A Personal Improvement Plan To Better Your Relationship With Money
Life habits can make or break your journey toward success and money. I know this from personal experience.
For years, I struggled with managing my time, energy, and finances. I felt like I was spinning my wheels, working hard but never getting ahead.
As I got older, I started paying attention to the habits of people who seemed to have it all together—financially stable and thriving personally. Slowly, I realized it wasn’t about luck or talent; it was about building habits that support both personal growth and financial stability.
Developing these habits transformed my life, and they can do the same for you. Let’s dive into what makes these habits so powerful and how they can help you create the life you’ve been dreaming of.
10 Habits of People Who Have Success and Money
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
1. They Focus on What They Can Control
Successful people don’t waste energy on things they can’t change. They channel their efforts into areas where they have influence, like improving their skills, managing their finances, and creating opportunities.
For example, during a challenging financial period, I stopped worrying about my job security and focused on cutting unnecessary expenses and building better money habits.
Taking control of what’s within your reach leads to tangible progress.
2. They Cultivate a Long-Term Approach to Life and Money
Instant gratification rarely leads to lasting success.
People with financial stability think years ahead, setting goals that align with their personal improvement plan. They prioritize saving habits, strategic investments, and a personal finance budget.
Research shows that compound interest is a game changer when saving early and consistently over time. By thinking long-term, you create a safety net and set the stage for bigger opportunities later.
3. They Develop Self-Discipline And Delay Gratification
Self-discipline is the foundation for better money habits. Whether resisting impulse purchases or sticking to a workout routine, successful people understand that short-term sacrifices lead to long-term rewards.
In my 20s, I emphasized tracking every expense. Although initially tedious, it helped me understand where my money was going and how to redirect it toward building wealth. I still track my costs to this day.
Dig Deeper – 10 Ways to Increase Your Self-Discipline
4. They Practice Mindful Consumption and Spend Money Intentionally
Being intentional with spending doesn’t mean being stingy. It means aligning your expenses with your priorities.
Successful individuals avoid status-driven purchases and focus on what adds real value.
For example, I stopped buying coffee on my way to work and started brown bagging my lunch. Then, I redirected that money into my savings account. Over time, those minor adjustments greatly impacted my relationship with money.
Thus, don’t discount ways to save 5, 6, or 7 dollars per day. Save that money and invest it wisely.
Related – How To Spend Money with Intention
5. They Effectively Manage Their Time and Seek Higher Productivity
Time is money, and successful people treat it like a precious resource. They use tools like planners, digital calendars, and task prioritization systems to stay organized.
Focusing on high-value activities allows them to achieve more in less time. Implementing a solid morning routine helped me increase productivity and tackle my goals more efficiently.
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6. They Develop High Value Skills and Get Paid Well For Them
Financially successful individuals invest in learning skills that the market values. These might be coding, digital marketing, or mastering leadership in the workplace. These skills often command higher pay and open doors to opportunities.
Personally, I took every opportunity to become a better leader. Being able to manage a team dramatically increased my earnings potential.
7. They Focus on Continuous Learning and Self-Development
People with financial stability never stop learning. They read books, take courses, and seek out mentors to gain motivational tips for success.
Lifelong learners tend to earn more and adapt better to changing circumstances. Building habits that include daily reading, taking online courses, or listening to podcasts will help you stay ahead.
8. They Invest in Growth Assets Not Liabilities
Financial literacy lessons often highlight the importance of buying assets that appreciate over time, like stocks or real estate, instead of liabilities that lose value, like cars and consumer goods.
I started small by setting aside a portion of my paycheck to invest in an index fund. Over time, that simple habit turned a little money into a lot.
When you’re ready, I highly recommend the Financial Freedom Investing Course offered by Simply Investing. This online course will quickly and easily guide you through making wise investment choices focused on creating passive income to accumulate long-term wealth.
Check out Simply Investing here and start investing money wisely for your future. I learned a ton from Simply Investing’s course and tools. You can, too.
9. They Learn and Adapt From Their Mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable, but financially successful people use them as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
When I was younger, I overspent on too many things. However, I didn’t let it defeat me. Instead, I reevaluated my habits and doubled down on better financial discipline.
Reflecting and adapting is crucial for long-term success.
10. They Are Resilient and Never Give Up Pursuing Their Goals
Resilience is the key to overcoming setbacks. Life will throw curveballs, but staying committed to your goals will keep you moving forward.
Whether it’s bouncing back from a job loss or dealing with unexpected expenses, successful people keep their eyes on the prize and stay motivated.
Helpful Tips – How To Be Mentally Strong and Resilient
Positive Life Habits For Success and Money – Final Thoughts
Building life habits that lead to success and money isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.
Start with small, intentional changes and let them compound over time. Focus on what matters most: controlling your choices, improving your skills, and prioritizing your financial well-being.
These habits create stability and open the door to a more fulfilling life. Stick with it, and the results will speak for themselves.
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Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.