The 1% control 82% of the wealth - how do they do it?

It's true, 1 percent of the people do control 82 percent of the wealth. And the top 1 percent will always control most of the wealth until the other 99 percent figure out how the 1 percent go about cultivating wealth.

So, how do the 1 percent do it? Yes, many of they are lucky and were born into privilege. But, according to my research — for which I interviewed 233 wealthy individuals and 128 poor individuals over three years, from March 2004 to March 2007 — many of them also get or stay rich by practicing certain good habits, like these:

They read to learn every day

Nearly 9 out of 10 of the wealthy in my Rich Habits Study read 30 minutes or more every day to learn. Reading is work. But it's work that is necessary if you want to become rich.

Rich people read because they know that knowledge can be leveraged to gain wealth. The more you know about your field, career or industry, the more valuable you are to those you service or sell to in your field, career or industry.

Deliberate practice

Over two-thirds, or 69 percent, of the rich in my study practiced some specific skill for two or more hours every day. Deliberate practice requires conscious practice as opposed to unconscious practice. Conscious practice is practice in which you study everything you do that goes into the skill you have.

It's about studying the intricate details that enable you to become a virtuoso at what you do.

Pursue long-term goals or a dream

70 percent of the rich in my study pursued some long-term goal or some dream. This is what really drives the disparity between the 1 percent and the other 99 percent . Pursuing big goals or dreams creates the opportunity for good luck to happen. The majority of the 1 percent are beneficiaries of good luck — but good luck they put themselves in a position to receive.

Focus on daily goals

Roughly two-thirds of the rich in my study focused on their daily goals.

Save

Nearly all, or 94 percent, of the rich in my study saved 20 percent or more of their income every year.

Watch your spending

Over two-thirds of the rich in my study were frugal with their money. They spent their money thoughtfully, not emotionally. They bought the highest quality products at the cheapest prices. This habit requires study and patience and delayed gratification.

Forge rich relationships

Over two-thirds of the rich in my study forged relationships with other upbeat, success-minded people, many of whom were also part of the 1 percent. These are people who can open doors for you.

Volunteer

Nearly three-quarters of the rich in my study volunteered five hours or more a month. Why volunteer? Most of the boards and committees in local non-profits are run by successful people within the community.

5 a.m. club

Almost half, or 44 percent, of the rich in my study woke up three or more hours before they began their work day to pursue dreams and goals, to read and be productive. Waking up early is important. It allows you to get things done first thing in the day that help move you forward in life.

Be a decision-maker at work

Over 90 percent of the rich in my study were decision-makers where they worked. If you want to control the outcome of your life, you need to be in charge.

Do work you at least like

Nearly 90 percent of the rich in my study liked what they did for a living. When you like what you do, you will devote more time to doing it: more time honing your skills, more time reading to learn everything about your vocation, more time building relationships with other success-minded people within your industry or field, and more time devoted to improving yourself. All of which makes you more valuable.

Everyone wants to be on the summit but few are willing to hike and sweat to get there. The 1 percent control 82 percent of the wealth largely because they're the ones willing to climb the mountain.

If you want to be one of the 1 percent, you need to start climbing, too.

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