7 Habits of Highly Influential People, and Their Money

Inspired by Stephen Covey’s classic, this blog breaks down the 7 habits of highly effective people and links each one to how money is managed, multiplied, and maximized—especially through real estate investments in Nigeria.

If you’ve ever thought, “Real estate isn’t for me” or “I’ll invest when I earn more,” then this post is for you. Whether you’re a professional juggling deadlines, an artisan with daily gigs, an entrepreneur in Lagos traffic, or a student with big dreams, these habits will reshape how you think about influence and wealth.

Habit 1: Be Proactive — Take Control of Your Money Decisions

Influential people don’t wait for “perfect timing.” They make things happen. In the context of money, this means taking charge of your financial life, even when it feels like you don’t earn enough.

Being proactive is about deliberately choosing to spend, save, and invest wisely. Lagos isn’t getting cheaper. Every year, property prices go up. Rent increases. Cost of living rises. If you’re not taking action today, you’re paying more tomorrow.

Being proactive also means asking questions, doing your research, and not letting fear stop you from entering the real estate space. Don’t let land scams or “what ifs” paralyze you. Work with trusted professionals like TaiwoTaiwo & Associates, and start with what you have.

Start small. You don’t need millions to get started. Consider co-investing or starting with undeveloped land in growth areas like Mowe, Ikorodu, or Sangotedo.

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind — Define Your Financial Vision

What does wealth mean to you?

If you don’t have a picture of your dream life, how can you build towards it? Influential people are visionary. They don’t just think about today—they plan for five, ten, even twenty years ahead.

When it comes to money, this habit encourages you to set clear goals:

• Do you want to stop paying rent in 3 years?
• Do you want your kids to inherit land in Lagos?
• Would you like to earn passive income from rental properties?

Having a clear end in mind helps you prioritize and stay focused. You’ll stop wasting money on short-term pleasures and start channeling funds into long-term wealth.

Real estate tip: Identify where you want to live, or where your investment will grow in value. Lagos Mainland? Island? Emerging suburbs? Start scouting now.

Habit 3: Put First Things First — Make Real Estate a Priority

After defining your goals, the next step is to act on them. That means prioritizing wealth-building opportunities over short-term spending. This habit challenges you to stop procrastinating and start acting on what truly matters.

How many times have you said, “When I get my next salary, I’ll start saving for land”—only to find that money gone by the end of the month?

Putting first things first means allocating money intentionally—especially towards assets like land and property. Real estate is one of the few investments that appreciates in value consistently in Nigeria, even during inflation.

Real estate tip: Automate your savings into a property fund. Set targets monthly and stay consistent. Delaying won’t make it easier.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win — Build Wealth that Benefits Others Too

Influential people understand that success isn’t a solo project. When it comes to money, a win-win mindset helps you build collaborative wealth—investing with family, friends, or a trusted company.

Think about it: You may not have ₦10 million today, but you and three friends might have ₦2.5 million each. Why not pool resources and invest together?

The same mindset applies to rentals. When you develop property and lease it out, you’re providing shelter while earning income. Everyone wins.

Real estate tip: Join or form cooperative real estate investment clubs. It’s easier than you think, especially with guidance from experts.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood — Get Financial Education

Before jumping into any investment, understand it. Influential people listen, learn, and then act. In real estate, lack of knowledge is the number one reason people get scammed.

Ask questions. Understand property titles (like C of O, Deed of Assignment, Governor’s Consent). Know the market trends. Read blogs (like this one!), watch property tours, and attend free real estate webinars.

Real estate tip: Before buying land or a home, verify the documentation. Always work with certified professionals like a registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer.

Habit 6: Synergize — Build Wealth Collaboratively

No one becomes influential or wealthy alone. This habit is about teamwork and strategic partnerships. In real estate, collaboration could look like:

• Partnering with a developer on a small-scale housing project
• Leasing your land to a business for passive income
• Investing in serviced apartments as a group

When you synergize, you multiply your resources and reduce your risks.

Real estate tip: Talk to others in your network who have invested in property. Ask what worked for them. Let them mentor you or refer you to their agent or company.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw — Keep Growing, Keep Investing

The last habit is about self-renewal. Influential people don’t stop once they hit a milestone. They keep growing, reading, saving, and investing.

The same applies to your money and your real estate portfolio. Start with one property, but don’t stop there. Aim to own multiple assets that can fund your lifestyle and future dreams.

Real estate tip: Treat your first property as a launchpad. From there, reinvest rental income into other assets—land, short-let apartments, or even commercial spaces.

Final Thoughts: Influence Starts With Intention

No one becomes influential by accident. It takes vision, discipline, and smart money moves—like real estate. If you want to stop feeling left out of Lagos’ growing property market, this is your sign to get started.

You don’t need millions. You just need momentum.

🏡 Ready to take your first step?

At TaiwoTaiwo & Associates, we guide first-time buyers, entrepreneurs, artisans, students, and working-class Nigerians into the world of real estate—safely and wisely. From property management to verified land and home sales, we help you make smart, stress-free decisions.

👉 Click here to get our list of available properties and start your real estate journey today.