7 ways you're hurting your chances at building wealth, according to 2 self-made millionaires

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David Osborn and Paul Morris
A know-it-all attitude can be detrimental. (Pictured: Paul Morris, left, and David Osborn).
Courtesy of David Osborn and Paul Morris

"Wealth is just code for freedom, and freedom is the ultimate gift in life," write entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and self-made millionaires David Osborn and Paul Morris in their new book "Wealth Can't Wait."

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Osborn is the operating partner of Keller Williams Realty and managing partner at private equity group Align Capital. Morris is the CEO of the second-largest Keller Williams franchise, located in Beverly Hills, California.

In their book, they outline how to build sustainable wealth — not the kind you get from a "get-rich-quick formula" — by shifting your mindset, overcoming obstacles, cultivating smart habits, and developing a dynamic business.

One of the first steps on the journey to building wealth, Obsorn and Morris say, is identifying and conquering the seven "wealth traps," or ways you could be inhibiting yourself from reaching your goals.

"To build awareness and enhance your state of mind, think of someone who is less talented, less hardworking, less smart, and less of whatever it is you are good at, yet has more wealth than you. The odds are that person has escaped the wealth traps," they write.

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Below, check out the seven wealth traps and how to avoid them.

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1. Staying in a comfortable job

It's easy to get comfortable in a job you enjoy, or even seek out a position that aligns with your interests. For example, Osborn and Morris write in their book, a ski instructor who loves to ski or a bartender who loves to meet new people and be social. 

"All of these individuals are getting some subset of their needs met," they write. "But is it enough?"

Osborn and Morris encourage you to use your learned skills to find interests outside of your comfort zone. "Building wealth is a contact sport. It requires movement, action, and impact. Be purposeful and build a network that takes you closer to your goals," they write.

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2. Avoiding risk

Fear is a universal feeling. Once you realize you're not alone in that feeling, "ask yourself, 'What is truly at risk?'" Osborn and Morris write.

Remember, if it's a worthwhile endeavor, there will almost certainly be some sort of risk involved.

"We're not going to sugarcoat this — building wealth involves taking risks," they write. "But it's overinflated compared to the risk of doing nothing. The biggest risk in life is not taking one." 

 

 

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3. Viewing wealth negatively

We're all brought up around different attitudes about money, whether that's the idea that wealth is glamourous and unattainable, or that it's a sign of greed and corruption. 

Your ability to build wealth effectively hinges on these beliefs, Osborn and Morris said. 

"Celebrate your pursuit of wealth and look at it as a pathway to freedom. And, steer clear from those who think money is a dirty word," they write.

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4. Giving up

As with any challenge in life, you'll experience ups and downs in your pursuit of wealth. Those people who make it to the top are the ones who never quit. 

Osborn and Morris explain:

"When you face a setback, you have a choice: You can jump ship by focusing on the sting of the loss or stay the course and reap the value of the lesson.

"Just remember: You had courage before the loss, and now you have the power of more experience and information as you move forward."

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5. Holding on to toxic friendships

"How many people are best friends with their kindergarten buddies? Not many. Yet how many folks have a friend they won't cut loose, even though they are a negative influence?"

Osborn and Morris ask these questions to emphasize that you have total control over who you surround yourself with. Ultimately, they say, don't get trapped in a "weak social circle." If you do find yourself there, be sensible enough to walk away.  

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6. Victimizing yourself

Bad things happen every day and at times it may even feel like you're taking more hits than others. Did you lose money on your investment? Run your new business into the ground? That's going to be difficult to get through, but it's no excuse to victimize yourself, Osborn and Morris explain. 

"Victimhood leads to blame, apathy, and general malaise. It's hard to move forward with a positive vision when you are locked into an event from the past. Negativity tends to lead to inertia and despondence. Don't let a bad occurrence hold you back," they write.

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7. Thinking you know it all

Osborn and Morris quote Stephen Hawking to illustrate this point: "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it's the illusion of knowledge." 

Thus, thinking you know all there is to know — the "expert syndrome," as they call it — hinders teachability and growth. 

In other words: We all, always, have something to learn.

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