What were you expecting?
What kind of answers come to mind when you hear that question?
What do you want?
Many of us here at Wealthy Affiliate would have to admit being independent is a major motivation in all we do. Though we should operate with an eye on helping others, our efforts are spent with the hope we are going to reach our goals in finances and lifestyle. Possibly, the desire to break free from the constraints of employment is an all too common theme.
Beginnings
What mindset did you start out with? If we’re honest, we all hope for success that is both quick and painless. Most people will dream of success without the possibility of failure, significant challenges or investment. (I hope I’m not just talking about myself!)
Now, I know we don’t think that’s really possible but we wish it, don’t we?
Along with this mindset, we always believe we can be our own boss. And, we can do it with the best of them. After all, it can’t be that hard, can it?
This post is really about keeping our expectations real.
What should we expect? I tend to shoot for a balanced approach: Dream big and prepare for the… stuff!
A reality evolution
I’m 90 days into my time at Wealthy Affiliate. I started out looking to create an online presence and guide people to the network marketing business my wife and I operate. I had no experience and no realistic idea how to do anything online!
I have learned some valuable lessons in three months. While I am not a “techie” by any stretch of the imagination, I am amazed at what I’ve absorbed in that short time and equally amazed when I can help a new person with a “techie-type” question! I am also finding a love for writing that I never realized or considered before now.
The real lessons
While those realizations are wonderful, the real lessons I’m learning have to do with mindset and expectations. I knew these would have to be based on reality, but I (and we) have to learn and discover what that reality is.
Here at Wealthy Affiliate, I believe we are discovering just that! We discover through training and community involvement our mindset should be that of helping others (here, as well as through our respective niches). We also discover our expectations may have started out with the best of intentions but reality will cause our expectations to evolve over time.
For example, because of all the gurus “out there” telling me I can just follow “three simple steps” (almost always a warning sign) to build a sales funnel and then sit back and rack in the cash, my expectations were rather simplistic. Reality is causing an evolution!
Wealthy Affiliate is a gift!
I am so grateful to have found Wealthy Affiliate. I’m grateful for the owners Kyle and Carson, the entire platform to learn and conduct business and, of course, this community of like-minded people of excellent character (although, some of you are bigger “characters” than others! J). I am especially grateful today for the honest presentation of this online opportunity. It is realistic. It does take hard work and determination. It is something we can be proud of, both the company and our results and accomplishments.
Be encouraged today to allow reality to hone your expectations as you build a future you can be proud of!
If you found this encouraging to you, please like and share a thought or two.
All the best to you,
~Bob
Recent Comments
29
Thanks Bob, WA is a gift that I have unwrapped and enjoy. I am still trying to utilize all of the aspects available here. I am grateful to have found my way to WA. I know it works, Now I just need to make sure it works for me.
I saw an ad that promised, "I could click my way to financial independence." The mindset is a neverending quest, But that's true in any area of life that requires growth. Building an unstoppable mindset is its own reward. On top of that you get a business, too. Nat a bad deal.
Thanks for the inspiration.
My experience, tho shorter than yours Bob, is very similar. I too Thank God in heaven for sending us 2 or more of His Teacher Angels to get us on Track to independence lol.
Thank you, Goran. It has been an incredible journey so far. I'm looking forward to the next 90 days and beyond.
~Bob
Wealthy Affiliate is a gift! I like that.
And as MKearns said -- it is a gift you keep on giving!
Thanks for sharing your heart with us Bob.
Let's make this happen!
Carl
Thanks, Carl!
Always good to hear from you.
As you know, I'm mostly grateful for the One "from whom all good things come".
And... good things are happening!
~Bob
As am I my brother.
We take the good with the bad --- but I am more
than happy to be taking the good offered here.
Well, Bob, I have to tell you that you burst my little reality bubble! And Memorylaneuk made it worse.
I thought you two were experts! Lol
Please don't misunderstand. I mean that as a compliment to both of you, because it's obvious you've learned a great deal, and are willing to help when and where you can. It's appreciated.
And if you two have only been at WA a few months longer than I have, maybe there's hope for me yet!
Thanks for all you do.
Frank
Haha! Oh, there's hope for everyone. Truly, if I can do this, anyone can. And, I'm glad that "bubble" has been burst although there are many experts here who are very successful. You'll learn over time who they are. In the meantime, we do have one another for encouragement and support!
~Bob
Thanks for posting Bob, your reflexion resonates with me. One of the most profound realizations I received earlier on is this fact: If I don't have what I desire is because I am not whom I need to be to attain it. Understanding and accepting this change my perspective and challenged me to grow in every aspect of my being. Blessings!
That is a profound realization, Edwin!
As long as we're flexible and teachable, I think we'll be alright.
And... we all need to change and grow. If we don't accept that, we're deceived.
Blessings for you, as well,
~Bob
Agreed. I was told once the best way to learn is to teach; I didn't understand it at first, until I applied it, and WA is the perfect place to do just that!
What a brilliant read. You are absolutely spot on. My expectations continue to change as I learn new things. I cannot really believe I have learnt so much in my 5 months here I started with nothing.... nada. Not a clue about websites and now feel confident in giving advice because I have absorbed so much from this community.
With Grace and Gratitude
Karen
It is incredible what we can accomplish in such a short time.
I meant every word of gratitude giving credit where it is due.
Thanks for reading and sharing, Karen!
All the best to you,
~Bob
See more comments
Thanks for sharing, Bob. I agree with it you. WA is a Godsend in my case. Even though I am involved in IT etc. I have learned a tremendous amount here as I knew absolutely nothing about online marketing.
I am glad that you are enjoying the experience as well.
All the best to you and much success!
David
You're welcome, David. Thanks for taking the time to read and connect.
All the best to you as well,
~Bob