The world is full of people whose biggest dream is to become successful. They want financial wealth and the freedom to do as they wish. And while most people want this, it’s nothing more than a dream to them. The actual realization of such a dream exists only in movies, daydreams, or people who get ‘lucky’ in life.
They sit at work, behind the computer screen, and wish they didn’t have to wake up so early, that they could afford the fancy trip overseas like Cousin Sue and her wealthy husband. On the way home, they stop and buy a lottery ticket because that’s their only chance at achieving the kind of wealth that will allow them to be financially free.
In fact, Americans spend over $70 billion each year on lottery tickets, hoping to strike it rich. They don’t believe they have a shot in winning, with the odds often topping out at 1-in-250 million. They lay their ticket on the coffee table, eat dinner, and go to bed. Rinse and repeat the next day. And the next.
Nothing ever changes. Day after day. After day.
We get stuck in these monotonous patterns because we feel like we’re chasing something worthwhile. “If only I work 40 years at this job, maybe I can retire with a bit saved in the bank and then the REAL living begins!” Or we spend the next 30 years paying off the mortgage of a house that isn’t even worth what we originally bought it for.
Here’s the reality: millions of Americans are drowning in debt to pay for a lifestyle they cannot afford. In fact, the average American household is $90,000 in debt and pay $6,600 in interest to that debt every single year.
The real questions you need to ask yourself: Are you happy? Are you content? Look deep down inside yourself. Do you have the freedom to do all the things you want to do in life? Or are you just another wheel on the spoke of corporate America? Round and round you go, doing the same tired job and barely making enough money to get by.
The reason why this is happening is because you’re stuck in a vicious cycle of life. You’ve been told the only way you’ll be rich is if you get lucky, which is a bold-faced lie. The truth is, it’s about habit. If you’re stuck doing the same things over and over, you’re not going make enough changes to adequately transform your life into something better.
Those who truly become successful study the lifestyles, behaviors, and habits of successful people and learn how to mimic them in a way that it rubs off in their everyday life.
There’s a great quote by Anthony Coleman that reads, “Most people don’t struggle with money. They struggle with habits.”
Nearly every single debt category in our country is in the TRILLIONS. We’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, no money in savings, nothing saved up for a rainy day, and don’t plan for the future. We’re not buying health insurance nor can we afford to take care of out health. Most of it revolves around your habits.
Let’s look at 5 habits you can learn from successful people.
1) Exercise Regularly
We recently wrote an article about how debt and financial struggles cause brain damage. It also hurts your mental and physical states. The absolute best thing you can do for yourself is stay healthy and exercise regularly. For one thing, exercise promotes health. 76% of wealthy people exercise every day.
2) Eat Right
This is a major one. 97% of poor people eat junk food regularly. Typically junk food is cheaper to buy, but it severely impacts your health, causes obesity, spikes blood sugar, and fogs the brain. Wealthier people, for the most part, stay away from the junk food and eat the stuff that nourishes their brains and body. By eating better, you’ll start to feel better than that’s a good step.
3) Reading
We’re not just talking about the latest novel to come out, but actual books containing information that can change your life. 88% of wealthy people spend at least 20 minutes per day reading books that pertain to their careers. They’re studying so they can excel at what they do. Only 2% of poor people do this.
4) Writing Lists
Wealthy people find ways to stay motivated and on track with their goals. That’s why 81% of them keep lists verses 19% of the poor.
5) Cut TV Time
We understand. Getting home from a long day at work requires downtime in front of the TV, but it’s not good for you. It’s literally time wasted away that you could be using to better your life. Also, you’re more inclined to eat garbage when lounging, adding to the problem. 67% of wealthy people don’t watch TV while only 23% of the poor do.
It’s all about maximizing your time to better your life and doing whatever it takes to keep yourself healthy and motivated. If you get comfortable in complacency, nothing will change in your life. By adopting these 5 steps, you will start to see improvement in your life that will lead to better financial success in the future.
