Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes

Hi everyone,

It’s Stephen Edwards from Gro Profit First Accountants, and welcome to this week’s Profit First Accountant Newsletter!

Watch the full video here

This week we’re diving into Step 1 of the Profit First programme—and it's not what most people expect.

Before we open spreadsheets or create new bank accounts, we need to start with something far more important: mindset

and I want to challenge you with a fundamental question:

Are you really ready for Profit First?

This isn’t just a throwaway question—it’s the first thing I ask anyone before diving in. Because after working with dozens and dozens of business owners, I’ve seen a pattern. Those who succeed with Profit First? They have the right mindset. Those who struggle often skip this part entirely.

That’s why Step 1 is all about laying the right foundation. And to help you do that, I want to share what I call the Four D’s of Success—a framework that applies not just to Profit First, but to any goal you want to achieve in life or business.

You’re here, so you already desire more profit. But what lies beneath that desire?

It’s not really about the profit—it’s about what profit enables you to do.

Is it more holidays?

Helping family?

Hiring better team members?

Creating more time and space in your life?

None of these are selfish. They’re personal. And Profit First is the vehicle to help you achieve those outcomes.

Think of someone five stone overweight looking to get healthy in the New Year. The desire is there, but that alone won’t make it happen. It’s just the starting point.

Desire isn’t enough.

The second step is decision—the moment you decide this is a must, not a should. This is when you commit fully.

For example, joining the gym, and better yet, paying for a year upfront. That’s what decision looks like.

So, with Profit First, have you decided that you’re all in?

Maybe you’re doing well already and want to level up. Or maybe you’re fed up with your business not paying you what you deserve.

Either way, this step is crucial. Make the decision. Flip the switch.

Next comes design—the plan, the structure, the roadmap.

Using the gym metaphor again: if you’ve joined, great. But without a plan or personal trainer, you’re likely to waste time or make the same mistakes over and over.

Same goes for business. Some owners say they’ve been in business for 10 years—but really, it’s one year repeated 10 times.

With Profit First, we give you the proven design that works. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. That’s the beauty of the system. You just have to follow it.

And here’s where it often falls apart: discipline.

You can have the desire, make the decision, and follow the design—but if you don’t stick with it, it won’t work.

You have to put on your shoes and go to the gym. Even when it's hard. Especially when it’s hard.

This is why we offer one-to-one support, Profit First packages, and live workshops every two weeks—to help you stay disciplined and accountable. Because even the most successful entrepreneurs fall off the bandwagon. The key is getting back on.

So why does all of this matter?

Because this isn’t about money sitting in a bank account. This is about your life.

Profit First is actually life first. It’s about using profit to build the life you want.

To help you do that, we’ve created a tool inside the Grow Academy to help you design your ideal life. We walk you through calculating what your life really costs—mortgage, pension, bills, holidays, helping your children, and more.

Most people never do this. But when you put real numbers to your ideal life, you gain clarity. And that clarity gives your Profit First journey a powerful sense of purpose.

Because at the end of the day, your business is just a vehicle. Profit First helps you make it one that works for you.

Step 1 is about deciding: Is this a must?
The desire is already there—that’s why you’re here.
Now it’s time to make the decision, follow the design, and stay disciplined.

Because life is short. Every week counts. And Profit First is how we make those weeks matter more.

Until next time,

Stephen Edwards
Profit First Accountant & Business Coach
 [email protected]
Gro Profit First Accountants