Last night I hosted the Brainstorming Hour session with my Private Brainstorming Group poolside in Marco Island, Florida. That's 815 miles south of my home in Tennessee, where it's been storming & cool (yucky weather! 😛 ).
I made the 12 hour drive (which turned into a fun 20-hour road trip!) with my two great danes on a whim - just for a change of scenery and a fun getaway with my pups.
I love being able to do that! My life is not all fun and games, but I definitely have a lifestyle most people would envy...
"I worked hard to be this lucky."
Finding freedom in discipline may sound like an oxymoron, but it's actually the key to success - or achieving anything you want out of life!
It takes discipline to get up every day and work toward your goals instead of watch television or read a good book - or whatever you normally do. Habits and routines are HARD to change. If you've ever decided you want to lose weight, get in shape or make a million dollars... you know exactly what I'm talking about.
A few years ago, my son went from "stick skinny" to tone and bulked up in very short time by taking up mixed martial arts. He trained almost daily, and I saw a drastic difference in him... in just six short weeks.
A change like this doesn't just affect your appearance, but also your self-image and how people treat you. Of course when he stopped training, he went back to a size zero ("skinny fat") in just as short a time. To state the obvious: anything you want to achieve - and keep - will probably require some form of maintenance.
The same goes for business and financial success, of course.
I shared some of my favorite tips for "business discipline" in a recent email with Three Simple Money Tips that have served me VERY well over the years.
I don't get to travel all over the world (or work poolside in the sunshine today) because I'm "lucky". The freedom and flexibility in my lifestyle are the result of hard work. I invested years building my online business and creating the life I wanted. And now… I "work smart" to maintain both the business and the lifestyle.
Working "smart" means turning every expense into an investment that provides a great return (see the money tips linked above). It means waking up every day and starting off with your highest priority. It means doing a Money Task every morning. You have to work hard and really push yourself in the beginning, but "working smart" is how you maintain what you worked so hard to achieve.
Working smarter will also help you achieve your goal much faster, of course - so it pays to have a good plan from the beginning. 😉
I say you have to work hard and push yourself, but that's because change doesn't come easy for most people. It requires serious discipline and self-motivation...
I'm not the only person that has created this "easy internet business lifestyle". I've met a lot of others like me by attending industry events, and I always love to hear their startup stories and their history in business.
While everyone might have a different goal or a different reason for wanting to work online, there's one common thread in those who've succeeded: discipline.
You have to MAKE it happen.
How do you do that?
That's another topic we discussed in Brainstorming Hour recently - how to get that "burning desire" that motivates you to succeed, that drives you, that fuels your focus and determination to a point that it's actually FUN to get up and work toward your goals every day.
The answer? You have to get a very clear vision in your mind of what you want, and it needs to be something that excites you. It has to be something with an emotional attachment. <- That's the KEY. It can be a positive OR a negative. You either want away from what/where you are now… or you want to achieve something very specific. What excites you? What REALLY gets your juices flowing?? What would you give almost ANYthing for? Consider the things that really affect you, or provoke deep emotion. You might start with a short term goal. Just "making money" is not enough to motivate most people to skip their favorite TV show in place of "working". It's the same with "getting in shape". I'd love to get in great shape, and it's on my list of priorities. So why don't I get up and go for a run every morning?? Good question. The answer: I don't have a strong enough WHY. You need a reason, and that reason needs to be something that evokes a strong emotion in you, whether it's positive or negative.
Let's say for example that I decide to go on The Marketer's Cruise at the end of January. It will cost me around $3,000 all said and done, with $1300 due in the next week or so. Since it's a cruise with 3 port stops, I'll be packing a swimsuit. Given my policy of "make it before you spend it", and the fact that I chose NOT to make exercise a priority lately, THAT would motivate me to get off my a$$! 😛
It's an immediate goal - around 90 days, with a chunk of cash due fast - so it provides that sense of urgency required for motivation. And of course a short term goal that is very "real" - not something far off in the future and intangible.
What emotions are attached to it? I don't want to miss out. I really want to go. I don't want to be embarrassed to wear my swimsuit, or even a tank top.
I haven't actually decided if I'm going on the Marketer's Cruise yet, but that gives you a real life example to measure your own goals by.
If you're having trouble with focus and discipline, set an immediate goal that gives you that sense of urgency. Get excited about something that really gets you motivated. Find something worth working for, and working toward! 😉
There is SO much freedom in discipline.
Do you know how much of your energy is spent wishing this and wishing that? Consider how much time you've wasted wanting something, but never actually making it happen. Think about the feelings that are attached those things, feelings you carry around with you and that affect other decisions you make: disappointment, low self esteem, lack of self confidence, etc.
When you get serious about what you really want to achieve in your life, and DO it, you are free from all of those things. There will be less holding you back, and more FUN and freedom to enjoy!
Discipline does not come easy. By it's very definition, it means to train yourself. You make yourself get up every day and do a Money Task until it becomes a habit. You force yourself through the motions until those motions become part of your routine. You give up one thing, for something you want more.
That's discipline. It's not necessarily fun in the beginning, and it's a real task to change your habits and your routine, but it is SO worth it!
You know that what you want is more important (and more rewarding) than what you're doing instead. I know this too - like my goal of getting in great shape. I know how amazing I would feel, and that it would give me a huge sense of accomplishment. I KNOW it would be worth it. I simply have to discipline (train) myself to do the work.
I would love to hear your thoughts...
What do you really want to achieve, and what do you feel is holding you back? What one thing are you willing to change or give up, in exchange for something better?
I'm really glad I invested all the time and energy into creating a business and lifestyle that I truly enjoy. It was SO worth it. Just being able to drop everything "drive to the sunshine" with my great danes is an awesome thing. Now I'm ready to buckle down and reach even more goals in my life! Like getting back to the gym, lol...
Best,
p.s. Need help and accountability starting your online business, or taking it to maximum profit potential? You'll get self-paced courses AND hands-on help in my Private Brainstorming Group. I would love to help you achieve your goals! 😀
...
p.p.s. Slim & Molly are loving their "danecation"!
About Lynn Terry
This is what I need at this time and I'm going to book mark it because I know I'm going to need it again - especially this phrase that you wrote: 'Just "making money" is not enough.'
Thank you Lynn for writing it out so clearly. You are an inspiration to me.
I'm so glad to hear it resonated with you, Jendi - and that you found it something you can put straight into practice! 😀 It's so true that "just losing weight" or "just making money" are not strong enough goals to motivate us to "get off the couch". It really does have to be specific, and more specifically... that goal has to have a STRONG emotional attachment to really get us moving.
Great to hear from you, by the way! I hope things are going well on your end. 😉 *cheers*
Something that I've found that can help at times is an offshoot of the 5 Whys technique.
So instead of saying I want to do it to "make money", you ask yourself:
WHY do I want to make more money online?
- So I can quit my job
And then you repeat the process.
Why do I want to quit my job?
- So I can have more time with my family.
Why do I want more time with my family?
- Etc.
And so on.
Until you find the root of the reasoning. Which is often emotional. 🙂
I know that it is beautiful; my husband & I had a business trip to Marco Island many years ago when he was in Insurance Sales.
You are successful and have worked very hard. High five! I will be honest about myself...the right traffic is like getting the thread through the needle....if you can't see well, it is almost impossible.
I have thought about what you have written about getting your own product; it seems to me, and I may be wrong, that the most successful people are those who sell the 'How to of working from home, Internet Marketing, Affiliate Marketing, etc.' OR, those who have proceeded from years ago, and have so much knowledge of what works and what doesn't.
I know you do well on you Low Carb but you are already well known in your other markets. This is my 4th website through the years, and still no money????
I am working currently on eBay just to see what happens. I have already had some sales so that is encouraging.
Keep up the good work and keep having fun!
Thank you Linda! I'm really enjoying my stay here in Marco Island. 😀
It's a common misperception that "most people" are making money online talking about making money online. That space on the internet is actually a very small percentage of the overall business being done online. A tiny dot on the map, even. It only seems that way because it's what you're focusing on. If you step outside that space and watch what's going on in other markets, you'll get the bigger picture.
Also, most "online marketers" that are selling real products to real people through affiliate marketing or ecommerce sites... aren't talking about it. So you're not hearing "success stories" from the majority of the people who are successful online. 😉 They have no reason to brag, or share their secrets, because that's not THEIR business. Their business is selling their products to their market, period.
Thanks for clearing up this very common misconception. Like you said, I think it is a very common doubt that most people(including myself) have had when they struggle to get their business off the ground. It helps to hear of of other success stories like Staci's! Even though I already know much of what you wrote about goal setting, it is easy to get off track when you don't have a "Boss" to remind you....so thanks for the post! I already accomplished 3 of my goals so far! Looking forward to the lifestyle the freedom in discipline will give me!:)
Awesome, Tracey! 😀 And yes, there are tons of people making a great living online doing such a huge variety of things. I read a great story awhile back about a girl doing $8-$9k/month through her YouTube channel alone. She does "live vlogging" while she's eating and targets "people who don't want to eat alone" (um, and food voyeurs lol). Totally odd, but another interesting example of a creative model. 😛
I agree it can be tough to stay focused and self-motivated without the accountability and structure of a "real job". But challenging as it is, it's SO worth it. The freedom and flexibility is what most people truly want, yet find more difficult than they realized. Interesting, hey? 😉
Linda, I used to think that, too, but if it's any inspiration for you, I am making a year-round living online selling quilted Christmas ornaments, of all things. I did it for several years (and struggled) before finally taking a page out of the "internet marketing" book, and figuring out that it really WAS possible to scale a product-based (and very niche!) business and make real money at it.
Thanks, Lynn, for this super inspiring blog post. I feel that a lack of focus holds me back. I get what seems like a million new ideas a day, and then follow through on almost none. I definitely need to be more disciplined!
Congrats on your success, Staci! That's awesome. 😀
And you're most welcome - I'm so glad you enjoyed the topic. Focus can be really hard to come by at times (even for me!) and it's something that (I find) takes a lot of practice. Or... discipline. 😉 As for ideas, I keep an Idea Journal. I use Evernote for this, and jot down any idea as it comes to me - so it's there for safe keeping, to return to anytime, without distracting me from the priority task at hand.
This is a form of self-discipline I've had to adopt to stay on track, and one that works very well!
I hear about Evernote a lot but haven't tried using it. It's probably a whole lot better than little scrap papers everywhere! haha. Thanks again! 🙂
Ha! I had a serious paper habit for MANY years, and it was NOT easy to get me to switch over, lol. But I am SO glad I did!! See:
http://www.clicknewz.com/8840/evernote-apple-store-geek-squad-mozy/
I now use Evernote for everything from the grocery list to creating info products. It syncs across every computer and device automatically, so I can edit or add information from anywhere - anytime. You'll totally fall in love with it. 😉 Especially for it's simplicity!!
I am sure u are right and that was negative. I should not have said that.... I am sure you have other interest also....
I have got to find the secret for me...and stay motivated.
Thanks
You're not alone in thinking that, so I'm actually glad you brought it up. I've heard that many times over the years.
Finding "the secret" for YOU is definitely the key. You'll find the answer within yourself, even if it takes getting someone to help you identify it - or bring it to your attention. Which can be a really great thing. I know for myself having outside input or another set of brains on things has made a HUGE difference. But the answer is in you already, not "out there somewhere". 😉
Thank you Staci & Lynn,
That is very inspiring Staci & Lynn. I feel some motivation to explore within and think outside the box!!!
Thanks to both of you!
Great to hear! 😀
*cheers*
Your WHY has to be bigger than you WHAT. I dig it Lynn. I'm happy you're doing so well and thanks for the uplifting post!
Cheers!
That's a great way to put it, Shane! 😉
And thank you! *cheers*
I have a whole lot of self-doubt going on these days, in fact these past few months. There was a point I felt unstoppable but now self-doubt, the doubt that an online business can really be created these days etc.
I can relate to what Linda has said as that is where I am at right now and that is what has been holding me back.
Getting back to the basics and back to Niche Success Blueprint (an awesome course by the way) is the habit I need to create and doing no less than one Money Task every morning for the next 21 days starting October 20th.
Like I said in my reply to Linda, that's a VERY common misperception about the industry as a whole. I hope my answer above proved helpful to you as well on that point.
That's a great goal, and I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying Niche Success Blueprint. The weekly training modules are a great way to "get into the habit" since they provide a step-by-step blueprint with assignments, which keep you on task. 😉
As for "these days" - it's actually easier to create a successful online business now than it's ever been! NOW is definitely the time. 😀
Hi Lynn,
Very well said! Yes, it's VERY difficult to be disciplined and stick with it. I thank God that my mother instilled that in me very early on; as well as always being my wall of support in those growing-up years.
I use an editorial calendar as well as a desktop calendar (you know, those "real" books), to keep myself moving ahead rather than sitting in neutral. It's help a LOT in getting those posts done each week. Thank goodness, I'm never at a loss for what to say! Knitting is just full of good stuff.
But, being that my SM numbers are still so low, I'm thinking contacting brands and sponsors would really just be a waste of good time right now. So, I'm concentrating on keeping in touch with those SM places and coming up with lots of new content there and on my website for now.
I'll be digging up lots of new content to share for the holidays, to add to what I've already put out there. Just getting new faces and people to interact with ScarfKnitting is where I'm at these days. Yes, self-doubt creeps in every day. But, I've come this far . . .
I'm hoping one of the upcoming modules concentrates on SEO. I actually found my site on pg 2 of Google (in the 200's) which was surprising. Before I made a few changes it seemed as if ScarfKnitting was lost on the Enterprise somewhere with William Shatner!
I've learned SO much from these modules; I encourage anyone here who has not signed on to do so immediately! Looks like Slim and Molly are waiting for what's next! So am I.
Cheers 🙂
Great points Alice, about just moving forward and pushing past the self-doubt. It really does help to have a plan in place and right in front of you. Some days I have to simply sit down and force myself through the next task on the list, one foot in front of the other. 😉
As for SEO, the best thing you can do is optimize your content both for keyword phrases *and* for your visitors. The longer you can keep them on the page, and the deeper you can get them into your site, the better - after you get them there of course. So keyword research, basic on-page optimization, and of course "Social Media Rank" all play a part - as well as other factors. All of which you've been learning along the way from the start in NSB. 😀
You really don't want to get into "SEO trends" as those can tend to "rank & tank you" - which you don't want. Focus on building a great business that you enjoy, that serves your market, and providing great content that targets what your market is asking or searching for. That's the basic premise, and it works very well!
Just posted a new post, which I wasn't planning on; sat down and did it, which makes me happy. I do a lot of deep linking and always keyword phrases. In the meantime, it is fun to be this creative through my knitting! Enjoy your vacation! ☼
Thank you! 😀 Great to hear you're having a productive day so far. I am too. The weather is gorgeous here, and I'm enjoying some work time on the patio. *cheers*
Working smart is harder than it seems with all the distractions!
Indeed.
Working smart is in itself hard work. 🙂
But it's so worth it.
Great post!
I believe Zig Ziglar said it well.
So many people want freedom. But they don't want discipline.
It's like a train.
You take it off the tracks, it has freedom.
But it can't go anywhere.
It's only when it stays on the tracks that it has real freedom.