We all have different pictures of what “making it” looks like. Maybe you dream of paying off your mortgage, enjoying extended travel, or having a healthy investment portfolio.
Whatever your version of wealth is, there’s a big gap between wanting it and actually sitting on that cushiony financial stability.
But just because you’re not quite there yet doesn’t mean you’re off track.
In my work as a psychologist, I see people struggle to recognize the small but significant indicators that they’re on the right path.
If you sometimes wonder whether you’re getting closer or standing still, pay attention to these nine signs.
These signs can reassure you that your eventual wealth, whether financial, emotional, or otherwise, is far more attainable than you might think.
1. You’re developing solid money habits
Ever catch yourself hesitating before a big purchase, asking, Do I really need this? That moment of deliberation might feel small, but it’s a strong sign you’re starting to manage your finances more intentionally.
Building wealth often begins with small steps, like switching from impulse spending to planned spending. Maybe you have a dedicated savings account for “future goals,” or you’re experimenting with budgeting apps.
Even if you’re not maxing out an investment portfolio, the consistency you’re building in managing daily money decisions means you’re heading in a wealth-positive direction.
People who track their expenses and create budgets are significantly more likely to reach their financial goals.
If you’re reading this and thinking, Yes, I’ve been paying more attention to my finances lately, that’s progress! Keep it up.
2. You’re curious and open to learning, even if it’s outside your comfort zone
Are you reading books on personal finance? Listening to podcasts about wealth-building strategies? Maybe you’ve signed up for an online course to better understand investing or real estate.
The fact that you’re actively learning indicates you’re not staying stuck in old patterns. This willingness to learn can feel awkward at first especially if numbers and charts aren’t your idea of a good time.
But wealth rarely lands in your lap without effort.
When you invest in your education, whether through formal courses or YouTube rabbit holes, you’re building a more informed, capable version of yourself. And that version of you is way more likely to strike gold, sometimes literally.
3. You’re embracing small wins and acknowledging them out loud
Do you mark little milestones like paying off a credit card or sticking to a savings goal for three months straight? It’s easy to brush off these achievements as trivial, but celebrating them matters.
Oprah Winfrey famously said, “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Her words ring especially true when it comes to money goals.
Recognizing small steps not only keeps you motivated; it rewires your brain to expect and strive for bigger successes. I used to downplay my own victories, especially when juggling family life and finances felt overwhelming.
But I realized that when I let myself feel proud like the time I refinanced a pesky student loan, it fueled me for the next challenge.
So when you start seeing mini-accomplishments as part of a larger journey, you’ll be less likely to get stuck in frustration about not having “made it” yet.
4. You’re more resilient than before and bounce back faster from setbacks
Have you noticed that you recover from disappointments with a bit more grit these days? You may have lost out on a promotion or your side hustle took a dip, but you didn’t stay in that “woe is me” space very long.
Wealth-building is full of ups and downs. The ability to keep going after a failure is a true wealth-building superpower.
To make it financially, you must embrace the possibility of losing money, failing at a venture, or pivoting when necessary.
Dusting yourself off and forging ahead, even after a setback, demonstrates that your mindset is strong enough to sustain genuine growth.
5. You’re surrounding yourself with supportive, forward-thinking people
If your inner circle used to lean toward “let’s blow our paychecks this weekend,” but now you’re hanging out with those who think long-term, that’s a massive shift.
The people around you can either feed or drain that passion. If they’re cheering you on, offering insights, and keeping you accountable, you’re far more likely to stay on track.
This isn’t about using people as a stepping stone; it’s about creating an environment where everyone thrives.
And from my personal experience, the sense of community can make all the difference on days when you’re questioning whether you’ll ever get there.
6. You’ve begun to shift from a short-term mindset to a long-term vision
Wealth often demands delayed gratification like choosing to put money into a retirement account instead of springing for the latest gadget.
Shifting your mindset doesn’t happen overnight.
Sometimes it’s spurred by a new milestone (like turning 40, in my case). Sometimes it’s prompted by the reality of having kids and wanting to secure their future.
The key is that you’re looking ahead, planning, and imagining a bigger picture.
Setting longer-term goals and not giving up when the progress is slow, that’s real momentum in wealth-building.
7. You’re recognizing that wealth isn’t just about money, it’s also about well-being
When you start prioritizing your health, relationships, and emotional balance along with your financial goals, you’re setting yourself up for more sustainable success.
I see so many clients who build up a bank account but neglect their stress levels or family life, only to discover that “wealth” minus emotional well-being isn’t as fulfilling as they’d hoped.
On a personal note, balancing my job, writing, and parenting has shown me that having financial goals doesn’t mean ignoring my own mental health.
In fact, the more I focus on holistic well-being, the sharper my financial decision-making becomes. It’s all connected.
Caring about your overall life quality means enjoying better sleep, experiencing less burnout, and building stronger connections.
Maintaining this focus while still hustling toward financial milestones is a clear sign you’re on the right path.
8. You have a clear ‘why’ behind your financial goals
Countless people claim they want to be a millionaire, yet they can’t really explain why, except that the number looks impressive.
Identifying a deeper, personal reason, such as providing a better life for your kids, funding a charitable mission, or simply having creative freedom, serves as a major wealth-building indicator.
It’s easy to get lost in the hype of making money for money’s sake. But money is really just a tool.
When you have a deeper purpose guiding your actions, you’ll stick with your plan even when obstacles arise. Whether your motivation is freedom, security, or the chance to give back, that “why” transforms a vague wish into a concrete plan.
It keeps you grounded when setbacks pop up (and trust me, they will).
9. Last but not least, you’re not afraid to ask for help when you need it
There’s no shame in leaning on professionals or mentors. If you’ve found yourself asking a financial advisor for guidance, or maybe even confiding in a friend who’s savvy with stocks, that’s a healthy approach.
You don’t have to be a lone ranger in your quest for wealth. In fact, many successful people credit mentors and coaches as game-changers in their journeys.
Money can carry emotional baggage. Some of us grew up thinking it’s rude to talk about finances, or we feel self-conscious if we’re not as far along as our peers.
But letting those feelings isolate you is counterproductive. The willingness to seek help and learn from others demonstrates growth.
It shows you’re serious enough about your finances to let someone else’s expertise fill your knowledge gaps.
Over time, that willingness to collaborate can save you from costly mistakes and boost your financial trajectory.
The bottom line
Perhaps you’re not raking in profits or sipping mocktails on a private beach…yet.
Not having “made it” simply means you’re still moving forward. Wealth grows out of steady mindset shifts, daily habits, and a willingness to keep learning.
The journey includes its share of highs and lows, but each bump is a chance to become tougher, wiser, and more aligned with your purpose.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other and celebrate every small win.
Stay persistent and self-aware, and one day you’ll look around and realize you’re living the dream you once only imagined.
