8 Daily Habits of Millionaires backed by Research

Daily Habits of Millionaires

More often than not, money is simply a bye product of doing something well. The most passionate individuals, artists, entrepreneurs and professionals love what they do. They build great habits that make them skilful in what they do and they keep moving up the ladder of success.

Most millionaires share common habits and traits that set them apart. These habits and routines help add value, which helps them acquire and sustain wealth. Here’s a look at the daily habits of the self made millionaires:

1. Right Investments

Millionaires make the right investments. They prioritise not just money and time, but also skills and relationships. Millionaires learn the right skills that give them the leverage over others.

Millionaires invest their time in doing things that yield great returns for them in the future. They learn things that make them valuable, build good relationships, prioritise self improvement and take a long term view of things.

By making the right investments, the millionaires set themselves up for a more successful life. According to a study by Corley, the millionaires read two or more books every month. They invest time in reading, improving their skills and learning.

2. Exercise

Exercise

Countless studies show the benefit of exercise for your brain and body. The millionaires keep their body, mind and spirit in the best shape by exercising. A study revealed that over 76% of millionaires exercise over 30 minutes a day.

According to research conducted on 600 American millionaires by Sarah Stanley Fallaw, millionaires may have more time for exercise because they spend less time on social media. The average American spends 14 hours a week on social media compared to an average millionaire who spends 2.5 hours a week.

3. Work Hard & Create Value

Millionaires work harder than other people. Infact research shows that 86 percent of wealthy people who work full time put in 50 hours  or more each week at their career.

The millionaires create value for others and themselves by doing things differently. A majority of the millionaires are into business and create value for others. They work hard and do things innovatively to create value for others.

4. Patience

Patience

On average it takes around 32 years to reach the millionaire mark. Yes, most of the people who get to the million figure mark get there after they are 50 years old. Infact, of all millionaires, only 4% of them became millionaires before they were 45 years old.

Millionaires are patient. They know it takes time to build things and they are prepared to fight things out. They are resilient and don’t accept defeat easily.

5. They are Frugal

The average millionaire is more frugal than non millionaires and doesnt spend money on unnecessary things. Even when they can afford luxury items and accessories, millionaires tend not to go overboard with their spending habits.

The average millionaire avoids credit cards, debts and depreciating assets.
As Warren Buffett says, “If you buy things you don’t need, you will soon sell things you need.”

6. Self Improvement & Learning

Self Improvement & Learning

What you know today will have very little significance tomorrow. The only thing that counts is constant learning and growth. When it comes to millionaires, they spend quality time reading, learning and upgrading themselves to a better version all the time.

Corley’s research revealed 88% of the rich devote thirty minutes or more to self-education or self-improvement reading every day.

The habit of self learning, improving oneself and acquiring the skills needed in the competitive world puts millionaires on a different level.

7. Bounce Back

It takes time to become a millionaire. The average is approximately 32 years. Even if you started by 21, you will need to wait until 53 to be a millionaire.

Millionaires have an inherent tendency to bounce back after failures. They know how to handle pressure, tough times and bounce back stronger. They are gritty and learn from their mistakes. 

Stanely’s research showed that the average millionaire goes bankrupt 3.5 times before they eventually succeed. It goes to show that the millionaires have higher commitment levels than most other people.

8. Hang Out with Successful People

Hang Out with Successful People

Millionaires hang out with successful people. They know that the time they spend with people will have a bearing on their life. They build relationships and peer groups of people where they can learn things.

When you hang out with winners, you pick up their daily habits, strategies, and mindset. You know where the industry is headed and how you can prepare yourself for the upcoming challenges. People with strong networks are also able to get things done with relative ease.

Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” For millionaires, “Your net worth is the average of five people you spend the most time with.”

8 Solid Hacks to Improve the Quality of Your Work

Hacks to Improve the Quality of Your Work

What you do and how well you do it defines you. The greatest professionals and top achievers in any field excel because they are passionate about their work. It is rare to see anyone who reaches the top hating what his work.

The quality of work often separates the ordinary people from the top  achievers. With tight deadlines, constantly changing priorities and uncertainties looming in your head, it can be hard to stay focused.

But the top professionals always find a way to achieve consistency and deliver high quality work. Infact, they are rated top professionals owing to the quality of what they do.

Here’s a look at 8 hacks which will help you to improve the quality of your work.

1. Spirit of Work

Your work occupies the largest part of your day and mindspace. You cannot do well in your life, unless you do things with the right spirit. The energy and spirit with which you work is very important. Hate your boss, but love your work. The quality of your work will never let you down.

If you don’t like what you do, switch track and pursue what you love. Quality work will open the doors to the greatest opportunities of your life.

2. Negative Feedback

Negative Feedback

It sounds counterintuitive, but negative feedback shapes the quality of your work. When you want to improve continuously, you need to seek ways where you can do better.

It is also equally important to understand that negative or constructive feedback can pinpoint areas for improvement. A Harvard study revealed that when the negative feedback comes from someone who values you, it can help you improve and grow.

When the intention behind the negative feedback is positive & comes from someone who knows your craft, it can push you in the right direction. It can make you aware of your blind spots that you need to work on.

3. Taking Ownership

The guys who produce the best work are those who own things they work on. It means putting yourself in the line of fire and acknowledging your mistakes.

It means doing everything it takes to get things done and taking full responsibility for what you do. When you work with full commitment and energy, it multiplies your opportunities.

Great athletes, artists, scientists and professionals are recognized by the best work of their lives. When you work with an attitude of ownership, you care about the results and do your best.

4. Quit multitasking

Quit multitasking

Multitasking often leads to mediocrity. It is a sure fire way of diluting the quality of your work. Several studies have shown that multitasking robs you of quality work. It causes distractions and leads to poor productivity.

Our brains are geared to handle one task at a time. When we do things with full attention, the quality of the work is elevated. In other words, you need to put all your mental energy into the task to get the best outcomes. 

5. Tools & Technology

We are all hard pressed to do things faster and better all the time. The rate at which things are progressing, we need to make the best use of time available at our disposal. The top professionals in various fields know and learn to use the best technology and tools available for them.

Whether it is the latest app, gadgets, other tools and technologies, find out what works for you. Using the best tools and technology can help you become more efficient in your work. It can help you gain significant advantage over others who don’t use them or use them inefficiently.

6. Be Honest

Be Honest

People who stand out from the crowd are driven by very strong values. They know what they are doing and why they are doing them. You cannot cheat your way to success in life. There is a price you need to pay for everything you do.

When you are honest with yourself and you do your best, there is great satisfaction. You are mentally free from all complexities and can do really well in your chosen field. 

“If you want to be successful, you must respect one rule – Never lie to yourself.” 

Paulo Coelho.

7. Everyone Makes Mistakes

Mistakes are fine as long as you don’t make them intentionally. When you are doing something new and creative, mistakes happen. The best thing is to move on quickly and learn from those mistakes. The lessons from mistakes can be applied to your work going forward.

Moving forward is the key. When you make mistakes, acknowledge them and move forward. Forgive yourself and take the next course of action that will help you do better work. Mistakes are signs of progress, provided you own them and move forward.

8. Humility

Humility

Arrogance rarely leads to sustained excellence. What you are doing today will be irrelevant tomorrow. The key is to evolve with the changing times and needs. When people become cocky, they become closed to other people’s opinions and feedback. 

When you are humble, you acknowledge people and things around you. You are more receptive to feedback and can adapt according to the situation. Quality work demands adaptability, change and constant focus. Without humility, it is easy to lose perspective on things.

The 7 Most Stunningly Beautiful Destinations in the World

Most-Stunningly-Beautiful-Destinations

The world is astonishing and full of beautiful places. For travelers and backpackers, the excitement of exploring new sites is second to none. The natural wonders are scenic and soothing for visitors. The journey quite  exhilarating and fun. 

Here we look at some of the stunning, mysterious and breath taking landmarks around the world. These attractions are easily fit for your bucket list. Each of these destinations offer extraordinary and enthralling experiences to savour. 

1. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is full of scenic and natural beauty. It is one of the largest parks in Croatia. It covers an area of 296.85 square kilometers and attracts over 1 million visitors every year. 

The national park is best known for 16 crystalline lakes that join one another through a string of fountains and waterfalls. The park also has flourishing wildlife and not to mention the colourful butterflies that add to the amazement of the hikes.

The lakes are mesmerizingly beautiful all through the year, especially when magical fall colors the trees. Summer is the time when visitors flock the park, but the frozen winters are equally tantalising. 

2. Grand Canyon, USA

Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is quite staggering. It is as astonishing as it is beautiful. The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona, USA. The layers of red rock are all over the place. The length of Grand Canyon is 277 miles (477Km), width upto 18 miles (29Km) and depth of over 1.15 mile (1.857 Km).

There are numerous ways tourists can enjoy the gigantic Canyon. Visitors can take helicopter tours, walk, hike, take rides, bike, and boat on the Colorado River.

3. Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan, Myanmar

Located in central Myanmar, Bagan is an archaeological area and ancient city. The city was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to the 13th century.

The site is quite magnificient and attracts tourists from around the world. It has one of the largest number of Buddhist temples in the world. Most of these temples are ancient and date back to the 9th and 13th centuries. There are many monasteries in Bagan too. The kingdom had over 4,416 Buddhist temples, of which 2,217 temples still survive to this day.

4. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil border

Iguazu Falls

One of the natural wonders of the world, this chain of mini waterfalls is one of the planet’s most awesome and breathtaking sights.

A visit to this site is a thrilling  experience. The power and noise of the cascades, a chain of hundreds of waterfalls falling from nearly 80m and 3km in extension is something worth witnessing.

The falls are split between Brazil and Argentina in a large expanse of national park. Most of it is rainforest teeming with unique flora and fauna.

5. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Japan is a spectacular site. Visited by many, the serene space boasts countless towering green bines that fill you with awe and energy as you walk through.

The experience even extends beyond the visual realm now. In 1996, Japan’s Environment ministry included the sounds here for wood creaking, leaves rustling. It is one of the top 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

6. Maroon Bells, USA

Maroon Bells, USA

Located at about 10 miles from Aspen, Colorado, the Maroon Bells are two 14,000-foot peaks in the Elk Mountains that are reflected in a crystal clear Maroon Lake. The glacial valley adds to the ambience of the place. 

They are known as the crown jewels of the Rocky Mountains. The sunlight makes the appearance of a golden crown on the snowy mountains. It is easily one of the most photographed sites in the USA. 

7. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination in Italy, in the Campania region. The 50Km stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrento Peninsula is one of the most attractive places in the world.

The place boasts of a mediterranean landscape, cliffs and small beaches. Amalfi has a buoyant vibe, great atmosphere and lovely views. There are lots of shops and restaurants too. There are thousands of tourists all over Amalfi Coast. The boat ride can make your journey quite stunning.

If you have any suggestions for places to add to this list, please leave your comments below.

5 Neuroscience Hacks for Making You a Better Leader

Neuroscience Hacks

What has neuroscience got to do with leadership? Quite a lot, reveal many studies. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress and chaos in the modern day lives can take a toll on leaders.

As per the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2019, as complex structural changes impact people’s work, relationships and lives, mental health problems now affect an estimated 700 million people worldwide.

Leaders need to confront these facts and find ways to overcome these challenges. A leader needs to understand how the human brain responds to challenges, situations and various events.

Here we look at 5 Neuroscience hacks for better leadership.

1. Learning New Things:

The brain changes throughout your life. The neuroplasticity of the brain is affected when you learn new things. Our brains work better when we keep learning new things. Leaders understand the urge for learning that is inbuilt into the human brain.

Leaders encourage constant learning and help their team take on new challenges. They create a framework where learning, experimentation and growth is encouraged for their team members.

Researchers have found that new neurons are created in the brain associated with learning, memory and emotion throughout adult life. Your brain can be as dynamic as you want it to be.

2. Stress Management

Stress Management

Our brains work best when they are constantly supplemented with physical activity. The physical activity stimulates the chemicals that affect the brain cells. It is immensely helpful in keeping your brain sharp and focused.

As human beings become more and more dependent on technology, the stress in the system builds up. Physical exercise and activity is the best way to release this stress.

Leaders need to know that stress impairs brain functioning. It also speeds up cognitive decline. Physical activity, mindfulness and aerobics can help to manage stress.

3. Leading by Example

lead-by-example

According to neuroscientist, Tej Tadi, “brain cells that fire both when a person acts and that person observes the same action performed by another person.”

Leaders must understand that people learn by observing things around them. The brain mimics the behaviour of the persons we associate with. Leaders must set the right examples by leading from the front. They must create a congenial environment where people can learn and grow together.

4. Uncertainty is Good

We all seek predictability and certainty in things we do. But situations and events around us are never predictable. The corporate world, in particular throws many unprecedented and unknown challenges. Leaders need to constantly guard themselves and their teams against the unpredictable.

A Yale University study has shown that the brain benefits from volatility and uncertainty boosts learning. Professor Daeyeol Lee says, “when you enter a more novel and volatile environment, this might enhance the tendency for the brain to absorb more information.”

The brain is not always learning, but adapts according to situations. So, the more challenging situations may bring out the best in the teams.

5. Explain the Why

explain-the-why

Our brain works best when it can understand the cause and effect. People are in a state of inertia unless they are compelled to move. Resistance and change can be hard. But when people know the reason why something needs to be done, they figure out the how.

Leaders need to play an important role in defining the why, the purpose to bring out the best in their teams. Our brains are geared to work on positive experiences. When we know something is important and feel connected to it, the results can be taken to a different level altogether.

When leaders understand the psychology of their people, they can connect with them better & bring out the best in them.

28 Gratitude Quotes to Make You Feel Thankful

28-Gratitude-Quotes-to-Make-You-Feel-Thankful

1. “Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you’re going to live your life.”

Joel Osteen

Joel-Osteen

2. “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”

Aesop

3. “Every day, I like to wake up and remind myself to be grateful of the simple things.”

Miranda Kerr

Miranda-Kerr

4. “Gratitude will shift you to a higher frequency, and you will attract much better things.”

Rhonda Byrne

5. “Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.”

Jim Rohn

Jim-Rohn

6. “Grateful souls focus on the happiness and abundance present in their lives and this, in turn, attracts more abundance and joy towards them.”

 Stephen Richards

7. “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

Robert Brault

Robert-Brault

8. “You will never have enough, do enough or be enough, until you see yourself today as enough.”

Cindy Keating

9. “Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.”

Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

Fred-De-Witt-Van-Amburgh

10. “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”

Eckhart Tolle

11. “Life changes so quickly. feeling grateful to be around such wonderful people to strengthen and grow with.”

Riley Keough

Riley-Keough

12. “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

Mahatma Gandhi

13. “Gratitude is what you feel when you want what you already have.”

James Clear

James-Clear

14. “Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining – it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn’t solve any problems.”

Zig Ziglar

15. “A moment of gratitude makes a difference in your attitude.”

Bruce Wilkinso

Bruce-Wilkinso

16. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

John F. Kennedy

17. “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”

Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie

18. “The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.”

William James

19. “Stop thinking of gratitude as a byproduct of your circumstances and start thinking of it as a worldview.”

Bryan Robles

Bryan-Robles

20. “If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.”

 Gerald Good

21. “Opening your eyes to more of the world around you can deeply enhance your gratitude practice.”

Derrick Carpenter

Derrick Carpenter

22. “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

Charles Dickens

23. “The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.”

John E. Southard

John E. Southard

24. “When you are grateful – when you can see what you have – you unlock blessings to flow in your life.”

Suze Orman

25. “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”

Cynthia Ozick

Cynthia Ozick

26. “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

27. “If you can’t reward, then you should thank.”

Arabic proverb

Arabic proverb

28. “The best way to be thankful is to use the goods the gods provide you.”

Anthony Trollope

6 Powerful Tips for Increasing Your Willpower

6-Powerful-Tips-for-Increasing-Your-Willpower

Several studies and scientific researches have established willpower plays a key role in making one successful in life. Willpower is a power that shapes our lives and impacts our health, relationships, finances and overall well being.

According to American Psychological Association, willpower is the ability to delay gratification and resist short-term temptations to meet long-term goals.

Why is willpower so important? It is because willpower is the energy that drives human achievements and helps one overcome the hurdles. It is self control and regulation for attaining the bigger things in life. 

Willpower is limited stockpile of energy. Frequently using it depletes it too. Research by Roy Baumeister from University of Florida confirms it. He says, “It consistently turned out that after people exerted self-control in one task and then came to a different self-control task, they would do worse on the second one.”

Willpower is like a muscle. You have to train the muscle to grow, but over exertion can be harmful too.

Here we look at some of the effective ways you can increase your willpower.

1. Self Imposed Deadlines

Self Imposed Deadlines

Putting off things for tomorrow and procrastination can derail things for you.  Researchers have found that by creating self imposed deadlines, you can improve your willpower.

Simply pick a task on your to do list and put a deadline for completing it. Focus your mental energy on completing the task and stick to things until you get done.

By having a time frame and deadline, your commitment towards the task improves. You are able to get more done. This principle works well whether it is work, diets, exercise or anything else that you want done.

2. Control Your Impulses

Willpower is about controlling your impulses and resisting temptations. People are likely to be more successful in their professional and personal lives when they exhibit greater control over themselves. Instant gratification and falling for short term things is often a sign of weakness.

The Marshmallow study at Stanford confirms this finding. Children were given sweets. They were asked to choose between a sweet right away or have double the portion after 15 minutes.

Kids who managed to wait and delay immediate gratification were believed to have stronger willpower.

The study did not stop there. After years of long-term evaluation, it was found that the kids who were able to delay gratification had better life results. The life success was measured in terms of education, work performance, health etc.

3. Meditate & Exercise

Meditate & Exercise

Exercise and meditation have a great effect on your brain. The brain functioning improves significantly and you receive energy for increasing your willpower too.

People who exercise have greater willpower and self control than others who don’t. Whether you go to gym, run or do yoga, all these have a very beneficial effect on your body and mind. 

When people exercise, even once or twice a week, they develop patterns to help them cope with their day to day lives better. They are more in control of themselves and improve other aspects of their lives too.

4. Forgive Yourself

Everyone makes mistakes. The key is to not be too critical of your mistakes. Forgive yourself and find ways of doing better next time. People who hang on to mistakes for too long deprive themselves of moving ahead.

The book Willpower Instinct reveals a fascinating finding about forgiving yourself. It’s forgiveness, not guilt, that increases accountability. Researchers found that instead of taking a self critical approach, it is better to take a self compassionate approach. It helps you get the right feedback from people around you and move forward in the right direction.

5. Nutrition & Nature

Nutrition & Nature

The food you eat influences your mind. When you eat live food that is good for your energy, it creates a healthy body and mind. You are more vibrant and energetic. It helps your mental faculties too, which is required for will power.

Natural surroundings and getting away from day to day chores can strengthen your mind. A weekend get away into the greenery and nature can strengthen your willpower. It can also replenish your energy reserves.

6. Tie Yourself to a Bigger Goal

Your life is shaped by the goals you set for yourself. Often when you are inspired by lofty goals and higher ideals, you will draw immense energy from them.

The most successful people are often inspired by their undertakings. They tie themselves to bigger goals, pursuing them and reaching them becomes an obsession for them.  It helps them focus all their energies in one direction. It makes them rise above distractions and immediate gratifications. When you set higher goals for yourself, your life is elevated too.