fulfilling life that aligns with your spirit
Avoiding This One Thing Can Prevent Our Entrepreneurial Success
Published on 16 Feb 2010 at 9:20 am.
2 Comments.
Filed under Business Development,Feature Articles,Savvy Marketing Tips.
By Kathleen Gage
For years I have known the importance of consistent steps to move toward a goal. Some steps can seem monumental and overwhelming. On the flip side are the steps that seem so minimal they may not seem necessary to achieve an outcome.
Then there are the steps that are just darned uncomfortable. Such was the case recently while at an Internet Marketing conference in Atlanta. Actually, the step I needed to take seemed both monumental and very uncomfortable.
Regardless, I took the step.
What was it?
In a moment I will share it, but permit me set the stage.
A few months ago I was training for a full marathon as a power walker. (Nope, I’m not a runner, nor do I want to be, I love power walking). The marathon was scheduled for October 4th but in late August my plans came to a screeching halt when I broke my ankle.
From the day I had the accident, I had my mind set on healing and participating in a marathon. Granted, not in October, 2009, but one I could participate in as soon as my ankle healed.
A few weeks ago I took my first power walk since the injury. The distance paled in comparison to the double digit walks I had been taking on a fairly regular basis only a few months prior.
Knowing that with a focused commitment I would soon have the stamina and strength I had previously grown accustomed to I didn’t let the short first walk back discourage me.
Fast forward to today. As one of the conference presenters for Niche Affiliate Marketing Systems (NAMS3), I would begin each day with an early morning power walk with a colleague who was also presenting at the conference. Each morning, Denise Wakeman and I would shake off the cold as we stepped out of the warmth of the hotel lobby into the cold morning breeze that awaited us.Â
The first two days were a breeze even though temperatures were near freezing. Actually, the weather made the walks quite invigorating.
My parting words to Denise the evening prior to day three of our walks were “I’ll see you at 6:45 for another walk.” Although my intentions were sincere at the time, when my 6 a.m. wake-up call came my first thought was, “Hmmm, wonder if I could call Denise and bag the walk?”
I knew I could use my old injury as an excuse, but the fact is my ankle is healed. The next temptation was to use the fact I was on a 3 hour time difference and had a full day the day before and was just plain tired.
Yet, I made a commitment; to Denise and to myself. Sluggishly, I rolled out of bed to prepare for what was to come next.
The first thing that became apparent as we walked out into the open air on day three was how much colder it was than the previous two mornings. Not only was it near freezing, it had also rained during the night with a light rain was still coming down.
As Denise and I high fived each other upon the completion of a two mile plus power walk, I felt incredible. Not just because I completed a rather grueling walk, but rather because I took a step toward a greater goal. Even though small compared to crossing the finish line of the coming marathon I have begun to train for, the fact I took the step is critical.
Taking steps in all areas of our life is something we do, or not, on a daily basis. These steps either move us closer to our dreams or further away. It’s all based on choice.
In the session of the morning for the conference, I looked around at a room filled with men and women attending and saw hundreds of people who have dreams, goals, vision and drive to build their online businesses in order to have a better quality of life.
The fact is, to achieve the outcome they desire will require doing things that will come very easy at times and other things that feel like “walking in freezing rain” at other times; often to take a minuscule step. Yet, all the steps are part of the success each will create.
The fact is, whatever you want to achieve takes effort. Each step of the way, you will be confronted with choices…to do or not to do whatever needs to be done.
Success or failure in anything is determined by the daily choices we make. We set a vision for what we want and then we choose.
What choice will you make today?
And what future will you be responsible for?
~ About the author:
Kathleen Gage is an Internet marketing advisor who works with spiritually aware speakers, authors, coaches and consultants who are ready to turn their knowledge into money making products and services. Find out how you can learn from Kathleen on how to build a successful business using the Internet through her Street Smarts Marketing VIP Club
Kathleen Gage on 17 Feb 2010 at 11:23 am: 1
Thanks so much for posting my article on your blog. I will visit throughout the day to respond to comments from others. I invite questions and comments.
Blessings Kathleen
lorraine on 17 Feb 2010 at 12:01 pm: 2
I hope there are lots of comments Kathleen. I am continually learning from you and I hope others take advantage of your knowledge in maximizing the web! Cheers, Lorraine