While educating yourself in internet marketing is important, investing in yourself and your personal development is critical. Everything starts with what goes on between your ears.
We've all met people who are "educated". They have a string of degrees with a bunch of letters behind their name, yet they struggle in every part of their life. Folks, all the book-learning in the world won't give someone common sense or a positive attitude.
I was listening to a conference call the other night by a phenominal trainer named Dani Johnson. In that call she said that the Number One reason why people fail is excuses. Let's face it, everyone has a history. Everyone has problems. There are those out there who have lived through horrible circumstances and gone on to have have huge success in their life.
Why are excuses the Number One reason for failure?
I'll answer that question with another question. Who do you know that won't attempt having their own business because they know someone who failed with their business (or they, themselves did)? What does then have to do with now? Give yourself permission to succeed.
What is the difference between those that succeed and those that struggle?
The ones that succeed understand how important it is to invest in their personal development and they don't let excuses stop them.
Success is not about luck, it's about consistent action and working through the obstacles that will no doubt come your way.
Where do you find effective personal development programs?
You'll find programs everywhere, but the ones that work the best are the ones that you apply. Again, it goes back to, you can have all the education in the world, but if you don't use it, it's worthless.
I'm a firm believer in having a coach or a mentor. There's always someone whether in your business or personal life that's "been there and done that" before you. Seek them out. A lot of you may be thinking "Oh, they're so successful. Why would they ever help me?" You could be right, but you never know until you ask. You could also get a very pleasant surprise.
In the company I work with, the couple that lead the team so to speak, make about a $1.5 million a year. Yep, you read that right. Now, you'd think that anyone that successful and with that much money couldn't be bothered helping someone just new in the business right?
Nothing could be further from the truth. This wonderful couple are the very definition of "servant leaders". Susan conducts weekly coaching calls and is always available for one-on-one support. Dwight has personally introduced me to potential business partners that I would have never found otherwise. When I had to deal with a major family issue and didn't know where to turn, I called Susan and she prayed with me over the phone. That meant more than I could ever put into words.
If finding a mentor isn't possible, search out seminars, personal development programs in the form of CD's or DVD's, anything that helps you grow and develop as a person and a leader.
Remember, in business as in life, it all starts with you. Your responses to the things going on in your world are a direct reflection of what's going on in your head. Fill it with positives, leave the excuses behind where they belong. Before you know it, your life will be filled with all the good things you desire.