Trying to establish an online business can be a quite daunting task. There are so many variables that come into play. In fact, most people who try to build an online business never make it to the point where they are satisfied with the monthly income their online business is producing. As a result of that, many people give up and never reach their true potential.
There’s a vicious rumor that circulates the internet. That rumor is that it is Super Easy to make money online. We look to the Guru’s and see the thousands, tens of thousands and even Hundred thousands that they make online and get when we see their pictures, we take their faces off in our minds and substitute ours with the thought that “That can be me, if I just buy their product”. We then purchase the product and realize that we need to work our butts off to accomplish the goal. What follows next is discouragement.
The fact is that when you see those gurus that make it look easy, they had to work their butts off to reach to the point where they can make it look easy, and so do you.
Do the Gurus face discouragement?
The Discouraged Entrepreneur
Having great successful mentors (who are open and honest) in the field of online business has enlightened me to the following fact. Even they have faced discouragement. Sometimes even more than you think. I have mentors who makes Tens of thousands and one who makes up to $100,000+ per month and even in those cases, they’ve faced some great discouragement and self doubt at numerous points in the past.
What made their success level significantly greater than most others is what they did with that discouragement. They didn’t let it hold them down. It’s almost as if they used it as fuel to propel themselves even more into higher levels of success. This realization did a lot for me, as I even find myself facing discouragement and wondering if what I’m doing will ever amount to anything.
How to Deal with Discouragement
Now that we have established that discouragement is normal, lets get to how to deal with it. This is important because we DON’T want to face discouragement for long periods of time. We need to whip ourselves into shape, and take our business to the next level. Here are some tips that have helped me significantly:
- Connect with other successful and success-minded individuals. This is probably the thing that has helped me significantly. There are a lot of nay-sayers when it comes to internet business. Avoid them like the plague. When you surround yourself with people who have the same goals, it’s much easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
- Have a definite, measurable end goal. And easy way to be discouraged is to work your butt off to accomplish EVERYTHING. If you don’t know where you are headed, how will you know when you get there? What is your purpose? Why are you trying to build a business? The answer to that question is a huge step in the right direction of being focused and makes it harder to step off the path.
- Find a Mentor who is where you want to be and do EVERYTHING they say. This isn’t a guarantee that everything will work out, but this will help to eliminate a lot of wasted time time spent on things that aren’t productive and keep you focused. There’s so much info out there that it’s extremely easy to suffer from information overload.
- Establish daily routines to help you keep positive. I listen to a lot of business podcasts on a regular basis. This helps me to see what is possible and I’ve noticed that whenever I’m doing this, discouragement never crosses my mind. This is ONE example that I’ve been implementing that makes it close to impossible to feel discouraged on the days that I do it.
- Try your best to maintain a balanced lifestyle. One of the most stressful things in life (at least for me) is being so caught up in one thing that you don’t have time for everything else. Remember that Making Money is not EVERYTHING. There’s family, friends, health and other aspects of your life that are important too.
- Eat well and Exercise Regularly. I know this seems unrelated. What in the world does this have to do with business, right?? You’d be surprised to know that this helps tremendously. Since science is my background, this is something that really interests me. When you exercise, it increases the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is known as the “feel good” chemical. It really does help you feel good and has the same effect as anti-depressant drugs, without all the yucky side effects.
- Read My Blog on a regular basis. What does this have to do with helping discouragement. Not much really. Well, I guess every so often I make a post like this that might help you
So if you are in a discouraged state at the moment, I would recommend for you to actively do those things on a regular basis and I’m confident that it will help you to move beyond that disappointment and into success. I’ll end this post with my favorite quote.
“If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t. Either way, you are right” – Henry Ford.
Comments
As usual, I would love to have your feedback. Here are some things you can comment on below:
- Do you ever feel discouraged when it comes to your online business?
- If so, what do you do to deal with it?
- Do you have a question about what I posted? Feel free to ask.
- Anything else? Share it below.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Leslie,
Great post. I can say that I really did feel encouraged after reading it. Sometimes we feel like we want to give up because we are not progressing as fast as we would like to, so thank you for the great advice.
Angelina
Best wishes
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September 11th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I really liked this post a lot, Leslie. I tend to agree with you that getting discouraged is a natural part of growth and development. I like the way you set forth specific steps to help deal with discouragement. I actually try to do most of your suggestions, but one that I tend to have trouble with is #2. I feel that esp. when working online, it is very easy to feel that you have to do everything & do it right now. Due to all of the information and advice online, it can be difficult to set feasible goals and to stay focused on only those goals until you achieve them.
You would think that with all of the talk about finding a mentor in freebie trading, # 3 would be the first thing I would have thought about. But it is the one that I have not done at all….I will have to work on this.
Thanks for sharing some good advice, Leslie. It is very helpful.
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September 11th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Thanks Linda. Yes, suggestion #2 is definitely one that is sometimes hard to do, but I'm finding that the more I do it, the more success follows and the less discouragement I face.
Yes, finding a mentor is extremely valuable. I like to say that If you follow success, success will follow you
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September 11th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Glad I can be of some encouragement for you. We all need that sometimes
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September 11th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
What an absolutely uplifting article Leslie. It actually brought tears to my eyes. I used to preach, and for that fact, still do preach the same. What seems to be most difficult for me, is finding that mentor, or mentors, that you can talk to with regularity, when working from home online.
One that REALLY knows you well, or wants to make the time to get to know you better, who really wants to see you succeed, has time for you, sees you as having an exceptional talent, knows that you are driven, are enthusiastic, and more than capable of having the energy and ability to succeed online.
It just seems so hard, in this online entrepreneurial world of ours, that the human contact element is missing. Or, at least I haven't been able to find it! There is no classroom, no teacher you can set an appointment with, no seminars . . . that aren't online and require you to continually write, as you do Leslie, to get the respect and trust that many have in you, to stand by you and support you in what your striving to accomplish.
I have met, and feel there are some outstanding individuals that I am very grateful I know, and can talk to from time to time, and do, and thank God they're there for me. However, I still find it hard not to be surrounded by people on a daily basis. Those that get to know you through your body language, your crazy sense of humor, your enlightening spirit and encouragement, those that you don't feel you have to explain yourself to, as you might be interpreted inaccurately or just terribly misunderstood. Those that can continually test your intellect, push you to be better and drive that competitive nature you've always had, to be the best you can be!
Perhaps for those that didn't grow up in the computer world this is easier for you to relate to, and understand. For those who grew up with computers, as both my son and my daughter have, I think it's hard to understand at times. You begin to feel very lost and inadequate, almost like you're from another planet, and find it difficult and almost painstakingly hard, to simply communicate.
Discouragement–you bet! So again, I thank you for your wonderful article. We all can get so absorbed in our need and want to help others become successful, that we sometimes seem to ignore, or not prioritize what we need to do for our own success and fulfillment!
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September 11th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Hi Leslie,
This is a great post, I think you have a really positive outlook to life, which is very important.
In life you get more of what you focus on, so if you are able to maintain positive goals and focus on achieving things, you will make things happen. I can see that you are already doing this!
I also agree with your point on not spending all your time on one thing, ie making money. It is so important to have a balance in life, if you don't then you are missing out living life to the full.
Thanks for the motivation, I think I should go out and do some more exercise this weekend now!
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September 11th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Wow, thank you for being so honest. I do agree. There's nothing like that personal one on one mentoring, where you can have someone you trust that you can talk to on a regular basis. However, if you find the right online community/mentoring program, you'd be surprised at the kind of support you can get. It's not like one on one, but it's definitely something that can help.
I hope that regardless of whether you find that mentor/support system online or off, you take advantage of it. It's not just about the support. It's also about the taking action. Keep your head up though. Success is yours for the taking.
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September 11th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I like what you said Adam about getting more of what you focus on. That is such a true statement. Many people focus on negative things and are surprised when negative things continue to happen. The right mindset is a HUGE step towards success. When you combine that mindset with ACTION, it's a powerful combination.
Check out my article entitled “Making Money Online Sucks”. It addresses exactly what you spoke about on not focusing ONLY on making Money.
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September 12th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Hi Leslie!
Its really good post, as most of the new bloggers like me will definetly find useful from this.
I am also from one of them who is looking for an good traffic on my blog http://www.clickblogging.blogspot.com.
Its really having an good stuff to refer and implement these things.
I just want to ask one of the simple question, as to start an successfull blog we need an piller/solid content, but most of the bloggers who are not so well and good in english and want to start blog in english then what would be the solution to this problem , is there any software for this or need to hire ghostwriter for this, but right now i can't afford for ghostwriter?. As most of the new bloggers having same problem. So I expect an answer on this question?
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September 13th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Hi Rajendra.
First off, thanks for your comment. I checked out your blog and your writing skills aren't bad at all. Here's one thing to keep in mind. Yes, grammar is relatively important. However, when people come to your blog, they care more about your personality than your mastery of the English language. That's always something to keep in mind.
In terms of making your English skills better, it comes with practice. The more you read and write, the better you become. So, I would encourage you to keep reading and keep writing.
Lastly, if English is not your first language, you can always look into starting a blog in your native language. This can actually be a very good thing because it can help you narrow down on a niche. I believe that there is a lot of potential in the non-English speaking countries, because there is less competition.
Hope that helps some!
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September 14th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Hey I just landed here, but I had to say I love the blog. I'll be coming back for sure.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Thanks, Leslie. We all face this at some time or other and this is a good checklist for getting back on track.
I am fortunate in that I am retired and do not get uptight about my seeming lack of progress in a goal. Experience has taught me that continuing to make any progress is a major factor in succeeding. Never give up what you want to do. I also suggest making small goals that lead toward a bigger goal. Success on these small goals gives incentive to keep after the bigger goal. Chasing the elusive big goal does cause discouragement at times.
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Very good suggestion Larry. Making small goals that lead toward a bigger goal is essential. In fact, I try to make goals on a daily basis that all lead to an overall big goal of mine. It really does help you to keep focused. Thanks for the input.
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September 16th, 2009 at 9:32 am
I'm just about to build an online business. My biggest challenge is the reputation my country Nigeria has out there in thr international community. I have been denied access to some transaction websites – eBay, paypal and clickbank to name a few and i begin to think to myself – if i'm barred from buying because some unscrupulous elements from my country who dupe people online (who by the way are less than 0.1% of the 150million of us!), how would i ever get to sell products for myself and others online and if i do how do i get paid?
Another concern i have about having an online business is the Poor electricity (right now, i'm using a generator to power my laptop because power is supplied only 10 hours a day!!!) and Poor internet access (1% of us have internet access and it is wretched access to be polite.)
Folks in the West are probably wondering and pitying me right now – Don't. Be grateful for the most basic things you take for granted.
As for me, it would make me a better, more creative entrepreneur with character at the end of the day.
I have decided not to be discouraged but to find a legit way around these AWESOME challenges. I have started on partnering with a trusted friend in the US as per using the paypal and clickbank accounts he created at my request and we've agreed on splitting profits.
I keep myself motivated by picturing myself at a Jeff Walker Product Launch Seminar and meeting guys like Yanik Silver, Rich Schrefen, John Reese, Frank Kern, Darren Rowse, Yaro Starak and recently Leslie
at seminars in the nearest future.
The next challenge is a shift from my blogspot blog to a well designed wordpress blog. I'm shopping around for a quality bargain.
So whenever you're discouraged as per your online business, think of me and get back at making it work out to be profitable.
Sometimes Nature tests us to find out how bad you really want what you want before giving it to you.
So, I round up by saying “Just Do it”
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September 16th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Wow Segedoo,
I can see by your post that when you write your success story, it will be a great one. Life throws a bunch of challenges our way, but what really matter is how we face those challenges. Face it head on and be determined never to give up REGARDLESS of what country you are in. Make it happen! And then come back and share that success story
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September 17th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Great list, discouragement can pay anyone a visit at any given moment it is key to recognize it, thrust that chin in the air and keep those toes pointed forward.
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September 19th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Hello the Freebie Guy. Nice introductory video you got there.
As to the post, I think in order to keep going when being discouraged, you need to find someone who could fire you up, who can motivate you. Another one is to listen only to positve thoughts and disregard those negative ones.
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September 20th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I definitely agree with you there Tyrone. I'm subscribed to a number of inspirational podcasts that I listen to on a regular basis that deal with building business and that helps me to stay motivated. As for the negative comments, act as if they don't exist, unless they are constructive. Constructive criticism helps to get you to the next level, if you respond appropriately.
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September 24th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Thanks for the great post! I agree!
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September 24th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Thanks for the great post! I agree!
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September 24th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Thanks for the great post! I agree!
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