American researcher Thomas Corley has identified habits that are common among wealthy individuals, particularly the daily “rituals” that are key to their success.
Habit of Planning
Successful people meticulously plan their day, often down to the minute. They consistently follow their schedule, creating a list of tasks in advance and sticking to it.
Psychologist’s Comment: “Look at athletes. They follow a strict regimen, knowing exactly what comes next. These people avoid distractions, focus on their goals, and push themselves to the limit to break records. A routine is a form of time management—a true art of achieving success and happiness.”
Habit of Arriving Early
These individuals never make others wait. Instead, they wake up without an alarm, leave home early, and are often the first to arrive at any meeting.
Psychologist’s Comment: “Arriving at work before the boss, completing tasks quickly—these are habits of anxious people, but in a positive sense. They strive to do everything on time to achieve success, and they do succeed.”
Habit of Surrounding Themselves with Winners
Successful men and women tend to associate with like-minded individuals. They don’t keep company with those who bring them down.
Psychologist’s Comment: “We visit museums, not garbage dumps, to enjoy the beauty created by others, to admire and think, ‘If they could do it, so can I.’ Everyone wants to improve themselves, to grow, and to do that, they associate with those who bring positive energy rather than negative.”
Habit of Praising Others
Even when someone achieves great success, truly accomplished individuals don’t envy—they praise their friends and colleagues.
Psychologist’s Comment: “If a friend buys a car or a big house, you can either envy them or rejoice and think how wonderful it is that someone in your circle has succeeded. Envy drains your energy. But when you share joy and praise others, you become their support group, and they become yours.”
Habit of Exercising
People who aim for success start their day with a workout or visit the gym several times a week.
Psychologist’s Comment: “Not everyone may have time for morning exercises, but sports are an essential part of the lives of those who are used to achieving their goals. Exercise disciplines and builds willpower, both of which are necessary for victory.”
Habit of Reading
A person who wants to achieve more in life doesn’t need to force themselves to read—they love it. They prefer books over television.
Psychologist’s Comment: “Reading is exercise for our brain, a path to constant development. That’s why people who aspire to be successful never allow themselves to stagnate; they are always working on themselves, including through reading.”
Habit of Eating Right
Successful people take care of themselves. They avoid fast food and make sure they never skip breakfast or lunch.
Psychologist’s Comment: “You can borrow money to buy an expensive suit and get a job, or you can show up to the interview in a plain outfit, get the job, and then buy the suit. The same goes for sports and nutrition. Some people care for themselves as they work towards success, while others try to repair their health after amassing wealth. The first approach is better—no achievement will bring joy to an unhealthy person.”
Final Thoughts
If you want to become successful, don’t neglect your friends. You need like-minded people who will bring new emotions into your life and share in your joys.
To be happy, you need to do something meaningful, to be useful to society. Sing, paint, write poetry, entertain your friends and loved ones with your creativity. Stay connected to the earth—walk barefoot, spend time in nature, and surround yourself with animals.