13 habits of self-made millionaires, from a man who spent 5 years studying rich people

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All self-made millionaires had to start somewhere.

Much of their transformation from ordinary to seven-figure status can attributed to "rich habits," a term coined by Thomas C. Corley, who spent five years researching the daily habits of 177 self-made millionaires.

"From my research, I discovered that daily habits dictate how successful or unsuccessful you will be in life," he writes in his upcoming book "Change Your Habits, Change Your Life." "There is a cause and effect associated with habits. Habits are the cause of wealth, poverty, happiness, sadness, stress, good relationships, bad relationships, good health, or bad health."

The good news is all habits can be changed, Corley notes. Here are a few "rich habits" of self-made millionaires that you can start developing today:

1. They read consistently.

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The rich would rather be educated than entertained. As Corley writes, "Eighty-eight percent of the rich devote thirty minutes or more each day to self-education or self-improvement reading ... Most did not read for entertainment ... The rich read to acquire or maintain knowledge."

Corley found that they tend to read three types of books: biographies of successful people, self-help or personal development, and history.

2. They exercise.

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"Seventy-six percent of the rich aerobically exercise 30 minutes or more every day," Corley reports. Aerobic exercise includes anything cardio, such as running, jogging, walking, or biking.

"Cardio is not only good for the body, but it's good for the brain," he writes. "It grows the neurons (brain cells) in the brain ... Exercise also increases the production of glucose. Glucose is brain fuel. The more fuel you feed your brain, the more it grows and the smarter you become."

3. They hang out with other successful people.

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"You are only as successful as those you frequently associate with," Corley writes. "The rich are always on the lookout for individuals who are goal-oriented, optimistic, enthusiastic, and who have an overall positive mental outlook."

It's equally important to avoid negative people and influences, Corley emphasizes: "Negative, destructive criticism will derail you from pursing success."

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