11 Habits of the Super-Rich

If you’d like to make more money, try watching less television and reading more books.

Two-thirds of super-wealthy people watch an hour of television or less each day, and few of them have ever seen a reality show. On the other hand, 88 percent of them spend at least 30 minutes reading every day.

Those nuggets are from Thomas Corley, who says people who soar financially have different habits than those who struggle. His book Rich Habits: The Daily Success Habits Of Wealthy Individuals lists 10 principles that guide the behavior of affluent people.

Such as: put your financial goals in writing.

“Ninety-five percent of the successful achievers I interviewed write down their goals, plans or visions on a regular basis,” says Joel Brown, who interviewed a number of high achievers for Entrepreneur. “Successful people do this the night before, or first thing in the morning so that they are prepared to tackle the challenges that await them.”

11 Habits of the Super-Rich

Following are 11 habits of the super-rich:

1. They get up early in the morning. Former President Obama, Jack Dorsey, Larry Schultz, Tim Cook and Xerox CEO Ursula Burns are known for starting their days before the sun comes up, writes John Rampton for Entrepreneur. Some spend their time exercising. Others simply bask in the silence. Regardless, all of them say early rising makes them happier and are more productive.

2. They meditate. It works for Oprah, Rupert Murdoch, Russell Simmons and Arianna Huffington.

3. They read. A lot. Warren Buffett says he often spends 80 percent of his waking time reading.

4. They are always networking. High achievers know that reaching out to others will open up new opportunities. But their motivation isn’t greed. They network because they sincerely enjoy meeting people, making new friends, and influencing people. Not a natural networker? Here are some waysto get better at it.

5. They rarely eat Cheetos on the couch. They work instead. “Achievers like LBJ and Robert Moseswere known to work 60-65 hours per work,” writes Rampton. “Elon Musk works a whopping 80-100 hours per week.”

6. They keep it simple. The super-rich don’t waste time on small decisions. That’s why Mark Zuckerberg has pared his work uniform down to a gray t-shirt and jeans. “I feel like I’m not doing my job if I’m spending my energy on silly or frivolous things,” he says here.

7. They say no. Successful people don’t just decline unproductive tasks and distracting activities. They also say no to bad attitudes and negativity.

8. They write to-do lists the night before. When they get up at the crack of dawn (or earlier) they are ready to hit the ground running.

9. They exercise regularly. Richard Branson has been known to postpone important meetings in order to make time for a gym workout or bike ride. He also carries a pen and notepad with him at all times. “It doesn’t matter how you record your notes, as long as you do it,” he says in this MSN article. “When inspiration calls, you’ve got to capture it.”

10. They manage their money. “Successful people have gotten where they are because they were able to manage their finances well,” Rampton points out. “This means that they invest their money wisely, look for new opportunities and set aside emergency funds. They are more generous and willing to donate to those who need help.”

11. They are prepared. Mega-successful people are optimistic. They do their homework, surround themselves with supportive people, and expect good things will follow.

Got any pointers to add to this list?