10 Habits That Separate Rich and Successful Founders From Wannabe BIZ Experiencess Successful BIZ Experiencess adopt rich habits. Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess ignore their habits.
By Tom Corley Edited by Micah Zimmerman
Key Takeaways
- Success stems from consistent daily habits, not luck.
- Persistence and a willingness to learn set high achievers apart.
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Success isn't an accident. It's the result of deliberate, consistent habits practiced day in and day out. Over the course of my five-year Rich Habits study, what I discovered was a clear divide in habits that successful BIZ Experiencess embraced and unsuccessful ones ignored.
If you're an BIZ Experiences aiming to build a thriving business, these ten habits can set you apart from the pack.
1. Successful BIZ Experiencess dream big and set goals
Successful BIZ Experiencess are dreamers who take massive action on their dreams. In my study, 80% of wealthy BIZ Experiencess had clearly defined goals, compared to only 12% of those struggling financially. They write down their dreams and break them into daily tasks.
Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess, on the other hand, lack focus or have vague ideas and are unable to commit to a plan of action.
2. They build relationships daily
Relationships are the true currency of the successful. Successful BIZ Experiencess dedicate time every day to nurturing their network, calling clients, mentoring employees or connecting with mentors. My research showed that 88% of wealthy BIZ Experiencess, on a daily basis, actively built relationships, while only 17% of the unsuccessful did the same.
A simple hello call, life event call or happy birthday call can open doors to partnerships or opportunities. Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess often isolate themselves, neglecting the power of a strong network.
3. They read to learn, not to escape
Successful BIZ Experiencess are lifelong learners. In my study, 85% of the wealthy read 30 minutes or more daily, focusing on self-improvement, industry trends, or business strategies. They consume books by other BIZ Experiencess to gain insights.
Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess, by contrast, read mostly for entertainment or not at all — only 11% engaged in daily self-education reading.
Related: 7 Books Most Millionaires Read Before They Turn 30
4. They take calculated risks
Successful BIZ Experiencess do not take speculative risks. Rather, they take what I call analytical risk — they analyze, research and weigh options before taking action. In my study, 91% of wealthy BIZ Experiencess said they took analytical risks, often piloting ideas on a small scale before rolling their product or service out to the world.
Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess either avoid risks altogether, are paralyzed by fear or take speculative risks, not doing the homework, like successful BIZ Experiencess do. This causes mistakes and costs them precious working capital.
5. They wake up early and maximize their day
Successful BIZ Experiencess start their day early — 67% of the wealthy in my study woke up at least three hours before their workday began. They use this time for planning, exercise or creative thinking.
Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess often sleep in or waste mornings, leaving them reactive instead of proactive. Getting a head start gives successful BIZ Experiencess an edge in productivity.
6. They focus on one thing at a time
Multitasking is a myth. Successful BIZ Experiencess practice single-tasking, pouring their energy into one project or goal until it's complete. My research found that 81% of wealthy BIZ Experiencess focused on one major objective at a time, compared to just 19% of the unsuccessful.
7. They want feedback and embrace criticism
Successful BIZ Experiencess actively seek feedback from customers, mentors, and peers to improve their products or services. In my study, 79% of wealthy BIZ Experiencess valued constructive criticism, using it to refine their approach. Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess often take feedback personally or avoid it altogether, missing opportunities to grow. Embracing criticism isn't easy, but it's a hallmark of those who succeed.
8. They exercise and prioritize health
Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Successful BIZ Experiencess know that physical and mental health fuel their performance. My research showed that 76% of the wealthy exercised aerobically for 30 minutes or more daily, compared to only 23% of the unsuccessful.
They also eat healthier, avoiding junk food that saps energy. Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess often neglect their health, leading to burnout or diminished focus. A strong body supports a strong business.
Related: 9 Habit Stacking Routines to Boost Your Productivity
9. They persist through adversity and failure
Failure is inevitable in BIZ Experiencesship, but successful BIZ Experiencess view it as a learning opportunity. In my study, 84% of wealthy BIZ Experiencess said they had faced significant setbacks but kept going, pivoting when needed to alter their strategies or processes. Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess often give up after a single failure, letting fear or discouragement take over. Persistence turns dreams into reality.
10. They control their emotions
BIZ Experiencesship is an emotional rollercoaster. Successful BIZ Experiencess stay calm under pressure, making decisions based on logic rather than on emotion. My research found that 94% of the wealthy practiced emotional discipline, compared to just 15% of the unsuccessful. Successful BIZ Experiencess stay composed and solution-focused. Unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess let emotions drive their decisions, leading to mistakes.
Success as an BIZ Experiences isn't about being the smartest or the most connected. It's about doing what unsuccessful BIZ Experiencess won't.
Pick one habit from this list and commit to it for 30 days. Track your progress in a journal, just like 62% of the wealthy in my study did. Small, consistent steps will transform your business — and your life. The Rich Habits aren't magic; they're a blueprint. Start building yours today.
