Ever wondered why some people seem to hop from one great opportunity to the next, while others can’t seem to catch a break?
It may seem like the stars simply align for some – but in fact, there are several habits that successful, wealthy people share that have helped them get to the top.
The good news? You can emulate their habits and super-charge your own chances of success, by embracing the habits of the wealthy and making them your own…
- Banish “bad luck” from your mindset
There are situations in life that are beyond our control, but the vast majority of what happens to us is a result of our habits, both conscious and unconscious. Habits are like snowballs; they build up and eventually turn into a massive avalanche. Make yours an avalanche of positivity and success, not negativity and failure.
- Know your “why”
Whether it’s early retirement, a private school for the kids or a million-dollar global empire, the first step to success is to pin down what you’re trying to achieve. We all do better and try harder when we’re doing something we love, so what brings you joy? What is your purpose in life – and how are you living your purpose each day?
- Live within your means
Consumer debt is the arch enemy of financial security. We’re not talking about good debts, like your home mortgage or investment property loans, but bills you’ve racked up for “stuff” – like clothes, holidays and fancy dinners. If you’re living a champagne lifestyle on a sparkling water budget, you need to get your bank balance back in the black!
- Gambling is a huge no-no
Pokies, horses, blackjack at the casino – it doesn’t matter which one is your vice. Gambling is the fastest way to ruin your finances. Invest your money in yourself instead.
- Read, read, read
A whopping 88 per cent of wealthy people read for at least 30 minutes every day, with personal development, current affairs and autobiographies among their favourite genres. Don’t have time to read? Listen to audiobooks or podcasts on your commute.
- Have less screen time
With all that extra reading you’ll be doing, you won’t have much time left to sit in front of the TV or scroll through your phone – and your finances will be all the better for it. Two-thirds of high-income people spend less than an hour a day watching TV, while three-quarters of those on Struggle Street watch for an hour or more.
- Be cool, calm and collected
Staying cool under pressure and keeping your emotions in check is crucial in business, and in life. While we’re talking feelings, what about fear? Successful people don’t let it hold them back – so neither should you.
- Never miss a networking opportunity
Every party, corporate event and casual convo at the off-leash dog park is an opportunity to connect with like-minded people who can bolster your chances of success. Wealthy people are more likely to volunteer and network for at least five hours a month, and a key perk of volunteering is that you’ll build personal relationships with others, which may spill over into business opportunities.
- Get a stellar mentor
Is there someone in your industry you admire, whose footsteps you’d love to follow? Reach out, send them an email and ask if they’ll be your mentor. There’s only so much you can learn from books and websites, but a person who’s been there, done that can fill in the gaps. That’s why 93 per cent of wealthy people report having an awesome mentor.
- Exceed expectations
Successful people dress for the job they want, not the one they’ve got. That means adopting the same diligence as their superiors and going above and beyond the scope of their role to prove their worth.
- Don’t wish upon a star – set concrete goals and pursue them
You could spend an eternity waiting to win the lotto, marry a millionaire or receive a surprise inheritance from a long-lost relative. But you know deep down that the only way to be assured of your success is to set goals and go after them with hardcore determination.
- Kiss procrastination goodbye
We’re all guilty of putting off unpleasant tasks we don’t want to face but remember: when you’re a professional procrastinator, tomorrow never comes. Don’t be a “gonna” who’s “gonna do this and gonna do that”. Instead, make like a pair of Nikes and “just do it”! Set to-do lists, find an accountability buddy or practice positive affirmations – whatever it takes to get the job done.
- Talk less, listen more
Have you ever heard the saying “you’ve got two ears and one mouth – use them in proportion”? Apply this to your personal and business life and you’ll reap the benefits. Aim to listen to others for five minutes for every one minute you talk.
- Cut out the toxicity
Toxic friends, toxic clients, even toxic relatives – they’ve gotta go. Why? Because they’re a drain on you, be it emotionally, financially or otherwise, and that’s only holding you back. While you’re pouring your time, money and energy into these people you’re neglecting your own personal growth and success. You wouldn’t buy stocks in a company that’s falling apart, so don’t invest in people who only drag you down.
- Put your self-doubt on the sidelines
Stop putting yourself down, doubting your abilities or blaming yourself whenever something doesn’t quite turn out as you’d hoped. Every knockback or setback is an opportunity to learn and improve. Confidence is key – and if you don’t have it in spades right now, just fake it ‘til you do.
- And most importantly – never, never, never give up
Few tales of success and triumph are smooth sailing – just look at stars like Oprah Winfrey, Charlize Theron and Joaquin Phoenix, who were all dealt a dodgy hand in childhood, but came out on top. Don’t let the hiccups get you down.
The most successful people maintain a positive outlook in life, no matter what is going on around them; adopt the above healthy habits, and you’ll be living in the same bubble of optimism!
Louisa Sanghera is a Finance Broker for Residential Mortgages, Vehicle and Asset Finance, Commercial Lending and Budgeting and Cashflow Coaching with Zippy Financial.
She has gained more than 30 years in the Banking and Finance Industry, and since founding Zippy Financial, has become a multi award-nominated expert in the field of finance featuring regularly in industry press and speaking at finance and investment seminars across the country.
Website: www.zippyfinancial.com.au
Email: louisa@zippyfinancial.com.au
Phone: 1300 855 022
