The lifestyles of the fabulously wealthy are everywhere; in magazines, on social media, and on your television. At times, it can seem as though these wildly successful people are doing something that you aren’t; perhaps it’s all the life coaches they can afford, the parties they go to where they make invaluable connections, or the panel of financial advisors keeping a close watch on every cent. While many of those with money were “born into it” there are many who weren’t – those who are “self-made” millionaires, who made a series of wise decisions and capitalized on them.

Whether you believe it was sheer luck, or simply savvy, there’s a noticeable pattern to the way that many wealthy people maintain their lifestyle, and some of the strategies are things that you can implement in your own life. It sounds almost preposterous, but there are very real changes you can make that can set you on a course to increasing your own wealth – and who better to take cues from than those who’ve already made it? If you’re looking for a way to add more to your retirement fund, or simply a way to increase your chances of having a more successful lifestyle, keep reading!

1. Make the necessary changes for minimalist living

There’s more than likely a few places in your life where you can make cuts – like eating out, expensive spa services, or frivolous spending at the mall. Many don’t want to admit it, but if money spent on small day-to-day pleasures (which adds up over time) were to be re-directed to benefit the “bigger picture”, that money has the potential to grow. Often times we can get caught in trying to “keep up with the Joneses” and inadvertently financially sabotage ourselves. Trying to maintain a lifestyle you cannot afford will only take you so far before you’re exhausted from trying to live beyond your means.

2. Listen to podcasts and audio books to enrich your knowledge

What’s a podcast you might ask? Much like the radio shows of your youth, a podcast is an audio recording, usually in the form of a niche talk show. Many podcasts are recorded just like any other show with regular installments that are available for download on the internet, which can then be listened to on a computer, a mobile device, a tablet, or even in your car!

Educational podcasts can be on a variety of topics, which can include financial advice, business news, self-help topics, and more. Similarly, you can also listen to audio books that can also offer a wealth of information on a number of devices. Choosing to pursue knowledge in a fairly simple (and often free) way could be the difference between those who do, and those who watch others do what they want to do. Why? Because knowledge is power, and the more you know, the more control you can have over the future of your finances.

3. Convert your hobbies into dollars

Do you enjoy painting? Photography? Ceramics? Carpentry? If you have a favorite pastime that could potentially become a side business – what are you waiting for?! Capitalizing on your talents is an easy way to catapult a passion into a successful business venture, and it can be incredibly rewarding to boot. The possibilities are endless with money making hobbies, and the internet could be the vehicle that launches what you love to do into a full-fledged enterprise if you decide to delve into entrepreneur friendly websites such as Etsy and Ebay.

4. Volunteer

What better way to show appreciation for your successes in life than to give back to the community? You don’t have to be a big shot to be appreciated by those in need – being willing to lend a helping hand, showing compassion for others, and tasking yourself with promoting a worthy cause can benefit you both personally and career wise if you’re pursuing post-retirement ventures. Volunteering is a great addition to your retirement activities – especially if you like meeting new people!

5. Cultivate success by defining goals

Martha Stewart and Warren Buffett didn’t become successful overnight, and nor did they acquire their wealth by wishful thinking – you likely won’t either! Setting definable goals, having a strategy to attain them and being vigilant in pursuing them are all good habits of the wealthy that you can work into your own approach. It’s great to have dreams, to have ideas, but without goals (however small) you will have a hard time taking the necessary steps to achieve your idea of success. Similarly, don’t make the mistake of being so rigidly committed to a goal that you aren’t able to “adjust your sails” if need be – thinking on your feet will keep you going forward regardless of what you may encounter.

6. Keep your work and/or creative space organized

While this may seem like a no-brainer, it’s actually much easier than we may realize to let our designated work or creative spaces get cluttered. Much of your external environment can influence your thought process, so when it’s messy you can imagine the subconscious effect it can have! Creating a space that is organized and inspiring can go much further than you may think it will – the more inviting it is, the more likely you are to sit down and focus on what it is you’re seeking to accomplish.

6. Allow yourself room for improvement by asking for constructive criticism and input

It’s never easy to ask for someone’s opinion on what you’re striving for and how you’re striving for it, but the more perspective you can get, the more objectively you’ll be able to assess your approach and adjust it. Asking for help, consulting your peers, friends, former colleagues, or even your family allows for fresh sets of eyes to see things in a way that perhaps you wouldn’t consider. The wealthy consult with their spouses, families, and friends to weigh in on their ventures in order to gauge their efforts too, so don’t think that you’re only limited to a panel of experts or your own judgment!

7. Opt to walk and exercise more

Contrary to what you may be thinking, you don’t need a personal trainer, an in-home gym, chef, or nutritionist to be active. While how much and to what extent you can exercise will depend on a variety of factors (age, health, time management); hiking, biking, swimming, or other physical activities will promote stress relief and put you in touch with nature. Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, a walk around the neighborhood with your dog or spouse could do wonders for your mood and motivation!

8. Make wise, informed decisions with your money

As early as possible, begin looking into the options you have for the long-term investment of your money. Making your money “work” for you can not only provide a source of income that’s continuously growing, it can also give you a peace of mind knowing that while you’re sleeping, your money is increasing. Always make sure that you consult with either a financial advisor, or a trusted expert in the industry where you’re considering investing – being cognizant and careful with your funds could mean the difference between squandering your retirement fund or growing it. Also, don’t forget the Internet is your friend – the more research you can do, the more informed you will be.

9. Keep successful company

There’s an old adage you’re probably familiar with that goes something like “Misery loves company” and often times, it’s true! Who you surround yourself with can heavily influence your decision making and motivation, and if the people in your inner circle have a defeatist and negative attitude, you can bet it’ll impact you. Where would Steve Jobs be without Steve Wozniack? Oprah without Stedman? John Lennon without Yoko Ono? Stevie Nicks without Fleetwood Mac? While you’re certainly at the helm of your own life’s ship, it’s important that the support that you have is comprised of as many like-minded individuals as possible. The more people you have in your corner with similar ambitions, or at least the drive to achieve their own goals, the more likely you are to be inspired rather than discouraged.

So now you have nine habits of highly successful people in your arsenal, however, it’s up to you to put them into practice. While your goals for retirement and acquiring a more than comfortable amount of money for retirement may seem lofty at times, there are people out there doing it – so what’s stopping you? One thing that no one can guarantee is the level of difficulty in attaining your retirement goals, but incorporating these nine habits in your day-to-day life is a good place to start!

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