In 5 years of studying millionaires, I learned one huge factor of success has nothing to do with money

In my book, "Change Your Habits, Change Your Life," I highlight one of the most important factors to success: the importance of being liked.

In my Rich Habits Study, where I interviewed 233 wealthy individuals (177 of which were self-made millionaires) with at least $160,000 in annual gross income and $3.2 million in net assets, I found:

• 95% of the self-made millionaires in my study indicated that being liked was critical to their success.
• 94% of the self-made millionaires avoided gossip because they believe gossip caused people to dislike them and, thus, destroyed relationships.
• 86% of the self-made millionaires avoided associating with people they did not like.

As it turns out, the rich in my study were on to something big. According to a Columbia University study by Melinda Tamkins cited in Tim Sanders' "The Likeability Factor," success in the workplace is guaranteed not by what or whom you know but by your popularity.

In her study, Tamkins found that, “popular workers were seen as trustworthy, motivated, serious, decisive and hardworking and were recommended for fast-track promotion and generous pay increases. Their less-liked colleagues were perceived as arrogant, conniving and manipulative. Pay rises and promotions were ruled out regardless of their academic background or professional qualifications.”

You’re probably familiar with the phrase, “there’s safety in numbers.” One of the key factors responsible for the incredible success of the human race has been our ability to form social groups. In the early days of human existence, those who were not part of a group became food for predators. Isolation almost certainly spelled death. Being part of a group was so critical to our survival as a species that it became hardwired into our DNA over the past ten million years.

When someone says, “I like you,” either directly or indirectly (good gossip), it changes how you view that person. You can get people to do almost anything you want if they like you and they know you like them. Our lizard brains put people we like and who like us at the front of the line. So, if you like someone, let them know. They will bend over backwards to help you succeed in life.

How do you get people to like you?

SEE ALSO: 14 signs you have what it takes to become a millionaire

Meet or exceed their expectations

In the work environment, meeting or exceeding the expectations of others builds trust and respect and creates likeability.

Recognize life events

We all have events in our life that are important to us. Birth or a child or grandchild, marriage, death of a loved one, receiving an award, children graduating from college, promotions, etc. When you acknowledge the life events of others that creates likeability. Phone calls are best, but thank you cards or letters will also do the trick.

Avoid saying what’s on your mind

Saying what’s on your mind can damage relationships. Not every thought needs to come out of your mouth. Individuals who vet their thoughts and are cautious about the words they use put others at ease and this creates likeability.