7 Habits of JPMorgan's Billionaire Clients

More than 100 of JPMorgan's billionaire principal clients have shared the habits they most associate with success in the 2025 Principal Discussions Report. The report, based on multihour conversations with the bank's wealthiest clients, identifies seven key habits that are relatively accessible to non-billionaires. These habits include reading, exercise, consistency, waking up early, prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and deep thinking time.

The respondents also revealed their top hobbies and leadership qualities. Spending time outdoors ranked as the top hobby, while integrity, vision, and empathy were identified as the leading qualities of successful leadership. The principals emphasized the importance of time management, with one stating that time is the true 'currency of life.' Additionally, many noted that taking risks, such as leaving stable jobs, is often necessary for significant business growth.

The 2025 Principal Discussions Report highlights that the most successful habits are often the most accessible. JPMorgan's billionaire clients identified seven specific habits they attribute to their success. These habits focus on daily routines and personal discipline rather than complex strategies.

The top seven habits listed in the report are:

1. Reading
2. Exercise
3. Consistency
4. Waking up early
5. Prioritizing tasks
6. Setting goals
7. Deep thinking time

These findings align with observations from other researchers. Rafael Badzaig, author of "The Billion Dollar Secret," noted that getting up early is the most common habit among self-made billionaires. He also found that nearly all billionaires read often and maintain a strict exercise routine.

Most respondents in the report are intentional about their daily routines and how they spend their time. The value of time was highlighted by an unnamed principal quoted in the report. "The currency of life is time. It is not money. You think carefully about how you spend one dollar. You should think just as carefully as how you spend one hour," the principal said.

The billionaires' hobbies reflect a similar mindset. When asked about their passions, the top choices were:

• Spending time outdoors and in nature
• Work
• Reading

Specific outdoor activities mentioned in the top 10 list included tennis, snow sports, and golf. The report suggests these activities may also indicate the tax bracket of the participants.

The 111 principals interviewed by JPMorgan have a combined net worth exceeding $500 billion. They identified the top 10 qualities of successful leadership, with integrity, vision, and empathy ranking highest. The importance of soft skills, such as empathy, is increasing in the AI era. Experts suggest that problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and creativity are becoming more vital as technology handles repetitive tasks.

Regarding their own businesses, the principals stated that risk is a natural part of running a company. Many reported that their biggest professional leaps involved leaving stable jobs to start new projects or join a family business. This willingness to take calculated risks appears to be a significant factor in their financial growth.

The number of billionaires is increasing, and they are becoming wealthier, partly due to advancements in AI. According to a report from UBS, the world's 2,919 billionaires are collectively worth $15.8 trillion. This data underscores the growing concentration of wealth and the economic influence of this demographic.

The insights from JPMorgan's clients provide a glimpse into the daily lives and philosophies of those at the top of the wealth pyramid. Their focus on simple, consistent habits and the strategic management of time and risk offers a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs.