7 ways to think like an entrepreneur

(Without giving up your day job)

By the year 2020, there will be one billion entrepreneurs in the world. So chances are, with a genius start-up idea or a sideline creative business, you will be one of them. Even if you choose to remain an employee in a large company, the skills of the entrepreneurial brain could be the key to career success and happiness.

Here, Shaa Wasmund, one of Britain's most highly regarded digital entrepreneurs and author of bestselling books Stop Talking, Start Doing, and Do Less, Get More, shares her insider tips on how to think more like an entrepreneur and win at your career:

Be Resilient. Accept that nothing will ever go right all of the time - and that's OK. As Thich Nhat Hanh says in his book, No Mud, No Lotus, nothing can be achieved without some degree of pain, suffering or challenge. And it is those very situations that allows us to experience true beauty, joy and success.

Always be growing. Yep sounds like a cliche but it's true. Never stop learning or improving your skills. Read books, go to workshops, sign up for courses. The world is changing so fast, you need to change with it.

Wake up early. Get a head start on the day. Use the first hours of the day wisely. Whether that's on your next promotion, setting up a new business, writing your first book or just figuring out what you want to do next.

Ask for what you want / need. Don't wait for someone to give you an opportunity or a promotion; create it yourself. Look for ways to add value in your company, ways to increase profit or drive more revenue. Then ask to be included in the upside; whether that's more money or a promotion.

Be proactive. Entrepreneurs never rest on their laurels, they are always trying to find ways to do things better; for themselves and their customers.

Ask for help. Being an entrepreneur doesn't mean having all the answers but it does mean being empowered to seek advice when you need it. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness.

Invest in yourself. You are your greatest asset. Whatever you need to do to take care of yourself, up your skills and be in a peak state - do it.