How to build reading habits like a millionaire and make 2025 your most successful year

 

What do Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffett have in common? Beyond their remarkable achievements and contributions to their respective fields, they all share a powerful habit: reading. Successful individuals often credit their reading habits as one of the keys to their growth, decision-making, and innovation.

In this post, we’ll explore the reading habits of highly successful people, the types of books they prioritize, and how you can incorporate similar practices into your life to unlock your potential.

Why Successful People Make Time for Reading

 

While many of us struggle to fit reading into our busy schedules, successful individuals prioritize it. What some consider a ‘waste of time’, people who make a ton of money don’t exchange it for anything. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens:

• Continuous Learning: Reading is a lifelong education. Successful people understand that knowledge is power, and books are one of the best ways to stay informed and up-to-date in a rapidly changing world. Warren Buffett, for example, spends five to six hours a day reading newspapers, annual reports, and books to make informed decisions.

• Improved Decision-Making: Reading provides access to diverse perspectives, which helps individuals make better decisions. By learning from the successes and failures of others, successful people gain insights that guide their own choices.

• Mental Stimulation: Books are perfect for challenging the mind and fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Elon Musk famously taught himself about rocket science by reading books, demonstrating how reading can bridge knowledge gaps in any field.

• Stress Relief and Focus: Amid their hectic lives, many successful people turn to reading as a way to relax and refocus. Oprah Winfrey has often described reading as her “personal escape” and a source of grounding during stressful times.

Types of Books Successful People Read

 

Successful people don’t just read anything, they choose books that align with their goals and values. So, the question is not ‘How do successful people read?’, but rather ‘What do successful people read?’. Let’s dive into this:

• Nonfiction for Personal Growth: Books on self-improvement, productivity, and leadership are staples in their libraries. Titles like Atomic Habits by James Clear or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey are common books successful people read to refine their habits and mindsets.

• Biographies and Memoirs: Learning from the lives of others is a powerful way to gain insight and inspiration. Biographies of visionaries like Steve Jobs or Nelson Mandela offer lessons on resilience, creativity, and leadership.

• Industry-Specific Reads: Whether it’s finance, technology, or art, successful people read books that deepen their expertise in their chosen fields. For example, Jeff Bezos has credited books like The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen with influencing his business strategy at Amazon.

• Fiction for Creativity and Empathy: While nonfiction dominates, many successful people also read fiction. Novels help them develop empathy by immersing them in different perspectives, which is crucial for building strong relationships and understanding diverse audiences.

• Science and Philosophy: Finally, books on philosophy and science provide frameworks for thinking about the world. Bill Gates frequently recommends titles that explore complex issues, such as Factfulness by Hans Rosling, to deepen his understanding of global challenges.

Reading Habits of Successful People That Set Them Apart

 

Apart from what they read, how successful people read is what makes a difference. Take a look at some successful people’s daily habits you can incorporate into your routine to succeed like them:

• They Schedule Reading Time: As we said in the beginning, successful people make reading a non-negotiable part of their routine. For instance, Barack Obama reads for 30 minutes before bed every night, while Mark Cuban spends three hours a day reading to stay ahead in business. If you add it to your schedule, it becomes a to-do and not a random ‘If I have time i’ll start reading’.

• They Read with Purpose: They approach reading strategically, focusing on books that align with their goals. Before diving into a book, they often ask, ‘What do I want to learn from this?’.

• They Take Notes: Active reading is key. Successful readers take notes, highlight passages, and write down key takeaways to retain and apply what they’ve learned. Bill Gates is known for writing detailed notes in the margins of books he reads. If you don’t like writing in your books, keep a journal nearby to take notes.

• They Diversify Their Reading: Rather than sticking to one genre, successful people explore a wide range of topics to broaden their horizons. This diversity sparks creativity and enables them to draw connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.

• They Apply What They Learn: Reading isn’t just an intellectual exercise, it’s a tool for action. Successful people actively implement the lessons and ideas they gain from books in their work and personal lives.

How to Build Reading Habits Like a Successful Person

 

If you’re inspired by the reading habits of successful people and want to get on the same path, here are some tips to get started:

• Set Reading Goals: Define what you want to achieve through reading. It could be finishing one book per month, learning a new skill, or exploring a specific genre.

• Create a Reading Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day to reading, even if it’s just 20–30 minutes. Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, consistency is key.

• Choose Books Wisely: Select books that align with your interests, goals, and values. If a book doesn’t resonate with you, don’t be afraid to move on, reading should be a joy, not a chore.

• Keep a Reading List: Successful people often maintain a curated list of books they want to read. Apps like Goodreads or simple lists in your notes app can help you stay organized and motivated.

• Embrace Audiobooks: For busy schedules, audiobooks can be a game-changer. They allow you to “read” while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. If you love listening to podcasts while doing other things, give audiobooks a try!

• Join a Book Club or Community: Sharing your thoughts with others can deepen your understanding and make reading more enjoyable. Many successful people participate in book clubs or online discussions.

Final Words

 

The reading habits of successful people reveal a common truth: knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth. By committing to regular reading, you can improve your decision-making, expand your perspective, and unlock new opportunities.