A study by Harvard Business School experts identified several habits and life skills that wealthy individuals often prioritize.

Investing

Wealthy individuals often prioritize investments in various areas, from personal finance and stocks to projects, self-improvement, and personal interests. These are considered essential life skills they actively pursue to generate long-term profits and value.

In contrast, middle-class individuals tend to invest less, not due to a lack of desire for self-improvement or wealth growth, but primarily because of limited knowledge and time.

Research from the Pew Research Center indicates that high-income households generally possess stronger financial literacy, enabling them to make more effective investment decisions compared to lower-income individuals.

Public speaking skills offer many benefits but are often neglected. Photo illustration: Pexels

Public speaking skills

While some wealthy individuals shy away from media appearances, many excel in soft skills like management, emotional intelligence, and public speaking. These skills play a crucial role, significantly contributing to their success.

Conversely, middle-class and working-class individuals are often hesitant to speak in public, partly due to a lack of opportunity, time constraints, or fewer professional connections requiring advanced communication skills.

Wealthy individuals tend to embrace risks and actively seek the best career opportunities. They can be selective about high-paying jobs and management positions where public speaking is a key requirement, as they are not pressured to work merely for survival.

Networking

Research from Cornell University reveals that wealthy individuals often have broader social networks. This allows them to easily seek advice and support when needed. Building and maintaining relationships is a life skill prioritized by the wealthy, while the middle class tends to avoid it, sometimes unaware of its importance.

This difference can stem from various factors: the wealthy may already have established family connections, have time to attend conferences and networking events, and possess a strong understanding of professional communication. In contrast, middle-class individuals are often too busy, exhausted, or stressed, leaving them with little energy for social activities or professional events. They choose avoidance to protect their health and time.

Financial knowledge

Financial knowledge is a life skill prioritized by the wealthy but often overlooked by the middle class. While wealth can come from privilege or inheritance, financial understanding remains crucial for building and maintaining prosperity.

Middle-class individuals are more susceptible to emotional or impulsive spending, often as a coping mechanism for chronic stress or anxiety. Pressures like juggling multiple jobs or managing household chores alone are rarely experienced by the wealthy. They may inadvertently neglect financial education and healthy money habits, even resorting to overspending for a sense of social belonging or emotional stability.

Regular reading

According to American financial expert Tom Corley, 88% of financially successful people read for more than 30 minutes each day. This suggests they have the time and resources for intellectual pursuits and self-development. As a result, the wealthy often possess broader knowledge compared to the middle class, who typically have less financial freedom.

Reading for leisure is also a significant factor in expanding knowledge and promoting mental well-being.

Thanh Thanh (Yourtango)