Habits of the Rich That Can Change Your Life

 

What separates the ultra-wealthy from the rest of us isn’t necessarily intelligence, luck, or a killer business idea. It often boils down to something much simpler—and more accessible: habits. If you've ever wondered how some people seem to unlock massive success almost effortlessly, it’s because they’ve trained themselves to perform certain actions automatically every day. These aren't grand gestures—they’re small, consistent moves that compound over time and make financial success almost inevitable.

1. Why Habits Matter More Than Ideas or Hard Work

You might think becoming rich requires an extraordinary idea, but research suggests otherwise. Nearly 50% of our daily actions are performed on autopilot—meaning that many of your current routines might be holding you back. The difference between poverty and prosperity often lies in the things we do (or don't do) daily without even thinking.

Studies have shown that it takes around 66 days to make a new behavior automatic. That means your financial future could change in just over two months if you commit to the right habits. The wealthiest people don’t just work harder; they work smarter by embedding smart decisions into their routines until those decisions become second nature. And the best part? You can do this too—no trust fund required.

By simply becoming more conscious of your daily habits and aligning them with your goals, you’ll begin to notice a shift—not only in your bank account but also in your mindset and self-confidence. Intentionality becomes your superpower when you make it a habit.

2. Negotiate Like a Millionaire

Negotiation isn't just for big boardrooms—it’s a daily practice for the wealthy. One incredible example is Noah Kagan, who runs a company generating over $85 million annually. He negotiates everything, even coffee at Starbucks. Sound extreme? Maybe. But that small habit sharpens a skill that later applies to multi-million dollar business deals.

A study by CouponFollow found that 69% of millionaires ask for discounts, compared to only 41% of the general public. That gap shows how much mindset plays into money. The rich don’t see negotiation as embarrassing—they see it as necessary. When you negotiate, you reinforce a belief that you’re always growing, always learning, and never too proud to make a smarter deal.

Start with small negotiations: ask for a discount at the store, request an upgrade when booking travel, or bargain for better service. Over time, this builds your confidence and saves you money—while training your brain to think like a dealmaker.

3. Speed Equals Success

One trait that almost every high-achiever shares is speed. They don’t just plan—they act. Billionaire investor Bill Perkins credits his success not to genius but to the fact that he simply moves faster than everyone else. He takes action while others are still weighing options.

At Contrarian Thinking, a concept called the “24-hour rule” pushes teams to act within a day instead of waiting for next week’s meeting. It’s uncomfortable, yes—but also transformative. You make more mistakes, sure—but you learn faster and gain a real edge over slower competition.

If you’re building wealth, speed matters. It doesn’t mean being reckless—it means embracing momentum. Next time you think, “I’ll do it next week,” challenge yourself to start today. Even imperfect action is better than a perfect idea that never gets executed.

4. Surround Yourself with Winners

You’ve probably heard the quote: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Turns out, it’s true. Research shows 79% of wealthy people network for at least five hours per month. They don’t just mingle—they seek allies who challenge them to rise higher.

The PayPal Mafia—an infamous group of early PayPal employees—went on to create LinkedIn, Tesla, YouTube, and more. Why? Because they spent time around other people who believed big things were possible. That kind of proximity rubs off. It’s called economic interconnectedness, and it literally increases your earning potential.

If you want to grow, change your environment. Join communities of high-performers, attend meetups in new industries, or simply strike up a conversation with someone who inspires you. You don’t need more friends—you need role models and collaborators.

5. Read, Learn, and Prioritize Ruthlessly

Finally, rich people are obsessive learners. Around 88% of wealthy individuals read daily for self-improvement. But they don’t just read for fun—they treat books like blueprints. Whether it’s “Made in America” by Sam Walton or “The Ride of a Lifetime” by Bob Iger, biographies of billionaires are filled with play-by-plays you can copy.

Even more important is the habit of ruthless prioritization. Instead of long to-do lists, many wealthy people focus on one big thing each day—the task that moves the needle most. Jay Papasan’s book The ONE Thing captures this perfectly: focus on what matters most, and everything else becomes easier or irrelevant.

Adopt this habit by asking yourself each morning: What is the one thing I can do today that will make everything else easier? Then do it. Don’t sleep until it’s done. That one commitment, practiced daily, will change your trajectory.

References

1. A CFP shares how his millionaire clients spend, save and invest their money
   https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-millionaires-spend-save-and-invest/
2. Tom Corley (2016). Rich Habits: The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals.
   https://www.richhabits.net/