The Habits of the Wealthy

What makes wealthy people, well, wealthy? Is it sheer luck, a special gene, or perhaps a magical elixir they drink every morning? (If so, sign me up!) The truth is, the wealthy are often distinguished not by their luck or magical concoctions, but by their habits. That’s right—those seemingly mundane, everyday routines can be the secret sauce to building and maintaining wealth.

Let’s take a closer look at these habits, learn a few lessons along the way, and maybe even find a way to inject a bit of humor into our path to financial freedom.

1. They Start Their Day Early: The Early Bird Gets the Worm (and the Money)

One of the most common habits of wealthy individuals is waking up early. From Apple CEO Tim Cook to self-made millionaire Grant Cardone, the rich and successful seem to have an affinity for the wee hours of the morning. It’s as if they’re members of an exclusive 5 a.m. club where the secret password is “discipline.”

Starting the day early gives them a head start on their goals, allows them to exercise, plan their day, meditate, or simply enjoy some quiet time before the world wakes up.

The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

Sure, waking up at 5 a.m. sounds insane, but if it means making millions, I’ll take a double shot of that early-morning insanity!

2. They Read... A Lot!

Wealthy people are voracious readers. Warren Buffett reportedly spends 80% of his day reading. Bill Gates reads 50 books a year. Oprah Winfrey has her famous book club. The wealthy read to learn, to grow, and to stay ahead of the curve.

But they’re not flipping through the latest celebrity gossip magazines (unless it’s for market research, of course). They consume biographies, self-improvement books, and business manuals to gain insights and broaden their perspectives.

Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.

If knowledge is power and power leads to money, then my new stack of books should be arriving in a Lamborghini, right?

3. They Stay Healthy: A Wealth of Health

Healthy body, healthy mind — and a healthy bank account, apparently. Wealthy individuals know that their physical health is crucial for peak performance. They invest time in exercise, eat well, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. They understand that if they don’t take care of themselves, their wealth won’t matter much if they can’t enjoy it.

From Richard Branson’s daily kite-surfing sessions to Jeff Bezos’s emphasis on getting a good night's sleep, the wealthy prioritize their health because they know it’s a key factor in their success.

The greatest wealth is health.

Remember, abs are made in the kitchen... and so are pancakes. Choose wisely.

4. They Network Strategically: Your Network is Your Net Worth

The wealthy understand that success isn’t just about what you know — it’s about who you know. They build and nurture relationships, surround themselves with people who inspire and challenge them, and continuously seek out opportunities to connect with others. Networking isn’t just a pastime; it’s an essential habit.

Whether they’re at high-end conferences, exclusive dinners, or simply attending a friend’s charity event, wealthy individuals know that every encounter is an opportunity to learn, share, and grow their influence.

Your network is your net worth.

 Networking is like dating — a little awkward, sometimes cringe-worthy, but occasionally, it leads to something beautiful… like a new business deal!

5. They Live Below Their Means: The Secret to Lasting Wealth

It may come as a surprise, but many wealthy people live frugally. That’s right, frugality is the cornerstone of financial discipline. They’re not wasting money on unnecessary luxuries or trying to “keep up with the Joneses.” Instead, they prioritize saving, investing, and ensuring their money works for them.

From billionaire Warren Buffett still living in the same modest house he bought in 1958 to Mark Zuckerberg’s plain t-shirts, many wealthy people know that accumulating wealth is more about what you keep than what you spend.

It’s not your salary that makes you rich, it’s your spending habits.

It turns out, living like a broke college student was just good practice for future wealth!

6. They Have Multiple Streams of Income: Never Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Wealthy individuals don’t rely on just one source of income. They diversify their earnings through multiple streams such as investments, businesses, real estate, royalties, or dividends. They know that putting all their financial eggs in one basket is risky, so they spread out their wealth to make sure it keeps growing.

Think of it like having different plants in a garden — if one doesn’t bear fruit, others will. This approach reduces risk and provides multiple opportunities for growth.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

I guess the rich really are different — while I’m just trying to figure out one source of income, they’ve got seven!

7. They Set Clear Goals and Track Progress: Eyes on the Prize

Wealthy people know where they want to go, and they have a clear map to get there. They set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, whether for their personal life or business ventures. They are meticulous about tracking their progress, analyzing results, and adjusting their course when necessary.

They don’t just dream — they plan, act, and review constantly. This keeps them focused, driven, and aware of their progress towards their goals.

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

 Dream big, set goals… and try not to lose that to-do list under the pile of papers on your desk.

8. They Practice Gratitude: The Power of Positivity

Believe it or not, wealthy people often practice gratitude. By focusing on what they have rather than what they lack, they cultivate a mindset of abundance. This positivity fuels their motivation, encourages generosity, and helps them build meaningful relationships.

Gratitude is a magnet for abundance — it draws even more positive things into your life. When you’re grateful for what you have, you attract more things to be grateful for!

Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

Gratitude is the secret to wealth… because if you’re thankful for what you have, you might just stop buying more stuff!

Conclusion: Adopting the Habits of the Wealthy

There you have it — a peek into the habits that help the wealthy grow and sustain their fortunes. Waking up early, reading voraciously, staying healthy, networking, living frugally, diversifying income streams, setting goals, and practicing gratitude may sound simple, but these habits build a foundation for long-term success.

The good news? These habits aren’t exclusive to the wealthy. Anyone can adopt them! Remember, wealth isn't just about the size of your bank account; it's also about the richness of your life. You don’t need millions to wake up early, stay healthy, or practice gratitude — you can start today, wherever you are.

Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations — you already have one habit of the wealthy: the discipline to read to the end! Now, go forth and prosper, one frugal, goal-setting, gratitude-filled day at a time!