Charlie Munger’s Good Habits List

 1. Read Constantly

Munger famously said:

“In my whole life, I have known no wise people who didn’t read all the time—none, zero.”

He devoured books, annual reports, history, psychology—anything that gave him a broader perspective.

2. Think in Mental Models

Instead of relying on one way of thinking, he collected frameworks from multiple disciplines—economics, psychology, math, history—to make better decisions.

“If you don’t have the models, you’re like a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest.”

3. Practice Deferred Gratification

He avoided short-term temptations in favour of long-term wins. Whether investing, learning, or life choices, he believed the ability to wait was key.

4. Live Below Your Means

Munger never chased flashy lifestyles. He was frugal, practical, and believed wealth came from compounding, not spending.

5. Avoid Toxic People & Habits

He stressed avoiding envy, resentment, and addiction—especially drugs and alcohol.

“Avoiding stupidity is easier than seeking brilliance.”

6. Stay Rational (Especially Under Pressure)

He worked to strip out emotion, hype, and herd mentality from his decisions. Rational thinking was his “superpower.”

7. Keep Learning—Always

He preached lifelong learning:

“Go to bed a little wiser than you woke up.”

8. Focus on the Long Game

Munger didn’t chase quick profits or fads. He cultivated patience—whether in investments, relationships, or building knowledge.

9. Be Reliable & Ethical

He often said you don’t need brilliance to succeed—just avoid dishonourable behaviour, keep your word, and do things that make people want to work with you.

10. Know What to Avoid

Munger believed success often came not from chasing brilliance but from avoiding stupidity:

• Don’t lie, cheat, or steal.
• Don’t get into unnecessary conflict.
• Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter.

👉 His philosophy wasn’t sexy—but it worked. While most people chase hacks and shortcuts, Munger quietly built habits of reading, patience, rationality, and integrity. And that’s how he compounded wisdom and wealth for nearly a century.