If you want to get rich without burning yourself out, say goodbye to these 7 habits

Working more doesn’t always mean more financial success.

In fact, according to research, working more doesn’t even mean getting more done. A Stanford study found that people putting in over 70 hours a week get no more done than those clocking 55 hours.

What overworking is, however, is a pretty quick route to burnout.

If you want to build wealth and financial security without running yourself into the ground, it’s time to ditch certain habits that drain your energy but don’t boost your bottom line.

Wondering which habits are keeping you from a balanced path to wealth?

Let’s break them down.

1) Procrastinating On financial goals

We all have a tendency to put things off until the last minute. It’s a common habit, but one that can seriously derail your journey to wealth.

The more you delay making important financial decisions, implementing saving strategies, or starting that side hustle, the more you are postponing potential wealth.

Moreover, procrastination can lead to stress, as tasks pile up and deadlines loom closer. This not only hampers your productivity but also affects your mental well-being.

Start taking immediate action towards your financial goals and watch how things change for you.

2) Neglecting self-care

I’ll admit it, I used to be one of those people who thought self-care was a luxury, not a necessity. I’d work endless hours, skip meals, and barely get any sleep.

Guess what happened? I burnt out. And my productivity and finances took a massive hit.

Neglecting self-care is a habit many of us have, especially when we’re chasing wealth.

We think that the more we work, the closer we get to our financial goals.

But here’s the hard truth: without taking care of your physical health and mental wellbeing, you’re setting yourself up for a tough time.

This is well backed by experts like those at Psych Central. They note that a lack of self-care is associated with reduced performance at work, worsening mental health symptoms like depression or anxiety, and yes feeling “burnout”.

Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or just getting enough sleep, these ‘small’ things can have a massive impact on your ability to work towards your financial goals without burning out.

Since I started prioritizing self-care, I’ve found that I’m more productive, more focused and generally happier.

And guess what? My finances are in better shape too.

3) Trying to keep up with the joneses

As financial expert Dave Ramsey has wisely noted, “We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.”

In a world flooded with Instagram snapshots of luxury and success, the temptation to match others’ lifestyles is tough to resist.

The problem with “keeping up with the Joneses” is that it pulls you away from your own goals.  When you’re fixated on how others are spending—whether it’s on the latest tech, a bigger house, or expensive vacations—you risk making choices that are more about appearance than about what will benefit you in the long run.

Rather than letting someone else’s purchases dictate your spending habits, take the time to define your own financial goals and stick to them. Think of it as designing a plan based on what actually makes you feel fulfilled, not just what looks good to others.

4) Neglecting to save and invest

It’s easy to fall into the trap of spending all you earn, especially when you start making more. But saving and investing are crucial habits for building wealth.

Saving gives you a safety net for unexpected expenses or loss of income, reducing financial stress and the risk of burnout. Investing, on the other hand, helps your money grow over time.

If you’re not already doing so, start setting aside a portion of your income for savings and investments. Even small amounts can make a big difference in the long run.

5) Fear of taking risks

There was a time when I let my fear of taking risks hold me back. Be it investing in a promising start-up, switching to a higher paying job, or starting my own business, the fear of failure kept me stuck in my comfort zone.

But I’ve learned that if you want to get rich, you can’t let fear dictate your decisions. Sure, not every risk pays off. But sometimes, the biggest risk is not taking any risks at all.

Of course, taking risks doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. It means carefully evaluating opportunities, weighing the pros and cons, and then making informed decisions.

By overcoming my fear of taking risks, I’ve been able to seize opportunities that have significantly boosted my wealth.

And even when things didn’t work out as planned, I learned valuable lessons that helped me make better decisions in the future.

6) Not setting meaningful financial goals

Last but not least, failing to set clear financial goals can leave you treading water rather than making real progress.

Setting specific, measurable financial goals—whether it’s saving for a house, paying off debt, or investing in a retirement fund—gives you a roadmap. It also keeps you accountable and motivated.

Research backs this up. As noted by experts, “Over 1,000 studies have consistently shown that setting high and specific goals is linked to increased task performance, persistence, and motivation.”

Want to save $20,000 for a down payment in three years? Break that down to monthly savings goals and track your progress.

Once you’re working toward specific goals, every financial decision you make gains a purpose.

Final reflection: The balance is in your hands

Wealth isn’t just about the money in your bank account, it’s about the quality of life you lead. As the saying goes, “Health is wealth”.

The habits we’ve discussed here are not just about getting rich; they’re about creating a sustainable lifestyle that allows you to enjoy your wealth without burning out.

So take some time to reflect on your habits. Are they serving you on your path to financial success or are they hindering your progress and wellbeing?

The power to change lies in your hands.