The road to wealth and success isn't a straight one. Ask a self-made millionaire the straightest path to success and you'll likely get a chuckle in response. Character traits such as motivation, discipline, value, courage, and continuous learning will likely enter the conversation. But to really overcome any obstacles on the road to wealth (and they'll be many, small and large) you'll need to practice perseverance and keep an open mind.

These character traits necessary for obtaining wealth are not that common these days. Our society is "being sold" on instant gratification. If you're bored flip on the TV, if you're hungry microwave some processed food, and if you're putting on weight from watching TV and eating, take a diet pill. This is not the life of a champion. To be successful one must learn how to set goals and persevere to see them through. One must also keep an open mind to recognize opportunity when it comes knocking.

Frustration - A Valuable Companion in Your Wealth Creation Journey

In the beginning of your drive to create wealth, frustration will be a constant companion. This is what causes many to give up on their dreams. The truly sad part is that many quit just as they are about to taste their first success. If they would have only persevered for a little longer their results may have been much different.

When you learn to overcome frustration, you'll begin to notice that it is, in fact, your ally. It is an indication of your mind's search for an answer that it hasn't yet been able to find. It is precisely at this point that it is most critical to keep an open mind.

As long as your mind is open to various answers and possibilities, it will gather input from your surroundings and personal experiences and continue to formulate solutions. Embrace frustration as a sign that the answer you seek is just around the corner. It is your clear signal to press on.

I've noticed that, in our modern society, keeping an open mind is becoming increasingly rare. We have conservative and liberal media who are constantly at each other's throats. If you don't agree with us then you must be with them - the enemy. Through marketing and advertising we're told how to dress, what to eat, who to vote for, and, basically, how we should live our lives. All this is packed away in little pockets of our minds, resisting any conclusions to the contrary. This artificial noise creates the inertia that sabotages so many.

To succeed in business, as well as in life, you must retain your ability to openly evaluate all your options. This will enable you to maneuver around, over, or through your obstacles on your road to success and wealth. As James Ray states in Harmonic Wealth "money and wealth are great magnifiers." They will challenge your beliefs on many levels and test your resolve. Those with a closed mind will be more likely to cut short their journey and, ultimately, to fail.