Why Playing Small is Costing You Six Figures (And How to Stop)

March 12, 2025

Leadership

search the post index

Helped hundreds of women build their dream businesses, breaking the rules and becoming their most authentic self since 2016, from a tiny island called Nusa Lembongan, located next to Bali (Indonesia). I love freediving and spending time with my 2 rescue doggies, hubby and 6 years old boy.

I'm GWEN — Business mentor & mindset coach

Every time you hesitate, second-guess yourself, or hold back from showing up fully, you’re leaving money on the table. Playing small isn’t just a confidence issue—it’s a business problem that keeps you from hitting consistent high-income months. If you’re struggling to attract the right clients, pricing your offers too low, or waiting for “proof” that you’re ready to go bigger, this is exactly why your business isn’t scaling.

Successful business owners don’t wait for permission to step into their power—they claim it. They own their expertise, position themselves as the obvious choice, and sell with conviction. If you want to reach six figures and beyond, you need to stop playing it safe and start showing up like the leader you are.

How Playing Small is Keeping You Stuck

Many entrepreneurs think they need more—more strategies, more followers, more certifications—to finally feel “ready” to charge premium prices and be seen as an authority. But that’s the trap. Waiting for external validation is keeping you stuck in the same income level month after month.

Signs You’re Playing Small in Business:

  • You’re afraid to be polarizing, so your content feels watered down.
  • You keep your prices low because you don’t fully believe people will pay more.
  • You sell passively, hoping people just “find” you instead of actively positioning yourself as the best option.
  • You constantly overthink your messaging, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
  • You’re waiting for more clients, a bigger audience, or a “perfect” offer before going all in.

Here’s the truth: Your ideal clients aren’t looking for someone who plays small. They want to work with someone who knows her worth and is confident in what she brings to the table.

How to Stop Playing Small and Step Into Six-Figure Energy

If you want to break out of this cycle, you need to start showing up NOW as the six-figure business owner you want to be.

1. Own Your Authority and Take Up Space

Stop waiting for permission to be seen as an expert. You already have experience, results, and knowledge—so own it.

  • Share bold opinions in your content instead of trying to please everyone.
  • Stop apologizing for being successful or knowing your shit.
  • Position yourself as the go-to in your space, not just one of many.

2. Charge Like a Leader, Not a Beginner

Your pricing reflects how much you value your work. If you don’t believe your offer is worth premium pricing, neither will your audience.

  • Stop undercharging out of fear that people “won’t pay.”
  • The best clients don’t look for the cheapest option—they look for the best.
  • Raise your prices and stand behind the transformation you provide.

3. Sell Like You Know Your Offer is the Best Option

Selling isn’t about convincing people—it’s about showing them why you’re the only choice.

  • Talk about your offer with confidence and clarity—not hesitation.
  • Focus on the transformation and results your clients get, not just features.
  • If you only mention your offer 1-2 times a week, you’re not selling enough.

4. Stop Making Decisions Based on Where You Are Now

Successful entrepreneurs make decisions from where they want to be, not where they currently are.

  • If you want to run a six-figure business, start acting like a six-figure CEO now.
  • Stop waiting for “proof” before taking bold action—success comes from making moves before you feel ready.
  • Confidence comes from showing up and embodying that version of yourself daily.

Final Thoughts: Your Business Will Only Grow When YOU Do

Playing small is a decision. It’s a choice to stay in the comfort zone, to avoid risk, to keep waiting for “the right time.” But if you keep playing small, your results will stay small, too.

If you want to step into the business you actually want, it’s time to go all in. Send me a DM on Instagram and let’s chat.

share this post:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

search the post index

Helped hundreds of women build their dream businesses, breaking the rules and becoming their most authentic self since 2016, from a tiny island called Nusa Lembongan, located next to Bali (Indonesia). I love freediving and spending time with my 2 rescue doggies, hubby and 6 years old boy.

I'm GWEN — Business mentor & mindset coach

I help ambitious women build businesses that are bold, profitable, and fully aligned with who they are,  without following cookie-cutter strategies or burning out trying to do it all.

I’ve built three multi-six-figure businesses from scratch, and I’ve helped hundreds of women (starting from zero to 7+ figure/year) refine their offers, master their messaging, step into their power with positioning that actually gets them paid, and build systems and funnels to automate their sales.

I don’t teach one way to grow your business online. I help you find YOUR way. The way that matches your energy, your vision, and your big goals. I know you are building an empire, not a cute little side business. 

As a mom of a wild 6 years old boy, living on a tiny 7km² island in Asia, running a business I love and working just four days a week, I know that you don’t have to choose between ambition and freedom. You get to have both.

Ready to stop doing business like everyone else and finally become the one people buy from because your content and offers are fire?! Let’s go!!

Hi, I'm Gwen!

Yes, please!

The first step to launch is to grow your community with ideal students! Grab this free PDF Guide with 30 free resources ideas you can create to attract the perfect students in your online community and grow your email list before announcing your program!

30 Irresistible Lead Magnet Ideas Your Audience Will Actually Want To Sign Up For

free guide

easy to use free guide