5 subtle habits of rich and successful people, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

Have you ever wondered what truly sets the rich and successful apart?

I know I have. Over the years, I’ve been fascinated by the routines, choices, and mindsets that allow some people to achieve extraordinary success—not just financially, but in life as a whole.

What have I learned?

Well, one of the biggest things is that while bold moves and big risks often get the spotlight, it’s the quieter, more subtle habits that tend to make the difference over time.

Today, we’re diving into five of these habits.

Some of these may surprise you. Others may already resonate with your own journey. Either way, adopting even one or two could make a world of difference.

Let’s get started.

1) They are lifelong learners

For many of us, learning seems to stop once we leave school. We say we want to learn but life gets busy, and before we know it, we’re binge-watching Netflix instead of picking up a book.

But for the rich and successful, it seems learning never takes a backseat.

As success researcher Dr. Randall Bell points out, there’s a strong correlation between reading and wealth. “Those who read seven or more books per year are more than 122 percent more likely to be millionaires as opposed to those who never read or only read one to three [books],” he has noted.

Of course, learning isn’t limited to books. Whether it’s listening to podcasts, attending seminars, or seeking mentorship, successful people constantly invest in their personal and professional growth. They see knowledge as an asset that compounds over time, just like wealth.

Next time you’re tempted to scroll endlessly on your phone, consider picking up a book or exploring a topic that intrigues you. It might just be the subtle shift that sets you on a new path.

2) They embrace failure

This one can’t be overstated. The more I’ve learned about successful people, the more I’ve realized how deeply failure is woven into their journeys. Yet, we rarely hear about it.

Did you know Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishing houses before J.K. Rowling found a taker? Or that Ray Dalio, one of the world’s most renowned investors, went broke in his thirties and had to borrow money from his parents?

These stories don’t always make the headlines, but when you dig into the lives of successful individuals, failure is almost always a defining chapter.

The key difference? They don’t let failure stop them—they use it as a stepping stone.

As Einstein once said, “Failure is success in progress.” Successful people internalize this. They see setbacks as opportunities to learn, pivot, and improve, rather than reasons to quit.

3) They set clear goals

Here’s one you might have expected.

Wealth and success don’t come by accident. They are the result of careful planning and goal setting.

Rich and successful people know where they want to go and what they need to do to get there. They set clear, specific, and realistic goals that align with their vision for their life.

But it doesn’t stop at setting goals. They also develop detailed action plans to achieve those goals. This includes setting timelines, identifying resources, and monitoring progress.

By setting clear goals, successful people create a roadmap for their success. It provides direction, keeps them motivated, and helps them stay focused on what truly matters.

This habit is well supported by research, too. As experts have noted “Over 1,000 studies have consistently shown that setting high and specific goals is linked to increased task performance, persistence, and motivation, compared to vague or easy goals”

So if you want to join the ranks of the successful, start by setting clear goals – and then take determined steps to achieve them.

4) They practice gratitude

A few years ago, I attended a conference where a speaker shared a story that left a lasting impression on me. He spoke about how, no matter how busy or challenging his day, he made it a point to reflect on three things he was grateful for each evening.

At the time, I thought it was such a simple practice, yet it clearly had a profound impact on his outlook and success.

Since then, I’ve realized he’s not alone in this. Arianna Huffington, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey have all publicly credited gratitude as one of the driving forces behind their success.

Gratitude shifts your perspective—it reminds you of what’s going well, helps you focus on abundance, and fuels positivity, even in the face of challenges.

Want to give it a shot?

Start small. Take a moment at the end of your day to jot down three things you’re grateful for. It could be as big as landing a new client or as simple as enjoying your morning coffee. Over time, this habit can rewire your mindset and bring clarity to your goals.

Success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about appreciating the journey along the way.

5) They surround themselves with the right people

This one should come as no surprise.

The company you keep matters. Successful people understand this and make a conscious effort to surround themselves with positive influences.

This means associating with individuals who are also driven, ambitious, and success-oriented. People who can provide support, share insights, and even challenge them to reach greater heights.

It’s not just about avoiding negativity. It’s about actively seeking out positivity – in relationships, in experiences, and in their environment.

This positive environment acts as a catalyst for success. It fosters creativity, bolsters resilience, and fuels determination.

Look around you. Are you surrounded by positivity? If not, it might be time for a change.

Final thoughts: Success is a journey, not a destination

It seems success isn’t reserved for the lucky or the privileged—it’s built through small, consistent habits that anyone can adopt.

By learning from failure, setting clear goals, practicing gratitude, and surrounding yourself with positivity, you can transform your journey and move closer to the life you envision.

So, take that first step today. Success is within reach—it’s just one thoughtful habit at a time. The journey starts now.

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