Successful People Have These Ten Habits in Common

Profit, progress and prosperity rarely materialize spontaneously. More often than not, successful people write plans, stay up late and give 110 percent along the way. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be a genius or have a lot of money to find abundance. Successful individuals do, however, have certain helpful habits in common.

Get Organized

Winners keep score. They also organize their surroundings, eliminate clutter and create space to work effectively. One of the most basic techniques for success, organizational prowess, can help you plan ahead, develop and meet deadlines, and figure out priorities.

Challenge Your Mind

Personal development guru Earl Nightingale recommends that successful people take at least half an hour every day to think critically about the world around them. Visualize problems, think of them as challenges, and brainstorm ways to overcome roadblocks to success.

Get Enough Rest

Busy brains need plenty of downtime. Meditation, mindfulness and adequate rest allow the mind to regroup and stay ready for action. Try to get at least seven hours of quality sleep every night to stay bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on a daily basis.

Wake Up Early

Successful people generally get up early and use the beginning of each day to tackle tough questions and complex issues. Many individuals find that they think more clearly and feel more creative before noon, so don't hit that snooze button too many times.

Exercise Regularly

Physically active people feel physically better, but their brains also benefit. A good exercise regimen, including a systematic cardio workout, does wonders for the heart and helps alleviate stress. A 15-minute morning run three times a week can help you stay motivated for an extra two hours every day.

Eat Healthily

Guzzling large, carb-rich portions can make you feel sluggish and also wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels. To stay stable and alert all day long, consider replacing simple carbs like refined sugar with protein and adding extra vegetables to your diet.

Read Extensively

Many of the most successful people on the planet read extensively. Entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Sheryl Sandberg devote hours every week to reading, and benefit from others' mistakes and successes by proxy.

Make Sense of Your Money

Practicing frugality can help you avoid waste and stay within your budget. If you conserve money and avoid overspending, you can invest your cash in a high-yield IRA and build a reassuring nest egg for the future.

Practice Philanthropy

Miserliness is not a trait commonly found in successful people. Most truly prosperous individuals give generously to a range of causes, work personally with local charities and volunteer, hoping to shape the world around them for the better.

Equip Yourself for Success

Poor-quality tools and materials often yield disappointing results. To set yourself up for success, purchase the best quality equipment you can and take care of your resources as you navigate each day.

To become successful, you need to define what success means to you, and then stay motivated enough to reach your goals. Thriftiness, mindful living and generous giving can help you save for retirement, stay healthy and build a bold legacy.

Photo courtesy of  Randy Johnson at Flickr.com