If you want to be rich one day, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | October 4, 2024, 5:16 pm

My granddad used to always tell me, “If you want to be rich, you’ve got to act like it.”

Sound advice, right? But what does it actually mean?

Well, the path to wealth isn’t about earning big money. It’s about the mindset, the behaviors, and the habits we adopt.

Now, you might think you’re doing everything right. But there could be some sneaky behaviors lurking in your daily life that are standing between you and that pot of gold.

Let’s delve into seven behaviors that you might need to bid farewell to if you want to roll in the dough one day.

1) Procrastination

So, let’s dive right in with behavior number one: Procrastination.

We’ve all been there, when you think, “I’ll do it later.”

But here’s the catch.

Later often becomes never.

You see, wealth building is a proactive game. It doesn’t wait for the ‘right moment.’ It’s about grabbing the bull by the horns and getting things done, now.

So, if you’re a serial procrastinator, it might be time to shake off this habit. After all, the path to riches is paved with action, not intentions.

Say goodbye to “I’ll do it later” and embrace “I’m doing it now”. Trust me, your future wealthy self will thank you for it.

2) Fear of taking risks

Next up on our list: Fear of taking risks.

I’ll let you in on a little secret about myself.

A few years back, I was offered an opportunity to invest in a small startup. It was a risky move, and I was scared, I won’t lie.

But then it hit me.

Building wealth often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and taking calculated risks.

So, I took the plunge, invested, and guess what?

That startup is now a thriving company, and my investment has grown exponentially.

The lesson here?

Don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace risks as part of the journey to becoming rich.

Sure, not every risk will pay off, but without taking any, your financial growth could remain stagnant.

Remember, fortune favors the brave. So be brave, take that leap, and say goodbye to unwarranted fear.

3) Living beyond your means

Here’s a reality check: Spending money you don’t have won’t make you rich.

I used to love splurging on the latest gadgets, the trendiest clothes, the fanciest restaurants. The thrill of swiping that credit card was intoxicating.

Until one day, I looked at my bank account and the numbers spoke a different story.

It was a wake-up call.

Living beyond your means is like running on a treadmill. No matter how fast you run, you’re stuck in the same place.

Becoming wealthy isn’t about appearing rich, it’s about making smart financial decisions. It’s about saving more than you spend and investing wisely. It’s about delayed gratification.

So, if you’re constantly playing catch up with your finances, it might be time to reevaluate your spending habits.

Say goodbye to living paycheck-to-paycheck and start embracing a more frugal lifestyle.

It may seem tough initially, but your bank account will thank you for it in the long run.

4) Neglecting self-improvement

Let’s move on to our next behavior: Neglecting self-improvement.

Here’s the truth. The world is constantly evolving, and if you’re not learning, you’re getting left behind.

Investing in your personal growth and education should be a non-negotiable.

I’m not just talking about academic qualifications or professional training, but rather developing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement.

  • Read books
  • Attend seminars
  • Take online courses
  • Learn from the experiences of successful people

The more you know, the better equipped you are to seize opportunities when they come knocking.

So if you’ve been skimping on self-improvement, it’s time to say goodbye to this behavior.

Start investing in yourself today, because the best investment you can make is in your own knowledge and skills.

Trust me, the returns will be worth it!

5) Ignoring your health

And now, let’s talk about a behavior that often gets overlooked: Ignoring your health.

Did you know that medical expenses are one of the top reasons why people go into debt?

We often hear the phrase “Health is Wealth,” and it couldn’t be more accurate. Focusing on your physical and mental wellbeing is just as crucial as your financial health.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques aren’t just good for your body and mind, they’re good for your wallet too.

If you’re neglecting your health, it’s time to make a change. Say goodbye to this behavior and start prioritizing your wellbeing.

After all, what’s the use of wealth if you’re not healthy enough to enjoy it?

6) Comparing yourself to others

Let’s address a behavior that’s all too common: Comparing yourself to others.

In our social media-driven world, it’s easy to look at others’ lives and feel like we’re falling behind. We see their success stories, their luxury vacations, their new cars, and think, “Why isn’t that me?”

But remember, everyone’s journey to wealth is unique.

It’s not about how fast you get there; it’s about staying the course and moving at your own pace. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is the person you were yesterday.

So, if you find yourself constantly playing the comparison game, it’s time to let that go.

Be kind to yourself. Focus on your own path and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

After all, true wealth is not just about money; it’s also about inner peace and contentment.

7) Not setting financial goals

Finally, the last behavior to bid goodbye to: Not setting financial goals.

Success, especially in wealth creation, doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of clear, defined goals and a plan to achieve them.

Whether it’s saving a certain amount each month, investing in a new venture, or paying off debt, having clear goals gives you a roadmap to follow and keeps you focused and motivated.

So, if you’re sailing in the sea of financial uncertainty without any destination in sight, it’s time to anchor down and chart your course.

Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish. And wishes rarely turn into wealth.

The final thought

If you see yourself in these behaviors, take heart. Recognizing them is the first step toward change.

Turning these habits around doesn’t happen overnight. But with self-awareness and a bit of grit, you can rewrite your financial story.

Start by acknowledging where you could improve. Maybe it’s time to stop procrastinating or perhaps it’s about prioritizing self-improvement. Tune into those moments when you’re veering off course.

Then ask yourself – what can I do differently? How can this decision impact my financial future? Am I honoring my goal of becoming wealthy?

Wealth creation is a journey, not a destination. And with each step in the right direction, you’re not only building your wealth but also shaping your character.

You’re becoming someone who is financially savvy, proactive, and resilient.