American socioeconomist Randall Bell found that people who make their bed every morning are up to 206.8 percent more likely to become millionaires.
The finding comes from an extensive study in which Bell tracked the daily routines of more than 5,000 individuals across diverse backgrounds, ranging from students and unemployed workers to retirees and wealthy professionals.
Bell compiled his observations in his 2017 book, Me-We-Do-Be: The Four Cornerstones of Success, examining how minor daily habits correlate with financial achievement and workplace productivity.
Statistical correlation and daily discipline
While the statistic may appear dramatic, Bell explained that the figure illustrates a statistical correlation rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship between bed making and accumulating wealth.
He noted that making the bed is one of the first small responsibilities of the morning that many people choose to postpone. Completing the task immediately creates an orderly environment and fulfills a simple duty at the start of the day.
Bell emphasized that the core value lies in personal consistency and doing what ought to be done, even when an action seems pointless because the bed will be unmade again at night. He said this initial accomplishment helps foster a productive mindset that carries through remaining daily obligations.
Impact of structured environments and routines
According to Bell, financial success rarely stems from a single extraordinary event, but rather from accumulating small daily actions that solidify into structured habits.
He observed that maintaining an organized living space reduces surrounding distractions and creates a more pleasant environment. Bell said individuals who complete their tasks and keep their living area orderly tend to earn higher incomes and display greater productivity.
He added that the habit of making the bed acts as an initial building block, allowing people to tackle simple duties before confronting larger challenges throughout the workday.
Reading, exercise and early mornings
Bell's research identified several other daily habits closely linked to financial success and high achievement. Among them were reading for at least 30 minutes daily, exercising for about 15 minutes, waking up several hours before the workday begins, and planning tasks in advance.
His study revealed that people who read seven or more books annually are 122 percent more likely to become millionaires than those who read between one and three books or do not read at all.
Bell highlighted that successful individuals consistently share an ability to sustain structured routines and execute planned tasks across extended periods.
Broader factors and alternative views on success
Bell acknowledged that daily morning routines are not an absolute guarantee of prosperity, noting that numerous social, personal, and economic factors influence overall wealth creation.
His focus on daily micro-habits contrasts with other prominent theories on wealth building. Investor Warren Buffett and former Microsoft chief executive Bill Gates have argued that achieving extreme success requires focusing on a single primary goal while stripping away all distractions.
Meanwhile, Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has asserted that building high-value enterprises requires working between 80 and 100 hours every week. Bell maintained, however, that small everyday habits like preparing breakfast, setting the table, and organizing one's personal space remain vital indicators of how individuals handle broader commitments.
