Many believe that high sales will automatically lead to high profit. But profit only comes after you have exceeded your break-even point. Achieving the monthly breakeven point is the first indication that your business may be viable. At this point, though, the proprietor still has no income. Breakeven means that expenses are equal to revenue.
Profit is zero.
The paycheck for a proprietor is profit. You know that your business is starting to do well when it can provide you with a living wage. After months of living on very tight budget and no income while starting your business, you have now reached the stage when you can start to draw income. However, there is still no real profit, because all the income is consumed by the owner's need for a living wage. This stage is similar to having a regular paying job with a stable paycheck.