She’d written me several paragraphs about what was going on with her (internet marketing challenges, scams from a number of products she’s purchased, no sales from online ads, learning all the technology, trying to figure out what she can do generally to make money with several ideas), but I believe the meat of what was going on with her was her last couple of paragraphs:

“Maybe the summary ‘biggest challenge’ is deciding which of the ‘make-money-fast”‘programs I’ve bought is THE one (or two) to concentrate on, and ignore the others for a while.  Of course, with my luck, I’d end up picking the one that needs PhD Computer Science skills to implement!

If you’ve read this far, thanks.  Do YOU have the magic, “snap-your-fingers-and-you’ll-be-a-millionaire” magic formula/program/opportunity?  If so, I’m buyin’!”

Hi Susi,

First of all, I acknowledge your frustration. You have a number of issues going on at once, and when that happens, it’s so very hard to get focused, and so very easy to become scattered and creatively blocked.

You probably know deep down that there is no such thing as “make money fast programs.” Anyone who tells you that such a program exists, I’d be quite skeptical of. The money often comes with persistence, consistency, and relationship building with your target market.

Then there’s this threshold where people might think you’ve become an overnight success, when in reality, you planted seeds and watered/fertilized them regularly until they grew and blossomed. That has been my experience, along with other very successful entrepreneurs.

I invite you to make a list of what you’re most passionate about and combine it with what your preferred learning style is, and take inventory of the products you have that you’ve had the biggest intuitive hit with and stick with one, possibly two (if they complement each other) consistently.

Fight the urge to switch your strategy too soon–gain that momentum first, then add to it. One thing to note is that I’ve had much less success with ads and much better luck with relationship building first–particularly using the social networks.

And last, as I mentioned last week to Sheryl, be sure to take some “You” time. Clarity often comes when you can get still and listen for that guidance.

Good luck!

“With greater confidence in yourself and your abilities, you will set bigger goals, make bigger plans, and commit yourself to achieving objectives that today you only dream about.”— Brian Tracy

Take Sheryl for example. She wrote:

“I work fulltime in a day job and then part time trying to get my home based business profitable.  With the amount of training with my new business and running a household and a day job, I find myself scattered all over the place and not progressing as fast as I need to – help!”

Hi Sheryl,

I’ve been there and it is indeed an interesting balancing act. When we are stressed, it is so easy become scattered and unfocused. I haven’t met anyone who has been 100% immune to this dilemma.

Some of the strategies that have helped me and my clients when we get into that space is to remind our loved ones–especially the ones we live with–of our vision. Stating our requirements and boundaries in a loving but decisive way is another “must communicate.”

Ask them to give you the space and time you need to realize that vision daily but also include giving them your undivided attention as a gift to all of you. Open communication and supportive environments are so important.

If you can take some conscious “Sheryl” time for at least an hour a day–even if you don’t think you have time, just doing something you love, whether if it’s being out in nature, reading a good book, journaling (one of my favorites!), exercise (I get so many ideas when I’m exercising!), etc., it will make all the difference because down time is still productive time as you’re recharging your batteries.

Also, be patient with the process and yourself (I know–easier said than done!), and have faith that as you’re consistently doing something every day moving you toward you goals, the baby steps will add up, and the freedom and autonomy you seek will be the reality rather than the wish.  Celebrate the small wins daily!

And remember: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” -Mark Twain

* * *

Next Thursday I will address another submitted challenge so stay tuned!

There was some irony in my process because of various interruptions and false starts while I was recording. I was so glad when I finally finished my vocals and could move on to mixing the ocean waves and my relaxing music in!

So if you, or someone you know is starting to feel the pinch, or if you just want to do some preventative maintenance, I invite you to get in a quiet place and treat yourself for 14 minutes by downloading the MP3 below and listening:Get Still, Get Positive Meditation