How to Achieve Focus and Flow Towards $1MM Profit Per Month Challenge

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By Matt Ackerson — Get free updates on new posts here

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Success doesn't have to mean running yourself into the ground. Many entrepreneurs believe the only way to win is to “hustle” harder.

But what if there's a different path—one that actually gives you more energy for the work?

I used to chase big business goals with everything I had, often burning myself out in the process.

Through my recent conversations a friend who happens to be a coach, I've been rethinking what sustainable growth really looks like. Instead of grinding through exhaustion, I'm learning to work from self-awareness, set clearer boundaries, and learning how to build a business that energizes rather than drains.

This video / article captures our recent conversation about building focus and momentum without the burnout. You’ll learn:

How to identify your natural work rhythm — and why working against your nature kills momentum before it starts.
Why strategic rest accelerates progress — learn how planned recovery periods prevent burnout and maintain long-term consistency, based on real experience growing to $1.2M in revenue.
How having a clear direction makes saying no to good opportunities feel automatic instead of agonizing.
Why prioritizing fun and social connection can give you what feels like limitless energy for the work that matters most.

Let’s dive in…

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Meet: Fiorella

I'm fortunate to have Fiorella as both a coach and advisor here in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. She specializes in working with high-performing men, helping them lead from a place of truth and alignment rather than the typical grind and hustle mentality.

Headshot Fiorella Salaza-Vega

As someone who's experienced her coaching firsthand, I can attest that her perspective on personal and professional growth is both unique and invaluable.

She reminded me of something I'd shared with her—the idea of waking up every day like it's Christmas morning. That energy of excitement and alignment is exactly what she cultivates in her clients through her mastermind program.

During our recent conversation, she challenged me to reflect on my 15-year entrepreneurial journey. What was challenging then versus now, and how have I learned from past experiences to level up? It's this kind of thoughtful questioning that makes her coaching so effective in helping entrepreneurs find focus and drive toward their biggest goals.

Setting Big, Audacious Goals

I've set a big, hairy, audacious goal: grow our company to a million dollars in profit per month. It's ambitious, maybe even a little crazy, but it's a north star that keeps me moving forward. But as I told Fiorella, the real challenge isn't the goal—it's staying focused and consistent.

I'm committed to documenting this journey through YouTube videos and social media, even when it feels uncomfortable. That discomfort is part of the growth.

"I want our company to grow in record time to a million dollars in profit per month. I've committed to doing that as quickly as possible, documenting the journey, and being transparent about it."

Self-Awareness Drives Leadership

Fiorella's approach is different from the typical grind mentality. She teaches that real leadership comes from self-awareness and alignment. It's about understanding your strengths, values, and motivations. When people ask Fiorella where to start, her advice is simple: be self-aware and take inventory of what you're good at, where your strengths are, and what you value.

That's the foundation for growth.

This mindset shift—from pushing through at all costs to leading from a place of truth—creates a foundation for sustainable success. Taking time to reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and values can help you build your business and routines around what truly matters to you—not what you think you should do.

Work Sprints and Avoiding Burnout

I've learned that I work best in sprints—periods of high intensity followed by time to rest and recharge. Some people thrive with steady routines, but for me, it's about balancing bursts of focus with intentional downtime.

It's easy to get trapped in the minutia of the day-to-day and forget that part of work is not ignoring how we feel. That's what makes it sustainable.

Too often, I've burned out by going too hard for too long. Now, I'm learning to recognize when I need to step back, recharge, and come back with fresh energy and perspective.

Identifying your natural work rhythm and not being afraid to rest helps you sustain progress over the long term, rather than just hustling for short-term gains.

We hit $1.2 million in gross revenue in 2021, which was a huge achievement. I started the company bootstrapped from my childhood bedroom after giving up on my entrepreneurial dream post-college, with just $200 in my account. There were years of learning and focus in between.

Comparison Steals Your Joy

Social media is full of "bully marketing"—constant comparison and pressure to measure up. It's easy to feel like you're not doing enough when you see others' highlight reels.

"There's so much focus on comparison. The subtle part is the monkey brain, the reptilian part, just comparing yourself to the alleged success or perfect life of someone else. But it's not real."

Fiorella and I both agree: Authenticity and self-validation are more important than chasing someone else's metrics.

Unplugging from comparison and defining your own success allows you to focus on becoming better than you were yesterday, not better than someone else.

She also asks: Why am I doing this? Is it just for money, or is there a deeper vision? For me, freedom is a big motivator. Entrepreneurs risk time and money for freedom; employees risk freedom for time and money.

Setting Your Vision and Strategic Focus

Most people drift through life without a clear long-term plan, but research shows this approach significantly limits your potential. We often overestimate what we can accomplish in one year while drastically underestimating what's possible in ten years with consistent, focused effort.

The chart below reveals the power of written planning:

70% of companies with a business plan grew compared to 60% without one.
36% with a plan secured investment capital versus 18% without, and
36% with a plan secured a loan versus 18% without.

The data make it clear: businesses with written plans are consistently more likely to succeed.

Companies with Business Plans vs No Business Plan - Growbo

This principle extends beyond business to personal success. When you develop a clear vision of where you want to be in 5-10 years, everything changes. You gain the clarity to make better decisions daily, and more importantly, you develop the confidence to say no to opportunities that don't serve your larger purpose.

As Fiorella pointed out: "Once you have your inventory and focus, you need a clear vision. Many people don’t know what they want, so it’s easy to lose time and energy. Learning to say no is important—when you have a clear vision, you won’t feel guilty for saying no. You’re saying no for a bigger yes."

Clear Priorities Empower Your Focus

One of the hardest lessons is learning to say no—to opportunities, distractions, and even people who don't align with your mission. "When you have a clear vision and focus, you won't feel guilty saying no. You're saying no for a bigger yes."

Setting boundaries protects your time, energy, and focus. It lets you invest in what truly matters. Making a list of your top priorities—and your anti-goals—helps you practice saying no to anything that doesn't serve your vision.

The next illustration shows how both goals and anti-goals drive motivation: avoiding the “alligators” of unwanted outcomes (anti-goals) can push us forward just as much as moving toward our desired goals. Together, they create the tension that keeps us focused and moving in the right direction.

An illustration of Anti-Goal - Growbo

According to Fiorella, "What you say yes to should align with what you want. Be as clear as possible on your vision and core values—you mentioned continuous self-improvement, creativity, and enjoyment.”

Enjoyment is the one I neglected for too long, but it’s made a huge difference now.

How Social Connection Fuels Energy

Developing a strong social group and taking time for enjoyment has given me limitless energy for the business. The million-dollar profit goal is ambitious and sounds ridiculous, but it’s not a question of if, only how.

I don’t have a deadline; it’s a focus point to guide my choices. Sometimes I feel resistance, but I know getting back to a mindset of curiosity and gratitude will help.

Fiorella adds, "Experience comes from the Latin root experientia, which means experiment. When we approach work with curiosity, we grow faster and enjoy the process." Building time for fun, experimentation, and learning into your day lets curiosity drive your next step and keeps you motivated.

Escaping Comparison Traps Online

There’s so much "bully marketing" online—everyone comparing, showing off numbers, and making others feel like they have to grind endlessly. But most of it isn’t real; it’s just a highlight reel. I’ve seen friends post perfect photos while struggling in reality.

Fiorella:

"Comparison is a trap. The only competition is you against you. Becoming better than yesterday is what matters."

Balance Masculine and Feminine Energies

Fiorella brings a unique perspective as a somatic coach, emphasizing the integration of masculine (structure, focus) and feminine (creativity, flow) energies.

"AI is a feminine energy—that's why you're so drawn to it. Creativity is feminine. Everything that moves energy, nature, is feminine."

Balancing these energies leads to greater effectiveness, resilience, and fulfillment. Noticing when you're forcing versus flowing and integrating structure with curiosity and creativity results in a more balanced approach.

Authenticity Wins Customer Trust

The most successful people aren't just following templates—they're authentically themselves. Whether it's a billionaire in a t-shirt or an artist creating without expectations, authenticity builds trust and confidence.

"The more genuinely authentic you are, the more people will value and care about you—not just what you do."

Embracing your quirks, your story, and your unique path, rather than copying others, helps you become the most authentic version of yourself.

The following chart shows that 39% of consumers say authenticity is the most important factor when learning about a brand or product on social media—far ahead of easily understood material (25%) and value alignment (13%). Authenticity clearly outweighs polish or perfection in building real trust.

Authenticity in Marketing Chart - Growbo

Fiorella: "I’m not a Buddhist. I am Fiorella." Kevin Smith, the director, said, "I’m just a professional Kevin Smith." Chart your own path and trust yourself.

Final Thoughts: My Success Journey

To wrap up, the journey to success is about more than just numbers. It’s about self-awareness, authenticity, focus, and service. Balance action with reflection, stay curious, and build a business and life that’s true to you.

Here are action steps to take on: