The journey from mid-6 figures to seven or eight figures is as much about mindset as it is about strategy. At this level, the skills and habits that got you here won’t take you to your next level. To scale sustainably, you must step fully into your role as a CEO—not just the founder, operator, or doer.
But embracing the CEO identity requires a mindset shift. It’s about seeing yourself as the visionary leader of a high-performing company and letting go of the beliefs, habits, and patterns that keep you stalled. And, if you barely have time to think about being a CEO, it will be much harder to make the shift. Let’s explore how to overcome the mid-6-figure plateau mindset and fully own your CEO identity.
1. Redefine What It Means to Be a CEO
Many entrepreneurs resist stepping into the CEO role because they associate it with losing control or being “hands-off.” But being a CEO is about strategic focus, not detachment. It’s a business lifestyle and positions you to experience massive growth that you just can’t when you have to be present for your business to run.
- Shift Your Focus: Stop asking, “What do I need to do today?” and start asking, “What does the business need to grow sustainably?”
- Prioritize Vision Over Execution: Your primary role is to define the vision, set the strategy, and empower your team to execute.
- Adopt a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities to learn and elevate your leadership. Every successful CEO embraces continuous improvement.
Pro Tip: Write a new definition of “CEO” that reflects the leader you want to be. Refer to it often to keep your focus aligned.
2. Let Go of the Operator Mentality
At the mid-6-figure level, many business owners remain deeply involved in day-to-day operations. While this was necessary early on, it now limits your growth potential. If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to think about brining on management level team members – people who can think as well as do.
- Delegate with Confidence: Identify the tasks you’re holding onto that can be owned by someone else. Start small but strategic—delegate one task this week.
- Trust Your Team: Empower your team to make decisions within their roles, and provide guidance only when needed.
- Elevate Your Focus: Spend more time on activities that align with your zone of genius—such as strategy, partnerships, and thought leadership.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “If I didn’t do this task, would the business suffer?” If the answer is no, it’s time to delegate.
3. Address Limiting Beliefs About Success
Scaling to seven figures requires a belief that you are capable and deserving of leading at this level. Limiting beliefs can sabotage your growth if left unchecked.
- Identify Your Blocks: Common beliefs include “I’m not ready to scale,” “I need to do it all myself,” or “I can’t trust others to handle it.” Reflect on which of these resonate with you.
- Reframe Your Thinking: Replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. For example, “I can grow my business because I have the skills and support I need.”
- Invest in Your Growth: Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, and peers who challenge and elevate your thinking.
Pro Tip: Write down your limiting beliefs, then rewrite them as affirmations. Repeat them daily to reinforce your CEO mindset.
4. Focus on Long-Term Strategy
Operators focus on short-term wins; CEOs think about long-term sustainability.
- Set a 3-Year Vision: Where do you want your business to be in three years? What needs to happen this year to make that vision a reality?
- Measure What Matters: Track metrics that align with long-term growth, such as profit margin, client retention, and team capacity—not just revenue.
- Make Decisions from the Future: Ask yourself, “What would the seven-figure version of me do in this situation?”
Pro Tip: Schedule quarterly CEO strategy days to reflect on progress and refine your vision.
5. Step Fully Into Leadership
Your team, clients, and business need you to show up as a confident, decisive leader.
- Own Your Authority: You’ve built a successful business—trust your ability to lead it to the next level.
- Communicate the Vision: Share your goals and strategies with your team regularly to align their efforts with the company’s direction.
- Lead by Example: Model the behaviors and values you want to see in your team. Leadership is as much about who you are as what you do.
Pro Tip: Celebrate your wins, big and small. Recognizing your achievements reinforces your belief in your capability as a CEO.
Why This Matters
Scaling your business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about who you become in the process. Embracing the CEO identity allows you to lead with clarity, confidence, and intention. It’s the mindset shift that transforms a business into a legacy.
This week, take one step toward owning your CEO identity. Whether it’s redefining your role, letting go of a limiting belief, or focusing on long-term strategy, remember: you are the CEO your business needs for its next level.
Here’s how we can help:
- Grab a copy of Move to Millions: The Proven Framework to Become a Million Dollar CEO with Grace & Ease Instead of Hustle & Grind available on Audible and paperback wherever you love to buy books or www.movetomillionsbook.com
- Register to join us at Move to Millions® Live 2025: BIGGER. Move to Millions® Live is the must-attend event for 7-Figure CEOs in the making, ready to ELEVATE their soul and strategy while gaining next level insights on tightening the core systems and leadership skills indicative of a sustainable 7-figure company regardless of what’s happening in the world. Learn more and secure your seat at www.movetomillionsevent.com
- Don’t want to wait until May for flexing your leadership muscle? Apply to work with us in one of our Haus of Millions Business Advisory Programs. Learn more today at www.hausofmillions.com
