Millionaire secrets: Habits of the rich and successful
Millionaires aren’t just lucky, they have habits that set them apart. Do you want to think (and spend) like the rich? Here’s how to start today!
Ever wondered why some people seem to attract money like a magnet while the rest of us are dodging debit orders like ninjas? Is it luck? A secret handshake? A billionaire-only WhatsApp group?
Not exactly. The truth is, millionaires have certain habits that set them apart. However, they’re not necessarily difficult. Even you can start doing them today (minus the private jets and diamond-studded poodles).
Here’s a look at some of the habits that make millionaires, well… millionaires.
ALSO READ: Signs you were born to be a millionaire
1. They wake up before the sun
While you’re hitting snooze for the fifth time, most millionaires have already done yoga, read five books, and signed a business deal in Hong Kong.
Studies show that a whopping 50% of self-made millionaires wake up at least three hours before their workday starts.
Take Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, for example. The man wakes up at 4 am to work out, and somehow still finds time to film blockbusters, launch tequila brands, and inspire millions.
Meanwhile, some of us are still struggling to wake up for work. I mean, it’s nothing new – you only wake up for work every day.
2. They read… a lot
Not just memes and WhatsApp forwards from their moms, but actual books. Many studies have shown that reading can improve your lifespan by reducing your stress, enhancing your mental health and developing new neural pathways.
Warren Buffett, one of the richest men alive, spends 80% of his day reading. Bill Gates reads about 50 books a year. Oprah says reading saved her life.
On the other hand, the rest of us are reading subtitles on Netflix and debating whether to buy the latest celebrity tell-all book or just wait for the X summary.
3. They hang out with other ambitious people
You’ve probably heard the saying – you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
That’s why millionaires don’t hang out with people who only talk about last night’s soccer game, they surround themselves with goal-setters, innovators, and risk-takers.
Example? Jay-Z. The man went from selling CDs out the back of his car to being a billionaire, and along the way, he built relationships with top business moguls like Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos.
Meanwhile, some of us are still trying to get our one friend to return the R50 they borrowed in 2019. Just accept it bro, they’re not gonna pay you back.
4. They have more than one source of income
Millionaires don’t rely on one paycheck, because that’s risky. They have investments, businesses, and side hustles bringing in money while they sleep.
Take Elon Musk for instance. The guy didn’t just stop at Tesla. He’s got SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, and X.
Even Rihanna turned her music career into a billion-dollar empire with Fenty Beauty.
While the rest of us are praying for just one tax refund... Come on, SARS – there’s no way I’ve owed you that much!
5. They think long term
Rich people don’t buy expensive things just because they’re expensive, they see their money as a tool for future wealth.
They buy appreciating assets (property, stocks, and businesses), not just the latest Mercedes that’ll probably get another facelift and be outdated in six months.
When Shaquille O’Neal got his first big NBA paycheck, he blew $1 million (about R18 million) in one day on cars, jewellery, and a shopping spree for his family. His banker called him and said, “You’re going to go broke.”
That was his wake-up call – now he’s worth over $400 million with investments in technology, fast food franchises, and media companies. At one point, O’Neal owned over 150 Five Guys restaurants in the United States.
Then you get us, still waiting for Black Friday so we can buy that 10% discounted air fryer. If I can get it for R150 less, that would be great!
6. They never stop learning
This is probably the most important habit. Millionaires understand that the world is constantly changing, and they need to keep up.
Whether it’s a new skill, an investment strategy, or just learning how to not send embarrassing emails, they’re always evolving.
Even Mark Zuckerberg (who could have retired at 25) keeps pushing new ideas, learning new languages, and adapting to the latest trends (even if that means making us all suffer through another Facebook layout change).
Meanwhile, some of us still use “123456” as our password. Is that the best you can do?
ALSO READ: QUIZ: Are you ready to be a millionaire?
So, are you ready to think like a millionaire? The good news is, you don’t need millions in the bank to start adopting these habits today.
Wake up early (or at least on time), read more, start a side hustle, and think long term about your money.
And if you happen to be the lucky winner of A Million & Change, at least now you know what to do.
Don’t miss your shot at a chance to win. Click here to answer more super easy questions.
Who knows? The next millionaire success story could be you.
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