When it comes to wealth, many believe that it changes people. And while it’s true for some, there are many wealthy individuals who remain humble and grounded.

The key lies in their habits. These successful folks have certain routines and behaviors that keep them connected to their roots and remind them of their journey.

In this article, we’ll uncover the 9 habits that help these affluent people stay down-to-earth despite their enormous wealth. These habits are simple yet profound, and they can teach us a lot about staying real in the face of success.

So, if you’re intrigued by how the wealthy manage to keep their feet firmly on the ground, read on.

1) They surround themselves with genuine people

Success often attracts a crowd, but not everyone who comes flocking is there for the right reasons.

Wealthy individuals who stay humble and grounded understand this. They carefully curate their inner circle, choosing to surround themselves with genuine people who value them for who they are, not for their money or status.

These individuals could be old friends from before they made their fortune, family members, or new acquaintances who show genuine interest in them as a person. This circle of authenticity helps them stay connected to reality and remember where they came from.

So, one key habit of grounded wealthy individuals is maintaining connections with genuine people. This keeps their feet firmly on the earth, irrespective of how high they soar in terms of wealth and success.

Remember, it’s not about having an entourage; it’s about having real relationships with real people.

2) They never forget their roots

Many wealthy individuals who remain humble have a strong connection to their past. They remember where they came from and the struggles they faced on their journey to success. For them, their past is a constant reminder of how far they’ve come and the hard work it took to get there.

For instance, I have a friend who made it big in the tech industry. Despite his wealth, he maintains a humble lifestyle and often visits his old neighborhood. He even participates in community events and local charity work. He tells me that it keeps him grounded and reminds him of his humble beginnings.

This habit of remembering your roots can act as a powerful grounding mechanism, no matter how successful you become. It’s a constant reminder that wealth and success didn’t come easy, and it’s a journey worth remembering and appreciating.

3) They practice gratitude regularly

One common habit among humble wealthy individuals is the regular practice of gratitude. They understand that their success isn’t solely a result of their hard work, but also due to the support and opportunities they’ve been given.

Gratitude has been scientifically proven to increase happiness, reduce depression and stress, and even improve physical health. It shifts your mindset from focusing on what’s going wrong to appreciating what’s going right.

Many successful people have a daily gratitude ritual. Some write in a gratitude journal each morning or night, while others make it a point to verbally express their appreciation to the people around them every day. This practice of acknowledging their blessings keeps them grounded and prevents them from taking their wealth for granted.

4) They’re always learning

Wealthy individuals who remain humble are lifelong learners. They understand that no matter how successful they are, there’s always something new to learn. Their wealth doesn’t make them complacent, but rather fuels their curiosity and desire to grow.

These individuals invest their time and resources in gaining knowledge. They read books, attend seminars, hire coaches or mentors, and seek advice from experts in various fields.

This constant thirst for learning helps them stay open-minded, adaptable, and always ready to improve. It also keeps their ego in check, reminding them that they don’t have all the answers and there’s always room for growth.

5) They give back

A common trait among humble wealthy individuals is their commitment to giving back. They recognize that they have been fortunate and feel a responsibility to share their wealth and success with others.

This could be in the form of charitable donations, establishing scholarships, funding community projects, or volunteering their time and expertise.

Giving back not only contributes to their personal fulfillment but also keeps them connected to the world outside their wealth bubble. It’s a constant reminder of the larger community around them and the impact they can make beyond their personal success.

6) They value relationships over riches

While they’ve amassed wealth, these humble individuals understand that relationships are the true riches of life. They know that money can buy comfort and convenience, but it can’t buy genuine love, friendship, or respect.

They invest time and effort in building and maintaining strong relationships with their family, friends, and even business associates. They treat people with kindness and respect, regardless of their social status or wealth.

This focus on relationships helps them remain grounded. It serves as a reminder that at the end of the day, it’s not what you have in your bank account that truly matters, but the people you have in your life and the love and respect you share with them.

7) They embrace simplicity

Despite having the means to live extravagantly, many wealthy individuals who remain humble choose simplicity. They understand that happiness and contentment don’t come from material possessions but from within.

This reminds me of a time when I received a significant promotion at work. Suddenly, I found myself with a larger income and the ability to afford luxuries I’d previously only dreamed of. However, rather than splurging on expensive items or experiences, I found greater joy in maintaining my simple lifestyle.

This isn’t to say that they don’t enjoy their wealth or indulge occasionally, but they don’t let material possessions define them or their happiness. Embracing simplicity allows them to stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.

8) They practice humility

Humility is a key virtue that sets apart wealthy individuals who remain grounded. They don’t flaunt their wealth or use it to place themselves above others. They understand that their wealth is a part of their life, not their identity.

These individuals are comfortable acknowledging their mistakes and learning from them. They don’t let their success cloud their judgment or make them feel invincible.

Practicing humility allows these wealthy individuals to remain approachable and relatable, despite their financial success. It’s a habit that keeps them rooted and reminds them of their humanity.

9) They keep a balanced view of money

The wealthiest individuals who stay humble and grounded have a balanced view of money. They see it as a tool, not an end in itself. It’s a means to achieve their goals, support their loved ones, and contribute to society.

They understand that while money can provide comfort and security, it doesn’t guarantee happiness or fulfillment. This perspective helps them stay focused on their values and not get carried away by their financial success. It’s the foundation that keeps them grounded no matter how high they climb on the ladder of wealth.

Final thoughts: It’s about the journey, not the destination

The journey to wealth is often portrayed as a relentless pursuit of more – more money, more possessions, more status. But the habits of wealthy individuals who remain humble and grounded paint a different picture.

For these individuals, wealth is not an end in itself but a byproduct of their passion, hard work, and values. They approach their success with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to remain true to themselves.

They show us that success doesn’t have to change who we are. Rather, it can amplify our values, our connections, and our impact on the world.

As billionaire Warren Buffett once said, “Of the billionaires I have known, money just brings out the basic traits in them. If they were jerks before they had money, they are simply jerks with a billion dollars.”

So as we reflect on these habits, let’s remember that wealth is just one aspect of our lives. It’s not our identity or our worth. It’s simply a tool that we can use to create a meaningful life for ourselves and others.

And most importantly, let’s remember that the journey matters more than the destination. Because it’s in the journey that we grow, learn, and become who we’re meant to be.