Growing up in poverty feels like being stuck in a cycle you can’t escape—a constant grind that leaves little room for hope.
But here’s the thing: some people don’t just survive it; they break out of it and build something extraordinary.
What sets them apart?
Habits. Simple, powerful, life-changing habits.
These aren’t just routines; they’re survival skills turned into success strategies. They’re proof that where you come from doesn’t have to dictate where you’re going.
In this article, we’re uncovering 8 transformative habits of people who’ve turned struggle into strength and poverty into possibility.
1) Embrace continuous learning
One of the most powerful habits people who succeed despite growing up poor cultivate is a love for continuous learning.
Education isn’t just confined to the four walls of a traditional classroom. In the real world, it’s about a constant desire to learn, evolve and improve oneself.
Growing up in poverty, opportunities may seem scarce. But those who rise above this challenging start in life, understand that knowledge is one key to unlock doors to better prospects.
They read, they observe, they ask questions and they never stop learning. Their thirst for knowledge is insatiable and keeps them on a path of continuous growth.
This habit does more than just increase their competence; it broadens their perspective and opens up new possibilities. It’s not just about gaining skills for a better job; it’s about understanding the world in a deeper way.
2) Resilience in the face of adversity
Resilience is another powerful trait common among those who break free from the shackles of poverty.
I can personally attest to this.
Growing up, I lived in a neighborhood where opportunities were sparse and dreams often seemed out of reach. Many of my friends succumbed to the pressures of our surroundings, but I made a different choice.
I remember a time when my family couldn’t afford to pay for my school fees. It was a crushing blow.
I was anxious, scared, and unsure about my future. But instead of letting this setback define me, I chose to rise above it.
I took up odd jobs, saved every penny, and eventually managed to pay for my own education.
- 7 signs that people are happy on the surface but very lonely underneath - Global English Editing
- If you want your teenage children to respect you as they get older, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors - Global English Editing
- 6 zodiac signs who have the unique ability to be both introverted and extroverted - Parent From Heart
It wasn’t easy. There were nights when I barely slept and days when I felt like giving up. But every time I stumbled, I picked myself up and kept going.
This resilience, this refusal to accept defeat, propelled me forward. It taught me that no obstacle is too great if you’re determined to overcome it.
So, if you’re facing hardships, remember this: Resilience isn’t just about surviving tough times; it’s about thriving despite them. This habit has the power to transform your life, as it did mine.
3) Developing a strong work ethic
Those who rise from poverty to success often share a common trait – an unwavering work ethic.
They understand that there are no shortcuts to success, and that hard work is the cornerstone of achieving any goal.
Take Elon Musk, for example.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks in his early life, Musk’s relentless work ethic has been instrumental in his rise to become one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs.
It’s reported that he often works up to 100 hours a week, even splitting his time between multiple companies. His commitment and dedication are testament to the power of a strong work ethic.
4) Cultivating a positive mindset
Another crucial habit that people who succeed despite growing up poor nurture is positivity.
They understand that life is tough, but they choose to focus on the bright side.
A positive mindset isn’t about ignoring life’s problems. Instead, it’s about maintaining an optimistic outlook and believing in your ability to overcome challenges.
Positivity breeds resilience, motivation, and ultimately, success. It encourages you to see failures not as dead-ends but as stepping stones towards achieving your goals.
Therefore, fostering a positive mindset can be a powerful tool in your journey from poverty to success.
5) Believing in oneself
One habit that can’t be overlooked is self-belief.
Those who climb the ladder of success from humble beginnings have an unwavering belief in their own abilities and potential.
Growing up poor, it can be easy to let your circumstances define you. To believe that you’re destined for less because that’s all you’ve ever known. But those who rise above it, they believe in something greater.
They believe in their dreams, their abilities, and, most importantly, in themselves. They refuse to let their past dictate their future. This belief isn’t born out of arrogance, but out of a deep sense of self-worth and determination.
Believing in yourself might not change your circumstances overnight, but it will change how you navigate them. It will give you the courage to take risks, the resilience to bounce back from failures, and the determination to keep going until you reach your goals.
6) Building strong relationships
In my journey from poverty to success, one habit that proved invaluable was the ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
There were times when I felt alone, isolated by the harsh realities of my circumstances. But I soon realized that there’s strength in numbers and that we’re all connected in some way.
I started reaching out to people, listening to their stories, sharing my own. These connections became a source of strength and inspiration, a network of support that held me up through the toughest times.
These relationships also opened doors to opportunities I never knew existed. From mentors who guided me, to friends who encouraged me, every relationship played a critical role in my journey.
So, if you’re striving for success, remember to nurture your relationships. They can be your greatest source of strength and opportunity in your journey from poverty to success.
7) Setting clear goals
Another powerful habit that successful people cultivate is setting clear and achievable goals.
They understand the importance of having a clear direction and purpose in life.
Goal setting isn’t about creating a wish list. It’s about identifying what you truly want to achieve and then setting a clear path to get there. It’s about breaking down your dreams into tangible steps that can guide your actions.
Goals give you focus, keep you motivated, and help you measure progress. They transform the seemingly impossible into manageable tasks, making your journey towards success more structured and less daunting.
8) Persistence is key
The journey from poverty to success is not a sprint, but a marathon. It demands persistence.
Those who rise above their circumstances understand this. They know that success is not about never falling, but about getting up every time you fall.
They don’t let setbacks discourage them. Instead, they use them as fuel to keep going, to keep pushing, and to keep striving for their goals.
No matter how tough the journey gets, never give up. Persistence is the bridge between failure and success. It’s what separates those who dream from those who do.
Success is not an accident
The narrative of rising from poverty to success is not just a tale of luck or destiny. It’s a testament to the power of habits and mindset.
These eight habits we’ve explored – continuous learning, resilience, a strong work ethic, a positive mindset, self-belief, building strong relationships, setting clear goals, and persistence – are not exclusive to people who have risen from poverty.
They are universal attributes that anyone can nurture, regardless of their background.
Remember this: Success is not an accident. It’s a result of deliberate actions, intentional habits, and a relentless will to rise above one’s circumstances.
Even in the face of poverty or adversity, success is possible. It requires commitment, determination, and the courage to cultivate these powerful habits..
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.