This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Your mindset determines your pay
I still recall when someone told a group of us that they received a 50-cent pay raise after all their hard labor, dedication, and effort they expended on the job. This happened more than a decade ago.
We all celebrated and cheered for the pay raise, but were we really happy for them? They had a family, multiple kids, a mortgage, multiple car notes, debts, and responsibilities, and were earning significantly less than $20/hr. What was 50 cents going to do for them and their family?
12 Years for Less Than 60k As A Manager
A friend told me she still has friends working at Macy’s for over a decade, and all of them are making LESS than 60k a year in annual income; they’re managers, on top of that fact, with families to provide for.
We Limit Our Income
You don’t have to earn six figures. You don’t have to earn seven figures. You don’t even have to earn eight figures to experience financial success. But if you’re going to work, why not get paid an amount you and your family can comfortably live on – especially if your job is taxing your time and body?
Never Keep Your Income The Same
Always raise your income standards and level of thinking surrounding income. If you earned 50k last year, your income goal for this year should be higher.
Why?
Well, inflation is consistently going up, so your cost of living is likely going up with it – unless you live a different, non-traditional lifestyle.
But more importantly, you can experience a higher lifestyle when you earn more. Your options increase. You’re able to give more. You’re able to invest more (creating more financial freedom). You’re able to rely less on your financial resources because you have more.
Your Income Matches Your Mindset
If you currently earn 60k per year, that’s where your level of thinking is.
If you currently earn 100k per year, that’s where your level of thinking is.
If you currently earn 200k per year, that’s where your level of thinking is.
We are the determinants of our income levels. We determine exactly how much we earn at any given moment. It’s not up to the government, our bosses, or even our businesses; it’s up to us.
How Much Do You Want To Earn?
Ask yourself, “How much do I want to earn?”
Do your current earnings match your desired income?
If not, it’s time to shift and elevate your level of thinking.
Most Will Continually Trade Their Time For Beans
Time is an asset we can never get back.
Trading your time for money isn’t the end of the world if you’re enjoying what you’re doing and getting paid well to do it.
Subpay is not a good trade for your time.
How can you increase your pay? Ponder this question and make some changes.
Earning More Is In Your Realm of Control
4 things you need to change to increase your incomemedium.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.