Success is not merely a matter of luck or circumstance; it often stems from specific mindsets and habits that shape our potential. Wealthy individuals are known to cultivate certain principles and approaches that propel them toward greater achievements. Meanwhile, those who struggle financially sometimes unknowingly adopt limiting beliefs that hold them back.

In this article, we’ll explore 11 distinct ways the successful build momentum while others, often unintentionally, build walls around their potential. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your financial future or break through current limitations, understanding these differences can be transformative.

1. Focus on Growth, Not Comfort

The Wealthy: Successful individuals actively seek out ways to expand their knowledge, skills, and opportunities. They embrace challenges and step outside their comfort zones, knowing that growth and success require discomfort.

The Struggling: Many people shy away from growth opportunities, preferring the comfort of what’s familiar, even if it limits their future. This mindset can keep them stuck, as they prioritize stability over progress.

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Key takeaway: Embrace growth opportunities, even when uncomfortable, as each challenge pushes you closer to your goals.

2. Invest in Assets Over Liabilities

The Wealthy: Successful people focus on investments that increase in value over time, such as stocks, real estate, and businesses. They understand that building wealth is about assets that appreciate or generate income.

The Struggling: Those who struggle financially often spend more on liabilities—things that depreciate in value, like cars or consumer goods. This habit creates a cycle of spending that doesn’t contribute to long-term wealth.

Key takeaway: Prioritize investments that grow your wealth rather than spending on temporary pleasures.

3. Network Strategically

The Wealthy: Building and maintaining a network of like-minded individuals is critical to the wealthy. They understand that success often comes through collaboration and shared resources, so they cultivate valuable relationships.

The Struggling: Poorer individuals often focus solely on friendships for comfort, overlooking the importance of professional networking. This narrow social circle can limit their opportunities.

Key takeaway: Seek connections that inspire and push you toward your goals. Networking with the right people can open doors you didn’t know existed.

4. Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone

The Wealthy: For the rich, failure is an opportunity to learn. They understand that mistakes are part of the journey and use them as tools for improvement.

The Struggling: Many fear failure, viewing it as a personal shortcoming rather than a lesson. This fear can keep them from taking necessary risks to grow.

Key takeaway: Embrace failure as a critical component of success. Each mistake brings you closer to your next achievement.

5. See Time as an Investment

The Wealthy: Successful people view time as one of their most valuable assets. They focus on high-value activities and often delegate or outsource tasks that don’t contribute to their long-term goals.

The Struggling: Those struggling financially often spend time on low-value tasks or distractions, such as excessive television or social media, that do not contribute to their future.

Key takeaway: Prioritize how you spend your time. Focus on activities that bring you closer to your goals and leverage time wisely.

6. Value Education Over Entertainment

The Wealthy: Wealthy individuals continuously invest in their personal and professional education, whether through books, courses, or mentors. They recognize that knowledge is a foundation for lasting success.

The Struggling: People with fewer resources often prioritize entertainment, spending their time and money on short-term enjoyment instead of self-improvement.

Key takeaway: Shift your focus from entertainment to education. Every bit of knowledge can contribute to a wealthier future.

7. Think Long-Term, Not Short-Term

The Wealthy: Wealthy people develop strategies with long-term objectives in mind. They focus on compounding growth and creating sustainable success over time.

The Struggling: People in difficult financial situations often make choices that provide instant gratification, which can hinder future financial health.

Key takeaway: Embrace patience. Success and wealth often come to those who plan and prepare for the long run.

8. Prioritize Health and Well-Being

The Wealthy: Recognizing that health is foundational to all success, the wealthy make it a priority to maintain a balanced lifestyle, including fitness, mental health, and quality sleep.

The Struggling: Financially stressed individuals may neglect their health, either due to financial constraints or focusing too narrowly on immediate needs, which can result in burnout and setbacks.

Key takeaway: Take care of your health. Physical and mental well-being are essential to achieving and sustaining success.

9. Take Calculated Risks

The Wealthy: Successful individuals understand the importance of taking risks and make calculated decisions after thoroughly assessing potential outcomes. This willingness to step outside the norm often leads to greater rewards.

The Struggling: People who struggle financially may avoid risk altogether, clinging to “safe” choices even if they offer minimal returns. This cautious approach can limit their potential for growth.

Key takeaway: Embrace calculated risks. Avoiding risks entirely can mean missing out on significant opportunities.

10. Stay Persistent in the Face of Adversity

The Wealthy: Wealthy individuals don’t give up easily. They know that challenges are part of the process and are willing to keep working toward their goals even when obstacles arise.

The Struggling: Many give up when faced with difficulty, feeling defeated and seeing obstacles as reasons to stop instead of chances to push through.

Key takeaway: Develop resilience. Persistence in the face of adversity is one of the greatest predictors of success.

11. Believe in Abundance, Not Scarcity

The Wealthy: The rich often believe there are plenty of opportunities to achieve wealth and success. This abundance mindset drives them to pursue their goals with confidence and optimism.

The Struggling: Many people have a scarcity mindset, thinking resources are limited and that success is out of reach. This belief can keep them from even trying to succeed.

Key takeaway: Shift to an abundance mindset. Believing in opportunity is the first step to finding and seizing it.

Conclusion

The key to success lies not in simply acquiring wealth, but in adopting a mindset that fuels growth, resilience, and perseverance. By examining the ways wealthy individuals think and act, we can identify areas where our own habits might be limiting us.

What’s one area you feel is holding you back? Is it the way you view failure, or perhaps how you spend your time? Choose one principle above to focus on in the coming month. Share your insights in the comments below—your journey and reflections might inspire someone else to make a change too! Remember, building success is a continuous process, and small shifts in mindset can lead to extraordinary results.