It's all your fault.
I'm not going to beat about the bush. Nor am I going to try to save your feelings. I'm going to be brutally honest because I think direct is always the best way to go - and because you can handle it.
It's all because of you.
If you're doing a job you hate, don't blame the government. There are plenty of other things you can blame it for, but not that.
If you're not earning the income your talent deserves, don't blame your boss, your bad luck or your horoscope. That's your fault too.
And if you're wondering how your life is going to change and who is going to deliver the wealth and freedom you want, there's only one place to look: in the mirror.
It's true that sometimes life deals out circumstances that make it more difficult to accomplish our goals, but one only need to look at those who have overcome great obstacles to realize that anything in possible. If you don't believe me, just ask Lance Armstrong.
The Internet isn't just a place to make money. It's a place where absolutely anyone can make money. I'm not a programmer and yet I've made small fortunes selling software online. I'm not a television producer, and yet I created and hosted a successful online reality show. I never dreamed of being a best-selling writer, and yet I'm the author of a book that made the New York Times bestseller's list.
On the Internet, anything is possible, and it's possible for anyone who has the energy and the determination to make it happen. Heck, even my mother has a website! (Check it out at TravelsWithSheila.com)
If you're just starting out, the blog templates are waiting for you. The world's most powerful ad system is at your disposal. And the readers are right there looking for the knowledge and opinions that are in your head.
If you've been online for a while, you know that there are always ways to make more money. Once your main ad system is in place, there are membership programs you can build, information products you can create and affiliate networks to build and manage. The work - and the potential to continue making money - never ends.
Success online doesn't happen overnight. It takes time. It takes hard work. It takes the patience to learn, improve and understand what works best for you. But it can be done by anyone, and when you achieve the success you're aiming for online, you can be sure that's down to you too.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
August 19, 2009 09:23 AM
A great post Joel. A better wake up than my morning jug of coffee! Of course there are skills to learn and sources to find etc etc, but yes, keeping the drive alive is vital. As I've written in one of my articles; even someone down and out and surfing on the library computer can find opportunity online.
I'm enjoying this blog. Keep it up!
August 19, 2009 11:59 AM
Ha ha - guilty as charged! :)
...but doing something about it!
-John.
August 19, 2009 12:29 PM
Joel,
From all I can tell, you are a walking example of someone who is making what we might call Bold Moves! These are moves that are absolutely corded to your inner sense of passion and purpose - and look at the difference you're making with you book! Connecting people and ideas globally. Good work! Here's to your next Bold Move!
For others who are still struggling, here's a resource: www.boldmovesblog.com
August 19, 2009 01:20 PM
Hi Joel,
Excellent post, you are exactly right; success online can be achieved by anyone willing to stay focused. There are thousands of how to books and courses available, but the individual has to be willing to apply themselves.
A Person can buy all the how to get rich online courses available, but if they do nothing with them, then they just wasted time, money and hard-drive space.
Ricardo
August 19, 2009 08:44 PM
LOL !!!
I LOVE the intro. Now that IS bold. heehee you really made me laugh.
But true. Some people really like to blame others for their failures, but there's hope for some of them that they will learn to take responsibility for their own (in)actions.
I've got a ways to go myself before I can call myself an online success, but I've got my reasons for being where I am, and I can't (or won't) blame anyone else for failure, because I'm not a failure. I haven't given up and continue to build plans.
Good luck to everyone out there!
August 20, 2009 07:27 AM
Hi Joel,
This is so true,the reality is that a lot of people in this world want to blame others for their circumstances, but where they are in life is the direct result of decisions they made. Sure there are other factors, but the thing about life is that you can take decisions and make changes to have the life you want. Especially with the internet the opportunities are out there for the taking. I read, I educate myself and I apply the things Ive learned. That is why I am where I am, exactly where I want to be.
Decide, Educate, Take Action, Review results..
August 20, 2009 06:36 PM
often tough to stay focused and keep faith, but helpful to be reminded every now and then
August 20, 2009 09:06 PM
This is a good reminder for people who incessantly blame all their failures to other people, organization and even to the world. Resources are all over and even for free, so I guess people should not be blinded with dozens of opportunities in the web. Your time and ideas are your primary investment. Explore the web and see the methods you can earn through it. There is one for everybody and choose something that will utilize your knowledge and experience but not compromising your interest. There is a huge audience waiting, so trying is the first step.ss
August 22, 2009 07:32 AM
Hi,
This is random but I noticed you're using Aweber's blog broadcast...have you seen http://feedmailpro.com? You might like it.
Hope it helps,
Brian
August 23, 2009 11:13 AM
joell you are right, tell it to me straight thats the only way, right where it hurts , but in a sense you are just trying to help and to get us to stop messing about with this great internet opportunity and get after it, im 51 and i will not give up , ever since i bought the go google book and came across you by accident on the you tube adsense secrets i could not beleive what i was seeing and hearing ,my mentor had arrived,i was always interestd in making money on the internet but i just didnt know where to look until i found you that day , since then from zero and because of you i have built my first 10 websites and put google adsense on them , but still i have long way to im not getting traffic , never mind i will keep reading and listening to your teaching until it happens i beleive in your teaching and i beleive in myself , thanks for being alive and on this planet at this time of my life . cheer joell .
August 24, 2009 12:52 AM
One thing I learnt recently, is that you cannot control anyone, but you can certainly control yourself. We certainly cannot control the circumstances that happens to us - mostly it's other people who make life seem difficult - but what makes life easier is often our response and reaction to the circumstances.
"If you're not earning the income your talent deserves, don't blame your boss, your bad luck or your horoscope. That's your fault too." I wouldn't put it in such terms though. There are unreasonable bosses out there. But I think the choice that we have, is whether we want to stay on under such unreasonable circumstances.
August 24, 2009 03:13 AM
It has been quite some time since i've been to your blog.
So true! The work and potential never ends. I've been creating and selling products in a never ending way.. Thanks for inspiring people Joel!
August 24, 2009 10:17 AM
Joel -
This is a great post and so true. Only YOU can take charge of your life. You can't always control circumstances, but you can always control your reaction to those circumstances. Your blog is inspiring and I look forward to the next post!
Paul Norwine
September 9, 2009 02:39 PM
One of the best things we can say to ourselves or to any one else who bemoans their circumstances is, "You are responsible"
September 10, 2009 09:59 AM
That's what being an entrepreneur is all about.
Starting off as a "Jack of all...", then earning enough money to start to hire (outsource if you will) someone to do certain tasks.
It reminds me of Wayne Dyer's new book, "Excuses Begone".
We only have ourselves to blame for our shortcomings.
But, that's why I look up to you for guidance, reassurance, and words of wisdom.
As usual, a very good post.
See you on the other side!
Best,
-Kevin
http://www.twitter.com/kevinpuls
September 25, 2009 03:01 AM
Hi Joel,
It's brutal, just as you said. Still I completely agree with you. It's value for people like you & me because among all these IM trial people, it takes a person, who perseveres & fights till the success falls in his lap, succeeds.
I feel it's strongest component of IM success. Its importance can't be overstated.