When we think of wealth, we often imagine windfalls, genius ideas, or lucky breaks. But Thomas Corley’s five-year study of hundreds of self-made millionaires reveals a quieter truth: success is built on daily habits. In his book “Rich Habits,” Corley uncovers the consistent behaviors that differentiate the wealthy from everyone else. This listicle breaks down 10 of those core habits that lead to extraordinary financial outcomes.
Reading Daily
Corley found that 88% of wealthy people read at least 30 minutes a day. Not for entertainment, but to learn. Biographies, history, and self-help books fill their shelves. Gates and Buffett didn’t just stumble into success; they studied their way into it.
Exercising Consistently
Nearly 76% of the rich make time to work out at least four times a week. It’s not about vanity—it’s about energy and focus. For such people, movement fuels momentum. Richard Branson also revealed that exercise gives him four extra hours of productivity a day.
Networking Regularly
Success rarely happens in isolation. Wealthy people treat networking as a habit. They keep building trust, sharing ideas, and opening doors through intentional connections. Take Oprah Winfrey, for instance. Her rise was shaped by strong relationships.
Tracking Expenses
Even today, Warren Buffett lives in the same home he bought decades ago. That’s not just nostalgia—it’s discipline. Corley found that 94% of self-made millionaires live below their means. They know exactly where their money goes and why.
Setting Daily Goals
Big visions don’t mean much without daily action. Corley’s research says 80% of wealthy people write down their goals every single day. It’s how they turn ideas into outcomes. Elon Musk also breaks his day into five-minute blocks to stay on track.
Prioritizing Sleep
Forget the myth that success means sacrificing rest. Most wealthy individuals get 7–8 hours of sleep a night. Jeff Bezos calls sleep his secret weapon. Arianna Huffington built a company around proving that resting is a strategy.
Avoiding Gossip And Complaints
Hard truth: Complaining doesn’t build anything, and gossip erodes trust. Corley noticed that wealthy people build a habit of avoiding both of these time-wasters. Instead, they focus on solutions and appreciation to stay grounded and forward-looking.
Limiting Screen Time
Distraction is expensive, and the rich know that. While the average American spends hours on social media, the wealthy cut back. They use screens with intention and encourage their kids to do the same: choosing curiosity over passive scrolling.
Investing Continuously
Corley found that 79% of wealthy individuals put at least 20% of their income into investments, covering real estate, startups, and stocks. They don’t just earn money but also grow it. Mark Cuban started investing as a teenager and has never stopped since.
Practicing Gratitude
Wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about mindset as well. Many successful people like Tony Robbins start each morning with a gratitude ritual. They keep gratitude journals—a habit that rewires the brain toward optimism and resilience.
