignments on time by chipping away at projects consistently. Utilize time management apps to stay on track by scheduling reminders and avoiding distractions.
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Be patient and understanding with yourself and others.Emotional intelligence is central to self-management, which includes giving yourself and others grace during personal and professional challenges.
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Set boundaries between work and home life. Determine how to set boundaries at work in a way that suits your role and personal needs to reduce your risk of burnout.
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Take breaks. Stepping away from your work is essential for your emotional well-being and overall self-care. Whether you enjoy deep breathing, meditation, exercising regularly, or simply pausing to mentally reset, taking breaks supports your emotional regulation in a healthy way.
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Outline goals. Knowing how to set realistic goals will help you stay focused. Use the SMART goals framework to establish structure and track your progress.
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Commit to self-reflection. Spend time reflecting on your emotions, actions, and progress to identify what’s working well and what needs improvement.
Self-management FAQ
What is self-management in business?
Self-management refers to the ability to manage your own time, schedule, and tasks without oversight. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, independent contractor, or working within a team, self-management skills can help you stay on top of your responsibilities, make rational decisions, and manage stress.
What is an example of a self-management strategy?
An example of a self-management strategy is breaking down a large project into smaller, manageable steps with clear deadlines. This approach can help you tackle big tasks systematically, ensure you’re following a schedule, and give you a sense of accomplishment as you make progress.
How can I motivate myself?
Motivating yourself begins with recognizing your ability to change your own behavior or habits through conscious effort and clear intent. Create a strong sense of purpose by setting personal or professional goals that align with your values and interests. This will give you more intrinsic motivation to continue moving forward when faced with challenges, as your objectives become more meaningful to you. Focus on consistent action and celebrate small wins to build momentum and set yourself up for long-term success.
What can I do to improve my self-management skills?
To improve your self-management skills, start by building self-awareness. Understand how and why you react in various circumstances, especially when under pressure or stress, and identify what triggers your emotional reactions. Set clear goals, then create a plan to stay focused and organized. Commit to continuous personal development through regular reflection, and seek feedback from trusted peers or leaders to grow personally and professionally.
