40 Habits of Successful People: According to 16 Top Performers

Most people who say they want to have a million dollars actually mean they want to spend a million dollars, and that’s the reason why most people don’t have a million dollars.”

Ever heard something like that? 

Well, it’s a nugget of wisdom from Jacob Aldridge, a financial whizz who has dedicated his life to guiding young men on their path to success.

We’ve been on a mission, chatting up over 16 experts in the fields of finance and psychology to unearth the secret sauce—the habits of successful people. We are all about sharing these secrets and helping you stride confidently on your own journey to financial success.

If you are ready to get some serious financial gains, keep on reading.

What Are the Best Positive Habits of Successful People?

#1 Rise and Shine Early

Think about the successful person you admire the most. I bet my morning coffee they’re early risers. 

Rising from bed early also gives you a head start, time for self-care and planning, and an uninterrupted “me time” that even the richest of the rich can’t buy. It’s no wonder this is a good habit among successful people!

#2 Stay Curious

Life is like an open book, and successful people never stop turning the pages. The habit of continuous learning not only broadens your horizons but also keeps your mind sharp and agile. 

#3 Fail Forward

Here’s a secret: Successful people fail a lot. But they have a knack for turning every stumbling block into a stepping stone. 

Treating failure as an opportunity for growth is an essential habit that can turn even the most challenging experiences into valuable lessons. Embrace failure; don’t dread it. 

#4 Keep the Circle Tight

Every successful person understands the power of a positive circle. Surrounding yourself with driven, motivated, and positive people can fuel your passion, inspire you, and pull you up when you’re down.

#5 Set Short, Mid & Long-Term Goals

Goal-setting is like the GPS system of successful people. It’s what guides them on their journey, whether they’re setting short-, mid-, or long-term goals. 

#6 Make Health a Priority

Now, this might sound like your doctor’s advice, but research shows successful people tend to care for their bodies like a prized possession—because it is! 

Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest are their non-negotiables. After all, a healthy body houses a healthy mind, and you need both firings on all cylinders on your road to success.

#7 Read the Newspaper

Successful folks kick-start their day with a dose of news. It’s like having breakfast for the mind—it fuels them with fresh ideas, helps them stay informed, and sometimes even offers up some witty cocktail party conversations.

#8 Set SMART Goals

Remember the age-old adage, “Aim for the moon?” If you miss, you may hit a star?”? Successful people tend to follow a slightly tweaked version: “Aim smart and reach your star.” SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. 

This way, they’re shooting for a star they’ve charted and planned for.

#9 Focus on How You Get There

Successful people know that the journey is just as important as the destination. They concentrate on the ‘how’ of getting there, the strategy, and the steps. 

#10 Celebrate Small Victories

It is no secret that successful people celebrate small victories. Each milestone, no matter how small, brings you closer to your ultimate goal. 

#11 Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize

In the grand buffet of life, filling your plate with everything available is easy. But successful people know how to pick their servings. 

They prioritize tasks based on their importance and impact. It’s like eating your veggies before moving on to dessert—it ensures you get the nutrition first before the sugar rush hits.

#12 Seek Feedback and Act On It

Now, who among us loves criticism? 

Yeah, I thought so… But successful people have this uncanny knack for treating feedback like a gift, even when it stings a bit. They not only seek feedback but also act on it. Remember, even a broken clock is right twice a day, so there’s always something valuable to learn.

#13 Practice Generosity

You might be wondering, “What does generosity have to do with success?” Well, according to a five-year study by Adam Grant, author of “Give and Take,” being a giver is a key to success. 

When successful people give their time, resources, or expertise, it creates a cycle of positivity and trust around them. 

#14 Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

Despite what some macho myths may tell you, emotional intelligence is vital to successful people. They understand their emotions, empathize well with others, and manage relationships masterfully.

#15 Practice Resilience

Another cornerstone of successful habits is resilience. Life can sometimes be like a rodeo bull—unpredictable, powerful, and ready to throw you off any chance it gets. But successful people practice resilience.

They get thrown off, dust themselves off, and hop right back on, more determined than ever.

#16 Take Ownership of Your Own Life

Successful people aren’t fans of the blame game. They take ownership of their personal lives—both successes and setbacks. 

When you control the steering wheel, you can’t blame traffic for the route you take, can you? Owning your choices gives you the power to improve and navigate toward success.

#17 Create Multiple Income Streams

Now, let’s talk money, but with a twist. Highly successful people often have multiple income streams—it’s like having safety nets under their financial hamstrings. Not only does it reduce risk, but it also brings in a steady income from diverse sources. 

It’s like keeping eggs in different baskets—a much safer bet.

#18 Stick to Your To-Do List

Creating a to-do list is easy, but sticking to it? That’s where the real challenge lies. But guess what? Successful people thrive on this challenge!

It’s like their compass, guiding their daily habits and actions. And nothing beats the satisfaction of crossing items off that list. 

#19 Spend Money to Make Money

Investing in opportunities is like the holy grail for successful people. They understand that sometimes you’ve got to spend money to make money. Whether it’s a business venture or a personal growth course, they’re not afraid to put their money where their mouth is.

#20 Accept Challenges with Open Arms

Listen, we all know life loves throwing curveballs. But successful people? They bring a bat to the field. They accept challenges with open arms and view them as opportunities for growth.

It’s like being given a puzzle—the more complex it is, the more satisfying it is to solve. 

#21 Embrace Discipline

If success were a ship, discipline would be its captain. It’s the not-so-secret ingredient that highly successful people mix into their daily routines. 

#22 Seek Innovative Solutions

I’ve noticed that successful people don’t just find solutions; they find innovative solutions. It’s like being MacGyver in a sticky situation. They think outside the box and aren’t afraid to tread the road less traveled.

#23 Master Time Management

Wealthy people don’t just manage their money; they’re masters of managing their time too. Prioritizing tasks, setting goals, avoiding procrastination—you name it, they do it!

Time is their most valuable asset, and they make every second count. 

#24  Continually Learn New Skills

Successful people always maintain that childlike curiosity. They continuously learn new skills to stay ahead of the curve. It’s like being on a roller coaster of knowledge—the ride is exhilarating, and there’s always a new loop to look forward to.

#25 Foster Self Confidence

Successful people foster a healthy dose of self-confidence. They believe in their abilities and aren’t afraid to take risks. It’s like being your own cheerleader—even when the crowd is silent, you know you’ve got what it takes to win the game.

#26 Take Calculated Risks

If you’re aiming for the top, you’ve got to be comfortable with taking risks. In every success story, there’s an element of risk-taking. It’s stepping out of your comfort zone, betting on your abilities, and embracing the unknown. The more you take calculated risks, the quicker you’ll get to your version of success.

#27 Find a Mentor

Finding a mentor can be a game-changer. I’d wager that every successful person you admire had someone guiding them. It’s like having a cheat sheet for life’s tough tests.

A mentor offers a wealth of experience, opens doors, and keeps you from reinventing the wheel.

If you’re hunting for a mentor, immerse yourself in the right communities. From personal experience, I can tell you it works. When I plugged into a bloggers’ community, I met an SEO guru.

This gentleman willingly shared his expertise, fundamentally changing my understanding of making money online. And gentlemen, don’t overlook platforms like Facebook. It’s not just social media; it’s a network full of potential mentors waiting to be discovered.

#28 Think Before You Buy

One habit I’ve seen wealthy people stick to? They always pause to think before consuming. This isn’t about being stingy, it’s about value and need. It’s the difference between ‘want’ and ‘need’, and it can make a big difference to your bank balance over time.

#29 Commit to Self-Improvement

The journey to becoming a successful person is paved with constant self-improvement. It’s about learning new things, overcoming weaknesses, and harnessing your strengths. 

Think of it as upgrading your life’s operating system with every new version. And the best part? You get to enjoy the new features.

#30 Be People-Oriented

Successful people are often people-oriented. They understand that relationships are the bedrock of success. 

Whether it’s a business partner, a client, or a friend, being able to talk and understand people will help nurture these connections and can enrich your life in ways you can’t imagine. It’s like planting a tree—the more you care for it, the more fruit it bears.

#31 Constantly Reading

Successful people are like walking libraries—they’re constantly reading. Whether it’s a gripping thriller or a book on personal finance, they understand the power of words. 

#32 Prioritize Stress Reduction

The habits of successful people always include methods to reduce stress. It’s like having a secret weapon in your arsenal. Yoga, meditation, or a simple act like taking a walk in nature—it’s all about keeping your cool while tackling life’s hurdles. 

#33 Optimize the First Hour of the Day

The first hour of your day is like the opening scene of a movie—it sets the tone for the rest of the day. Successful people understand this. 

They have a morning routine that ensures they start their day right. It could be exercise, meditation, or setting clear priorities for the day. The goal is to have more energy and start strong!

#34 The Power of Compounding

Compounding is important, and successful people know how magically it can work over time. Whether it’s savings, investments, or skills, they understand that small, consistent inputs can lead to enormous outputs over time. 

#35 Always Be Grateful

Successful people make it a daily habit to count their blessings. They know that gratitude is like a happiness magnifier—it amplifies the positive vibes and keeps them grounded. So take a moment each day to appreciate what you have.

#36 Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Successful people are a bit like hawks—constantly focused on their goals. They keep their eyes on the prize, no matter what. This laser-sharp focus helps them sidestep distractions and keeps them on track, even when obstacles try to trip them up

#37 Be Extremely Curious

Successful people maintain a childlike curiosity. They’re always asking questions, seeking new knowledge, and pushing the boundaries of their comfort zone.

#38 Don’t let Ego Get in Your Way

Successful people know that a big ego is like a bad phone signal—it interrupts clear communication and blocks progress. They stay humble and open-minded, always willing to learn and improve. 

#39 Patience is Key

Successful people understand that patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s a superpower. Whether it’s waiting for the right opportunity or for their efforts to bear fruit, they know the value of playing the long game. 

#40 Money is A Tool not a Goal

For successful people, money isn’t the end goal—it’s the means to achieve their dreams. They see it as a tool that can provide more freedom, opportunities, and the ability to make a positive impact. 

So What Have We Learned?

So just to be clear gents.

This isn’t your average, everyday “successful people drink plenty of water” advice. These are the real, time-tested good habits that the big players live by. But let’s get one thing straight: 

Don’t try to tackle them all at once. Start simple—practice gratitude, set clear goals, and keep your focus on the end game.

With these good habits in your arsenal, you’re closer than ever to the financial freedom you’re after. Now, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get to work.

Let’s build those successful habits, starting now. No excuses. 💪🏼