Skills pay the bills in today’s world.

The more of them we learn, the more we succeed. And yet, they don’t make us rich on their own. The difference between learners and earners is that the latter are passionate about staying accountable, which translates to an innate love of their chosen professional path and wealth.

It seems so simple, but most people overlook personal responsibility as a factor in fiscal achievement. This stems from a flaw in our general mindset, namely how drawn we are to shiny, bright solutions rather than modest, proven alternatives. Why spend less, save more, and invest wisely when we have baubles to fixate on?

When we carry that kind of impulsive mentality, nothing gets built upon. Instead, you find yourself stuck in a hole that you’re constantly trying to dig yourself out of.

For instance, take a hypothetical guy named Bill. He hates his job, everyone knows he hates his job, but he diligently sits in his cubicle every day under depressing fluorescent lights to collect that paycheck. Or look at Jane. She’s in a toxic, co-dependent relationship and has no intention of leaving it because all her material needs are provided.

Bill and Jane are each unable to see past the present and look toward life’s greater possibilities. They know what’s in front of them but choose to look past it. Wealth-building is a choice we all make — one we can opt into based on learning what our options are and pursuing them. Accountability isn’t sexy, but it is reliable and actionable, and it can become a learned behavior.

For most of us, wealth isn’t something that happens by chance; it’s the result of planning, building, and tracking every step of the way. Wanting riches won’t make piles of cash appear at your doorstep. Take ownership of your finances; then, watch your financial dreams take shape.