7 Daily Habits of the Wealthy

Habit is defined as behavior repeated so often that it becomes almost automatic. I am in awe of the power of daily habits. They can change your life. Habits are available to anyone, no matter their situation.

Daily Habits Documented

For five years, author Tom Corley observed the daily habits of the rich and the poor and documented those findings in his book Rich Habits: The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals. Corley defined the rich as those earning at least $160,000 per year and having a minimum of $3.2 million in assets. For his purposes, he defined the poor as individuals with an annual income of less than $30,000 and fewer than $5,000 in assets.

Habit, Not Luck

Remarkably, Corley discovered that rich folks have a lot more in common than only income. They share the same habits and daily behaviors, which, for the most part, he did not find among the poor. Corley presents a compelling argument that becoming rich is not about how lucky you are. It may have more to do with how you spend your day, beginning with the hour you wake up.

What If We Emulated Those Habits?

In his years of observation, Corley learned that it’s not so much the economy or outside influences but the daily habits that set you up for either wealth or poverty.

Because we know that we have control over our thoughts and actions and that we can develop habits in our lives simply by repeating the same behavior over and over until it becomes almost automatic, what if we chose to copy the daily behaviors of authentically wealthy people?

Could you become more financially fit if you gave up your bad money habits and replaced them with proven habits that will help you become more financially fit? You be the judge, but I’m putting my money on “Yes!”

Habits of the Rich

Here are the habits that Corley found to be common to the hundreds of wealthy people he followed for five years:

1. Habit: Early to Rise

Corley found that rich folks rise early to take full advantage of the wee morning hours. Forty-four percent of Corley’s research subjects wake up at least three hours before they need to be at their day jobs. They use these hours to focus on personal improvement—reading educational books, blogs and trade journals. And they squeeze in some physical fitness, too.

2. Habit: Lunch? Yes, Break? No

Fifty-five percent of the rich people Corley followed did not take long lunches or any lunch break at all. Sure these folks eat, but they keep working as they wheel and deal between bites. They eat at their desks while they work. A long, leisurely lunch is not a wealthy habit.

3. Habit: No Slacking

Corley didn’t find the rich hanging around the water cooler. They are not the ones to watch the clock or continually calculate how much longer they must work before they can leave for the day.

On the contrary, the rich don’t waste time. The minute they reach their office or place of work, they’re planning their day. Most of the wealthy maintain a daily to-do list and check off 70 percent of their tasks every day. They also set long-term goals.

4. Habit: Calorie Conscious

Rich people are big calorie counters. Corley found that most wealthy people limit alcohol consumption and hardly ever consume junk food. They keep snacks to just 300 calories per day because wealthy people are health conscious.

Corley discovered that wealthy people view health as a means of making more money. They believe that if they’re healthy, they have fewer sick days, and if they exercise, they have more energy. The rich maintain health as a way of life so they can work longer careers.

5. Habit: No Gossiping

Do you have a juicy tidbit to pass along to a co-worker, friend, or relative? Before you do that, consider this: 79 percent of low-income people admit to gossiping, compared with just 6 percent of wealthy individuals. Enough said.

6. Habit: Internet Delimited

The poor are twice as likely to go on Facebook after work and spend an hour or longer surfing the Internet. Corley contends that the rich spend their after-work hours volunteering, networking, and socializing in ways that do not involve smartphones or cyberspace. They engage in personal relationships, preferring to see the Internet as a business tool, not a source of recreation or social interaction.

7. Habit: Earn More, Spend Less

The rich live below their means—a daily habit. They spend less than they earn. The rich believe that if they’re wealthy enough, they can afford to live below their means.

RELATED: Secrets of the Frugal Lifestyle

Conclusion

Are Corley’s conclusions about the habits of the rich ironclad? Not at all. These are his opinions based on his research and interaction with folks he interviewed. But that doesn’t mean those conclusions should be discounted. I find this fascinating, if not wise. Those habits he outlines are certainly wholesome. Developing good habits in all areas of our lives can make our lives more meaningful and enjoyable.

I believe we can all benefit from developing these habits in our lives, especially the last one—earn more, spend less!