The habits of the rich are going to startle you. They are not mind-blowing. In fact, they are something anyone can do. There’s no special talent or intelligence required. You can develop their qualities because they can be learned and practiced by anyone willing to do so. No matter what research you look into, you will notice overlap in the ideas you are about to read.
Albert Gray, an official of the Prudential Insurance Company of America said, “The common denominator of success – secret of success of every individual who has ever been successful – lies in the fact that he or she formed the habit of doing things that failures don’t like to do.” Gray said this in 1940 and it’s just as true today. So, let’s take an elevated view of the habits you will need to form. The eye-opener is that there is only a small separation from the rich and poor.
Firstly, rich people have obsessional focus on a specific goal. Jim Collins, author of “Built to Last” called this type of goal a “BHAG” or Big Hairy Audacious Goal. I call this type of obsessional intent Black Belt Focus. There is no ambiguity here. You need a target and sustained attention on that target. This target can emerge from a purpose or dream.
Rich people are decision makers. Stands to reason if you are not required to make many decisions there is not much growth in your life. Challenge yourself to live outside of what is familiar to you whether as an employee or an entrepreneur. This will put you in the position to make decisions that will lead you to new possibilities.
You might be surprised to know the wealthy exercise 30 mins aerobic activity at least 4 times per week. Medical guidelines recommend we should be exercising daily for 30 mins. Whether you exercise for wealth or health, it’s a worthy habit to form.
The wealthy watch less than 1 hour television per day. This is probably how they can find time for personal development. The rich are continuous learners. At minimum, they spend 30 mins daily in developing themselves. As Jim Rohn, author and motivational speaker said, “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”
Amongst the little incremental habits of the rich these last few traits are by far the subtlest. Rich people deliberately seek to be happy, display gratitude in the moments and maintain presence wherever they are. Now even if that doesn’t lead to prosperity you will at minimum experience joy and abundance in spirit. After all, who wants to be economically rich whilst being spiritually bankrupt?