If there’s one thing I’ve noticed over the years working with businesses of all sizes, it’s this: the biggest difference between those who are making $3-5 million a year and those who are barely scraping by isn’t luck, or connections, or even a magic formula.
It’s the willingness to do the hard stuff.
There’s a mindset difference. The entrepreneurs who are growing, thriving, and making serious money are the ones who are showing up—day in and day out—and putting in the work. They’re not sitting around waiting for something to magically change their circumstances. They’re out there making things happen.
Successful Entrepreneurs Do What It Takes—Even When It’s Hard
Here’s the truth: My clients who are consistently making over $3 million a year are the ones who have been willing to do the gritty, unglamorous work that many others avoid. They’ve gone out there and networked, talked to people, built relationships, and sold their products and services.
Even more, they’ve committed to continuously learning new skills. They understand that what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, so they keep sharpening their skills, pivoting where necessary, and sticking with it. They are persistent.
And let’s be clear—they still have the same life responsibilities as everyone else. They have kids, families, pets, and a million other things vying for their attention. But despite that, they find a way to get things done. They make it happen, no matter what.
The Entrepreneurs Who Stay Stuck: Excuses Over Action
Now let’s talk about the other side of the spectrum—the entrepreneurs who are stuck, barely making ends meet, and feeling like they can’t break through.
Here’s the hard truth: Many of them are caught up in excuses. They’re always too busy, too overwhelmed, or too distracted to make real progress. There’s always something in the way—whether it’s their kids, their health, or even their pets (yes, I’ve heard all about the dogs, cats, and even a pet mongoose!).
Don’t get me wrong—I understand that life happens, and we all have responsibilities outside of work. But the difference is that the entrepreneurs who are stuck let those things become reasons why they can’t move forward, while the ones who are succeeding find ways to work around those challenges.
It’s easy to say, “I can’t do it today because…” but that line of thinking is exactly what keeps businesses from growing. The full moon, retrograde planets, or whatever external factor you want to blame won’t be what holds you back—it’s the excuses.
Consistency and Hard Work Beat Magic Every Time
The businesses I see growing consistently are the ones that are putting in the work, even when it’s hard, even when they don’t feel like it, and even when life is throwing everything at them. They’re not looking for shortcuts, and they’re not waiting for the perfect moment. They’re taking action, and they’re doing it consistently.
It’s not magic. It’s not about some secret strategy that only a few people know about. It’s about showing up every day, putting in the effort, and doing the things that others aren’t willing to do.
What Does “Doing the Hard Stuff” Really Look Like?
Let’s break down what I mean when I say “doing the hard stuff.” It’s not always glamorous, but it’s what moves the needle in business:
- Networking and Building Relationships: This isn’t just about showing up at a few networking events—it’s about genuinely connecting with people, having real conversations, and building trust over time. People buy from those they know, like, and trust.
- Selling Your Product or Service: So many entrepreneurs avoid selling because it feels uncomfortable. But guess what? Sales are the lifeblood of your business. You can’t grow without them. So yes, you have to get out there, make offers, and ask for the sale.
- Learning New Skills: The business landscape is always changing, especially in today’s digital world. The entrepreneurs who are thriving are the ones who are willing to keep learning. They invest in themselves and their education because they know that staying stagnant is not an option.
- Being Consistent: This is huge. It’s not about doing something once and hoping it works. It’s about doing it over and over again—showing up even when you don’t feel like it, even when the results aren’t immediate, and even when it feels like you’re spinning your wheels.
Excuses vs. Action: What’s Holding You Back?
If you’re stuck in your business right now, I encourage you to take a hard look at where your time and energy are going. Are you making excuses for why you can’t move forward, or are you taking action—even if it’s uncomfortable?
It’s okay to admit that you’ve been avoiding the hard stuff. We all do it from time to time. But the difference between success and failure is how long you let that avoidance go on. The sooner you can face the uncomfortable parts of running a business, the sooner you can start seeing real results.
There’s No Magic, Just Hard Work and Perseverance
At the end of the day, there’s no magic to building a successful business. It takes hard work, perseverance, and consistency. The entrepreneurs who are thriving aren’t necessarily the smartest, the most talented, or the most connected. They’re the ones who are willing to do what others aren’t.
They’re willing to network, to sell, to keep learning, and to show up—day after day—no matter what life throws at them. And that’s why they’re growing, while others stay stuck.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or stuck, ask yourself: Are you willing to do the hard stuff? Because that’s the difference between scraping by and thriving.
