Why Chasing Six Figures Isn’t the Solution (and What Is)

Align your income goals with your values and discover the freedom of enough.

When I first launched my business, I thought I had it all figured out. Numbers were my safe place—as an accounting major, I officially prepared for them. Naturally, I set my sights on the “six-figure dream.” It was the magic number everyone seemed to chase, the goal that promised stability, success, and freedom. But as the months rolled by, I found myself overwhelmed and questioning: Why does it feel like I’m spinning my wheels but going nowhere?

Who am I to question the six-figure dream?

I was stuck in a cycle that every solopreneur begins at — working harder, hustling longer, and constantly comparing myself to others who seemed to hit this benchmark effortlessly. My personal and professional life felt out of sync, and I began to wonder: Is this even what I want?

Redefining Success: Why Enough Is the New Goal

It hit me one evening as I stared at a spreadsheet filled with projections and goals that felt foreign and unattainable. I realized I had never stopped to ask myself what enough looked like for me. My six-figure goal wasn’t based on my lifestyle or values—it was based on someone else’s definition of success. That was the moment I decided to rethink everything.

I started by stripping it down to the basics.

What did I truly need to live a comfortable life? What expenses were non-negotiable, and what could I let go of? Most importantly, what kind of life did I want my business to support? These questions shifted my perspective from chasing more to focusing on what mattered.

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The Problem with the Six-Figure Obsession

For years, we’ve been sold the idea that six figures are the hallmark of success. Social media is full of coaches and entrepreneurs bragging about their “multiple six-figure” businesses. But here’s what they don’t tell you:

1. Six figure gross revenue isn’t the same as six figures in your pocket. Taxes, expenses, and overhead chip away at that number until it often looks more like $50K or less.

2. Chasing someone else’s idea of success can leave you burnt out and disconnected from what truly matters to you.

3. An arbitrary goal like “six figures” doesn’t reflect your unique circumstances, whether you’re supporting a family, living in a high-cost area, or striving for more spare time instead of more cash.

Aligning your income goals with your values, lifestyle, and priorities changes everything. Instead of feeling like you’re failing to keep up, you’ll focus on what actually makes you thrive.

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The Power of Knowing Enough

Imagine building your business around what you need instead of what sounds impressive. That’s where knowing your “enough number” comes in—the minimum income that allows you to live your desired lifestyle comfortably, with room for growth.

When you know your “enough number,” you stop chasing numbers that don’t matter and start designing a life that does. Here’s why it matters:

1. It Reduces Overwhelm

Without a clear target, it’s easy to feel like you’re always falling short. That constant pressure to “do more” or “earn more” can lead to burnout. But when you have a defined enough number, you know exactly what you’re aiming for—and when you’ve hit it. This clarity quiets the noise and lets you focus on what really matters.

2. It Aligns Your Work with Your Values

Your enough number isn’t just about covering bills—it’s about living a life that reflects what you care about most. Whether it’s spending more time with family, traveling the world, or having space for creativity, knowing your enough number helps you prioritize those things without guilt.

3. It Prevents the Lifestyle Inflation Trap

Knowing your enough number keeps you grounded. Instead of automatically upgrading your car, home, or lifestyle. Some feel that when you earn more, you spend more. Suddenly, what used to feel like plenty isn’t enough anymore. This is lifestyle inflation at its worst.

4. It Helps You Say No with Confidence

When you’re unclear about your financial needs, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity, even if it doesn’t align with your goals. But knowing your enough number gives you the confidence to say no to projects, clients, or commitments that don’t fit into your bigger picture.

5. It Builds Long-Term Sustainability

Chasing random income goals often leads to overwork and burnout. But when you define your enough number, you can build a business model that supports sustainable growth. You can focus on consistency rather than quick wins, creating a life and business that thrives long-term.

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Chasing Six Figures

Chasing six figures isn’t always the solution to a fulfilling life or business. Knowing your “enough number” is. This number reflects your unique needs, values, and aspirations. It’s not about settling or thinking small—it’s about clarity and alignment.

Think of it like this: Imagine taking a vacation with no destination planned. How do you know when you’ve gotten there?

But when you define “enough,” you’re setting a clear marker for success. It doesn’t mean you can’t aim higher, but it gives you a baseline to work from—one that’s rooted in reality, not expectations of others who are set on all hustle.

Make It Practical

Want to find your “enough number”? Here’s a simple framework to get started:

1. Calculate Your Essentials: List your non-negotiable expenses—housing, food, insurance, debt, and savings goals.

2. Add Your Happiness Factors: Include what brings you happiness, like hobbies, travel, or dining out.

3. Factor in Flexibility: Build a cushion for unexpected expenses or opportunities — the rainy day fund.

4. Define Your Priorities: Ask yourself, “What kind of life do I want my income to support?” Use this to refine your number.

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Transform Your Expectations

Here’s what surprised me the most: knowing my enough number didn’t just reduce money making stress—it transformed how I approached my business. I had the confidence to:

• Say no to projects that don’t align with my goals.

• Invest in tools and training that supported my growth.

• Build a schedule that balances both work and play.

Defining your enough number is empowering. It’s not about limiting yourself; it’s about creating a life that’s fulfilling and sustainable—one step at a time.

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Tools to Help You Build Clarity

If you’re ready to break free of the six figure trap, here are some tools and strategies to guide you:

• Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: This book and system flips traditional budgeting on its head, prioritizing profit and sustainability.

• A Monthly Budget Tracker: A simple spreadsheet or app like YNAB (You Need a Budget) can help you manage expenses and avoid surprises.

• Values-Based Planning: Ask yourself, “What kind of life do I want?” and reverse-engineer your income goals to support that vision.

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Chasing six figures might sound ambitious, but it’s not the solution for everyone—and that’s okay. By defining what enough looks like for you, you can stop running on the hamster wheel and start building a business that feels aligned and sustainable. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about a number—it’s about creating a life you love.

What’s holding you back from redefining success on your terms? Let’s talk it.