Let’s cut to the chase: You didn’t start your business to scrape by. You started it for freedom, impact, and—yes—money. So why are you still paying yourself less than you’d make at a mediocre corporate job? The hard truth? It’s not because your business isn’t making money. It’s because you haven’t structured it to pay YOU first.

Welcome to the Profit First reality check. If your bank account is playing a never-ending game of “maybe next month,” it’s time to rewrite the script. Here’s why you’re not earning six figures yet—and how to fix it before burnout eats you alive.

1. You’re Trapped in the “Leftover” Mindset

Too many business owners pay themselves whatever’s “leftover” after expenses. Spoiler: There’s never enough leftover. The problem? You’re treating profit like an afterthought instead of a priority.

Fix It: Flip the formula.

Instead of Revenue – Expenses = Profit, switch to Revenue – Profit = Expenses. This forces you to build a business that can actually sustain your personal financial goals.

2. You Don’t Have a Profit System

If your financial strategy is “I’ll figure it out when I have time,” you’ll never have time. Or money. Profit needs a system—one that ensures you consistently pay yourself first.

Fix It: Use the Profit First method.

Allocate percentages of every dollar that comes in. A basic starting point? 15% to taxes, 40% to owner’s pay, 40% to operating expenses, and 5% to pure profit. Adjust as needed, but stick to the system.

3. You’re Playing CFO Without a Playbook

Let me guess—you started your business because you’re great at what you do, not because you love spreadsheets. And yet, here you are, winging it with no financial strategy.

Fix It: Get help.

If you don’t have a CPA or bookkeeper who understands entrepreneurial money flow, get one. Financial clarity is the difference between “barely scraping by” and “consistent six-figure paychecks.”

4. Your Pricing is a Dumpster Fire

Too many business owners underprice their services out of fear. The result? You’re working twice as hard for half the money.

Fix It: Charge what you’re worth.

Calculate your real costs (including your OWN six-figure salary) and price accordingly. If you lose a few clients who balk at the price, good. The right ones will pay.

5. You’re Stuck in Growth Mode Without a Profit Plan

More revenue should mean more money in your pocket. But if you’re scaling without controlling costs, you’re just running harder on a financial hamster wheel.

Fix It: Scale smarter.

Before you chase bigger revenue, make sure your current revenue is actually working for you. If you can’t pay yourself well now, more sales won’t fix it—they’ll just make the problem bigger.

6. You Haven’t Made the Leap to Seven Figures

Six figures is great, but why stop there? If you’re running a business that’s generating solid revenue and you’re consistently paying yourself well, it’s time to start thinking bigger.

Fix It: Shift from operator to CEO.

The difference between a six-figure entrepreneur and a seven-figure business owner? Systems and mindset. Automate, delegate, and focus on high-value tasks that generate exponential returns.

Ready to Pay Yourself What You Deserve?

Your business exists to serve YOU, not the other way around. If you’re still taking scraps, it’s time to shift your mindset, get strategic, and claim the six-figure paycheck you should be earning.

Start today. Because “next month” isn’t a strategy—it’s a stall tactic. And you deserve better.