Greetings, fellow grow givers! I'm JuJuan Buford, founder of the Grow Givers Project and JSB Business Solutions Group. Today, I want to talk about a common experience that entrepreneurs face: plateaus in progress. I’m going to keep this brief and real, so bear with me as I go off-script a little bit.
The Entrepreneurial Plateau
If you've been in the entrepreneurial game for a while, you're probably familiar with that moment when you hit a ceiling. You’ve put in the work, you’re earning some revenue, but you find yourself stuck at a plateau. You’ve hit that barrier—maybe around the $100K mark—and it feels like no matter how hard you push, you're not breaking through.
It’s a common hurdle. Most small business owners earn an average of $60K to $70K annually, and for many, breaking $100K in revenue is a significant challenge. So, what’s the difference between staying stuck and breaking through? Why do some entrepreneurs soar beyond that ceiling while others stagnate?
The Price of Mastery
The simple answer is: mastery. Achieving true mastery in your craft requires a willingness to pay a price—something beyond just having a good product or service and a solid work ethic. Don’t get me wrong: with hard work and dedication, you can hit $100K. It’s absolutely possible. But to reach the next level, to break past that barrier and join the ranks of entrepreneurs earning $250K, $500K, or even millions, you have to embrace mastery.
Mastery demands humility. It requires a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. You must be willing to study, practice, and perfect your craft. This isn’t just about talent or intellect—it’s about the willingness to be a perpetual student of your business and your industry.
The Cost of Success
When you look at successful athletes or entrepreneurs, what sets them apart? It’s not just talent—it’s the extra time and effort they put in. Think about Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. They didn’t become great because they were naturally gifted. They became great because they showed up earlier, stayed later, and studied their opponents in ways others didn’t.
The same principle applies in business. The difference between the entrepreneur who makes $100K and the one who makes millions is often a very small gap—but that gap is defined by extraordinary effort. The difference lies in the willingness to do the extra work, to learn more, to study more, and to commit more fully than others.
Breaking Through the Ceiling
I remember when I was starting my business, I reached a point where I plateaued. I was stuck at a certain level of success, and it was frustrating. But instead of wallowing in it, I decided to study those who had achieved the level of success I wanted. I didn’t try to tear them down or find shortcuts. I simply learned what they did and adopted their strategies. I dedicated myself to learning, studying, and growing. In just a few months, I surpassed my competition and achieved greater success.
This process is something I return to whenever I need a reset. I seek out people who are more successful than I am, and I study them. I look at how they behave, how they communicate, how they interact with people. It’s not just about what they say—it’s about understanding why they say it, and what makes them tick. It’s about being open to learning and willing to do the work that others aren’t.
Going the Extra Mile
The key to overcoming plateaus is simple: go the extra mile. If you’ve plateaued, it’s not time to quit. It’s time to double down on your craft. Recommit to the habits that got you this far, and look for that tiny gap between where you are and where you want to be. Once you identify it, focus on closing that gap. You don’t have to abandon everything you’ve done so far, but you might need to adopt new habits or practices to break through.
Remember, entrepreneurship is a skill trade. Just like any craft—whether it's athletics, carpentry, or plumbing—it requires dedication and a willingness to continually refine your skills. Success in business isn’t about shortcuts or gimmicks. It’s about going the extra mile, staying committed, and being willing to work harder than the next person.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’ve hit a plateau, don’t see it as a sign to quit. It’s an opportunity to get serious about your growth and your mastery. It’s about being committed to continuous learning and going above and beyond what most people are willing to do. The difference between $100K and $1M might be small, but it’s that extra effort—those extra hours—that make all the difference.
I’m committed to this process. I’ve already planned out the books I’ll be reading, the content I’ll be creating, and the habits I’ll be cultivating over the next six months. And I’ll be sharing that journey with you. The road to mastery is long, but it’s worth it.
Here’s to going the extra mile, achieving mastery, and breaking through those plateaus. Let’s make it happen.
Until next time, stay focused, keep learning, and celebrate success in advance!
JSB Business Solutions Group is here to help you every step of the way. For personalized assistance, reach out to us at jsbuford@thebufordco.com or call 888.549.9689. You can also schedule an appointment to discuss your needs and ensure your business is set up for success. Let’s work together to secure your vision and protect what matters most!
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The world around us wasn’t built by the exceptional. It was built by everyday people who were willing to do exceptional things. Go build something.
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