A few years ago, I had a complete meltdown about my revenue. I wasn’t earning “enough”. My peers were claiming revenue 3 times mine. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong. I started looking for new programs, new coaches, new mindset practices, new ways of making me “better”.
I’ve been around long enough to know that isn’t uncommon. Chances are, you’ve been through this too. Maybe you’re experiencing it right now.
As anticapitalist as I claim to be, money is still important. You still need to keep your roof over your head and food on your table. Until we create new systems of community care, this is going to be the case.
But while we’re here, I want to point out a few flaws in my meltdown thoughts:
1. In order to decide whether or not you’re earning enough, you need to know exactly what “enough” is. You need to know your numbers. Your numbers, not some arbitrary “multi-6 figures” because some random internet person said that’s what we’re supposed to aim for.
2. Revenue does not equal take home wages. Do not compare your team of 1 (plus the occasional contractor) to a team of 5, 10, or even 3. It. Is. Not. The. Same.
3. What someone shares online is not necessarily an indicator of what’s going on behind the scenes.
4. People who underpay their team members will make more money for themselves. #realtalk
You get to decide your markers of progress.
What markers of progress do you need in order to thrive?
Progress and growth do not necessarily mean money.
For me, I had to take a good look not only at my revenue but at my expenses (I’d recently made some larger investments in my business) and my schedule (I was working far fewer hours than the year before – but making the same amount of money). It will be different for you – but that’s the point.
Good money stewardship means you do well with the money you have, make sound decisions to increase your overall wealth, and factor in all the ways wealth shows up in your world.
Because money is important and so is your wellbeing.
Decide on what you want.
Take a holistic look at your numbers.
Make decisions based on your overall goals.
Break those down into tasks.
One action at a time. One bite at a time. One moment at a time.