Getting rich has more to do with mindset than you may realize. "The biggest thing holding back most people from striking it big are their thoughts, beliefs and philosophies about money," writes Steve Siebold, self-made millionaire and author of "How Rich People Think."
Certified financial planner Douglas Obey draws a similar conclusion in his book, "Money & The Human Condition." Average people sabotage themselves psychologically and end up keeping themselves from building wealth, he writes.
Here are five behaviors that could be holding you back from getting rich. Do any of these sound familiar?
You hang out with toxic people
Who you choose to surround yourself with matters.
"Self-made millionaires are very particular about who they associate with," writes Thomas C. Corley, who spent years studying the rich, in his book, "Change Your Habits, Change Your Life." "You are only as successful as those you frequently associate with. The rich are always on the lookout for individuals who are goal-oriented, optimistic, enthusiastic and who have an overall positive mental outlook."
Some experts even claim that who you hang out with can affect your net worth.
You rely on a single, steady paycheck
Average people choose to get paid based on a steady salary or hourly rate, says Siebold. Meanwhile, rich people , are typically self-employed and .
"It's not that there aren't world-class performers who punch a time clock for a paycheck, but for most this is the slowest path to prosperity, promoted as the safest," Siebold writes in "How Rich People Think." "The great ones know self-employment is the fastest road to wealth."
You use negative language
"What you say when you talk to yourself creates your attitude," says self-made millionaire Grant Cardone. "Your entire life is created by your thoughts — and then by your language."
Your choice of words can mean the difference between living a wealthy life and an average one. "Start using the language that highly successful people employ every day," Cardone says. "Some examples of words to include in your new vocabulary: 'Great,' 'super,' 'wonderful,' 'incredible,' 'excellent.' If someone asks you, 'How was your weekend?' Respond: 'It was a blast.'"
You rarely leave your comfort zone
The average person wants to be comfortable. Rich people, on the other hand, are stimulated by uncertainty and novelty.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone means doing things like , , giving and accepting feedback and admitting mistakes.
You tell yourself that being rich is only for a lucky few
If you think getting rich is out of your reach, you're probably not going to . The average earner remains average because they expect to, says Siebold: "The masses think they aren't worthy of great wealth. Who am I, they ask themselves, to become a millionaire?"
"The truth is, in a capitalist country, you have every right to be rich if you're willing to create massive value for others," he continues.
Start asking yourself, "Why not me?" After all, that's what the millionaires and billionaires do.
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