This is by far the hardest habit to learn, especially in a distraught economy which doesn’t leave you so much money in hand after your earnings. Time and time again it has been said, “To pay your future self first”. But what does this mean? By holding on tight to dollars when bills need attention only can create guilt and frustration; then the dollars disappear into neither your personal savings nor the intended, necessary bill. Right? This is one habit you can change if your mindset is determined enough. See it for what it is. The bill will always be there, but so will your increasing savings. Stop believing you need everything the consumer market is pushing on you. Try being a minimalist as a new way of living; you will be surprised at what you truly need to live well.

Time passes so fast, and before you realize it, your 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s are staring you in the face. So what if you took an extra 20 bucks a week and turned it into something huge when those later ages hit? Or you could just spend the 20 dollars on a pizza now. And therein lays the problem. We are deeply into immediate gratification, without the foresight to cram those 20 dollars into our savings, and more willing to let it slip through our hands to something else. How many times can you remember doing this, and being totally conscience of this transaction by a little voice telling you “don’t do it”. We all have. Change the way you look at your money. Respect the dollar earned.

Debt is a black hole, an enemy just waiting to lure you deeper into the financial darkness. Borrowers who have mountains of student loan debt have already figured out this black abyss. Your money mission should be to be fully engaged in the moment when you are considering any kind of money opportunity. Say no to the mailbox full of credit card offers. Work your mind off to find scholarships instead of opting for student loans. Debt accumulation will hold you back from future financial opportunities. Learn to look into your future before signing that future over to debt.

Some of us are going to need more help than others to get this wealth building mindset and behaviors. The truth is, it is a difficult process when you have no foundation of information to work from. The mind has to almost be recreated to see money as a tool to build wealth. Find someone who has achieved financial success, and ask that they help you to do the same. You will be surprised at how many older successful people would love to reshape a young mind. Keep your eyes and opportunities open for the perfect teacher to help you be an overcomer.

There is nothing worse than spending all your best years doing something you absolutely hate. You become automated, indifferent, and resentful—this flows into all areas of your life. Your full earning potential blossoms when you suddenly discover you love what you do. From this, the universe will open up all the doors of opportunities to elevate your financial potential. Your life will thank you. If you are not sure, work that necessary side job while going to school, but also be on the aggressive lookout for the one thing you truly want to do. If available, take advantage of those retirement plans offered by companies, especially the ones who will match your contribution, and get busy putting the money in.

Procrastination is not your friend. It serves as a test of your focus and strength in staying on task. Procrastination does not feel good, accomplishment feels awesome. There are some good strategies to push you beyond the ugliness of procrastination. Believe it or not, daily ‘to-do’ lists are a necessary tool for success. If you write it down, see it visually, and then check off what you have completed, then you are a warrior. Most successful people have been doing this their entire lives. Prioritize your list according to importance and with deadlines in mind. Your only affirmation should be “do it now”.

Some self-defeating behaviors arise from the mind, people, and general environments. All which can be changed if you have set your sights on building wealth. Here is a short list of what is not helping you to overcome financial hurdles.