Those "Cliché" Podcast-Journaling-Gym Head-15 Businesses Wealthy People Might Be On To Something
I used to look at the routines and habits of highly successful or wealthy individuals and think, “Yeah, that’s not for me.” You know, those people who wake up at 5 AM to read the Bible for three hours, journal every detail of their previous day, plan their entire schedule down to the minute, work out, and then still seem to manage an eight-hour workday—and claim they get eight perfect hours of sleep every night. To me, back then, those were just clichéd routines that felt irrelevant or out of reach. I thought those folks were either showing off or exaggerating how disciplined they really were. More than that, I didn’t see myself as someone who needed all those habits, so I chalked them up as “just not who I am.”
The Clichés I Used to Dismiss
Waking Up Early: The idea of “rise and grind” before the sun rises felt excessive. I thought, “Why would I get up at 5 AM to read, journal, or do anything when I could just sleep in?”
Reading or Listening to Self-Development 24/7: I’d hear about people who only listened to audiobooks or podcasts and never listened to music or casual radio. I found it over-the-top, and I remember thinking, “Don’t these people ever just relax? Why do they have to be in self-improvement mode all day?”
Multiple Streams of Income: I scoffed at the “passive income” crowd—those who’d talk about their 12 businesses bringing in money from every direction. Honestly, I found it condescending when they’d say, “Just start a new business or invest in real estate!” as if it were the easiest thing in the world.
Modest Clothing Choices: Another cliché was how truly wealthy or successful people supposedly don’t always wear flashy brands. They just do a T-shirt and jeans, or keep their appearance simple. I remember thinking, “They’re pretending to be humble, but they’re probably just as flashy in other ways.”
Working Out and Eating Clean: Hearing about individuals who scheduled gym time as if it were a business meeting also felt unnecessary. I couldn’t imagine how that aligned with making money or becoming more successful—“Why spend money on a gym membership?”
I used to see all these behaviors and think, “That’s for them, not for me. Maybe once I’m that successful, then I’ll start doing all these things.” But I’ve come to learn that I had it backward: adopting these routines is part of becoming successful, not a reward after you’re already there.
The Shift in Perspective: What Changed for Me?
When I started my journey to success, particularly around July 2023, I still believed I wasn’t ready for all these routines. I used to say things like, “I can’t wake up that early,” or “I’ll read those books once I’m already financially stable.” I thought self-development habits were for “other people.”
But as time went on, I found myself in a new business environment surrounded by professionals who practiced what they preached. They were reading every day, listening to podcasts, constantly learning, exercising regularly, and challenging themselves to get comfortable with rejection. Their discipline and consistency weren’t just talk—it was real. At first, I had massive resistance. I thought, “Why on earth would I want to listen to self-improvement podcasts instead of music?” or “Why should I spend time journaling my day when I can just relax?”
However, being around these folks—hearing them talk about their routines, seeing how it affected their energy, their mindset, their results—started to influence me. Little by little, I began adopting the routines myself. I did a go-for-no challenge, trying to rack up as many rejections as possible just to build the muscle of resilience. I started to read some of the books they recommended, like Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, which talked about how wealthy individuals are not afraid to promote themselves and are comfortable marketing their ideas.
And guess what? Once I actually tried some of these routines—waking up earlier, journaling, exercising consistently, reading more—I felt successful. It wasn’t that doing these tasks automatically deposited money into my bank account. Instead, my identity began to shift. I realized that my resistance to these clichés was just that—resistance. They weren’t pointless clichés; they were proven routines that people adopt to grow. In effect, I started feeling more capable, more disciplined, and more in control of my journey.
The Emotional and Mental Shift
There was definitely fear involved at the start. I thought, “What if I do all these things and I still don’t make it? Wouldn’t it be embarrassing to be ‘that person’ who wakes up early, journals, reads, and then never really becomes successful?” But I discovered that the act of doing these things day in and day out created a sense of accomplishment. I became the type of person I once admired—not because my bank account was suddenly full, but because I was consistent with habits that aligned with a higher version of myself.
Nowadays, I don’t say, “Once I’m successful, I’ll do this.” Instead, I say, “I’m successful because I’m doing these things.” The real reason I feel accomplished is the discipline and consistency I practice daily—reading, journaling, reflecting, managing my money wisely, and even making time for exercise or personal reflection.
Speaking to My Younger Self (Hypothetically)
If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I’m not entirely sure the old me would have listened. My identity back then was so small. I viewed these habits as something for other people. Still, if I had one chance, I’d say:
“Your network is your net worth. If you don’t believe me right now, at least believe that the people you surround yourself with will influence your decisions. Get around individuals who consistently do the things you find cliché. Watch them. Ask them questions. Challenge your own thoughts. You might not become them instantly, but being around them will stretch your identity in ways you can’t yet imagine.”
I’d also tell my past self to start small: just read a few pages of a book, or do a quick ten-minute workout, or listen to one short podcast episode. Because once you see a little progress, you’ll crave more.
Why These “Clichés” Matter
Reading & Listening to Self-Development: It’s not about showing off how much you know. It’s about continuous growth, new ideas, and ultimately building confidence to do more in life.
Waking Up Early: For me, it wasn’t about not sleeping; it was about leveraging the quiet hours of the morning for reflection, journaling, or Bible study. This small change made me feel like I was on top of my day before it really started.
Networking Events: I used to see them as corny gatherings. Now I see them as vital opportunities to connect with people who elevate my thinking. That shift in environment changed everything for me.
Physical Fitness: Going to the gym or simply exercising consistently isn’t just for vanity. It’s a discipline that carries over to business, self-esteem, and overall well-being. If I could tell my younger self anything, it’d be to find some form of exercise—even if it’s just walking—because the impact on your mindset is priceless.
Money Management & Investment: I used to blow money on fleeting pleasures. Now, even though I’m not at the pinnacle of financial success, I feel successful because I save, invest, and think carefully before spending. Those “clichés” about millionaires who live below their means started making sense once I tried it.
Practical Steps to Start Breaking Your Resistance
List the “Clichés” You Find Ridiculous Make a list of every habit, routine, or discipline you associate with successful, wealthy, or “higher-identity” individuals. Yes, even the ones that make you roll your eyes—list them all.
Identify Your Negative Associations Next to each item, write down precisely why you find it off-putting. Maybe it feels showy, maybe you think it’s unrealistic, or maybe you just don’t see the point. Recognizing the why is crucial.
Seek Out People Who Already Do These Things Yes, this can be tough if you’re not naturally around such people. Look for networking events (another cliché, I know!), LinkedIn groups, or local meetups. Once you meet them, ask questions like:
Start With One Habit You don’t have to become a 5 AM wake-up, 10,000-steps-a-day, self-help podcast junkie overnight. Pick one thing—maybe it’s reading 10 pages of a book a day or dedicating 15 minutes to journaling. Just do one consistently.
Write Down Why You Can’t If your first thought is, “I can’t do this because I don’t have enough time or money,” then write it down. Put it on paper. Acknowledge that limitation or resistance you feel.
Rephrase It Take each “I can’t” statement and flip it. For example:
Share Your Progress Don’t keep your growth hidden. Share it with someone—a friend, your LinkedIn network, or even on social media. The accountability can keep you going when motivation dips.
Why Action Is Non-Negotiable
The truth is, you can think about these routines all day, but nothing changes until you do something. If you’re skeptical, that’s fine. I was, too. But if you read this and still feel that nudge of, “Maybe I should just try…”—go for it. Do one thing, just one, and see how it feels. It might feel strange at first, but with repetition, you’ll start noticing how your identity shifts. You’ll begin to see yourself as the kind of person who does these things. And ironically, that identity will push you to aim higher in your job, your finances, your relationships—everything.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Permission to Start
If you take away nothing else from this post, remember: You don’t have to wait until you’re “successful” to start acting like those higher-identity individuals you admire. In fact, it’s by acting that way—embracing those routines, disciplines, and yes, the clichés—that you evolve into the person you aspire to be. The success you envision isn’t just about a certain dollar amount in your bank account or a prestigious title; it’s about consistently showing up for yourself in the small, daily disciplines.
So, here’s my challenge to you: pick one of the clichés you find borderline repulsive or unnecessary and just do it for a week. And if you do, come back and let me know how it went. I promise you’ll learn something—about the habit, about yourself, and about why so many people swear by these routines. The moment you start is the moment you realize these clichés are called “clichés” for a reason: they work, and they can work for you, too.
I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences.
Which cliché do you plan on trying out first?
What’s your biggest resistance point right now?
Drop a comment below or shoot me a message if any of this resonates with you. Let’s grow together, one so-called “cliché” at a time.
Call to Action: Make Your List and Take a Leap
Identify all the ‘repulsive’ or ‘unnecessary’ success habits you can think of.
Write down why you resist each habit—be brutally honest.
Connect with or observe people who live those habits—online, at events, or in your network.
Start one habit yourself—and track your progress for at least one week.
Revisit your reasons for why you “couldn’t” and flip them into affirmations of why you can.
Let me know what shifts for you—I genuinely want to hear about it.
Remember, you don’t become successful and then adopt these habits. It’s the other way around. You adopt these habits, and then, through daily consistency and incremental improvement, you feel that success unfolding within you. And that’s the real prize—feeling that you’re on the right path because you’re taking the actions that define the identity of the person you want to be.
Thank you for reading all the way through. If this was helpful, or if you have any questions about my journey, leave a comment or send me a message. Let’s continue breaking through our resistances, one step—and one cliché—at a time.
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