0 Traffic, 1 Domain, 10 Weeks. Or 7 Reasons to Stay.
My version of the alphabet soup: absentmindedness, boredom, commitments, distractions, excuses...
In the end, nothing but excuses. That need not be my fate forever, and evermore, I remind myself. A major prelude to a significant decision is a predominant thought: either commit or quit.
And so for a serial quitter, this grandma reached another crucial crossroad (WA monthly renewal time) and decided to choose differently: hit the renew button! This grandma is digging her vein-streaked limbs, and staying put.
Why? Here are my 7 reasons:
1. WA Community of learners and teachers
Outstanding teachers like @Rich, Diva BIS, Welshy, Labman, Jay, Paul Dean, Steve, Nathaniell, LeoemeryOldCodger,Skyhorse, LeeGamelin, Betcha, MikeyB, MikeGG, Rebeccas, TommyDillard, JEspinola, Trialynn, Caden, etc, etc. Everyone. Those who question, share, discuss, provide trainings so untiringly and unselfishly. Where else but here at WA can we find almost immediate attention to anyone in distress, dumbfounded, discouraged? Out there in wussy land?
2. Work Ethic.
The moment I stopped striving and resorted to simply quitting at every perceived obstacle, bit by bit I lost the work ethic essential to any honest-to-goodness producer. I ceased creating and became part of the undead, waiting for the light that never came. I no longer desire to be a zombie. Discipline is crucial--on-and-offline.
3. Learning Curve
Each and every single time I opt out of anything, I need to roll my skills rock back up all over again. And again. And yet again. Sisyphus. My learning curve just keeps getting steeper every time. Mastery, therefore, grows farther from my reach. Take this seemingly simple blog post, for instance: I had to publish, edit, delete countless times coz I am unable to format properly. At first, it was one huge chunk of text, like the 'dos' of ancient times? And what on earth is that horizontal line for? My image won't upload, etc. See what I mean about re-learning every time?
4. Skin in the game.
A belated realization: for as long as I remain in this game, endeavor, undertaking, business, pursuit, I stand a shot at success, no matter how dim, grim, or faraway. If I leave/quit, that single shot is forever lost. Learn, and learn some more.
5. Sculpture
Anything I dare create is like clay being molded into form. Grotesque in the beginning.....:"(
My 1 domain looks raw, amateurish, unformed, unranked, unprofessional, unwanted, unliked. But like artwork gradually coming to life, I harbor hopes of someday molding, crafting, sharing something I can be proud of.
Along the way, I long to discover more of the potential in me; in each of us. It's said that we all come with potential; we all come bearing gifts. Imagine the added beauty we can contribute to this singular lifetime if we all come to fullness? If we all become all that we can be? If we all strive to become more?
6. Persistence
Without this necessary ingredient, nothing I work on will ever come to either fruition or success. Perseverance is one of the many virtues I need to develop in myself. When I write my epitaph, I, at least, can say I came and conquered my greatest enemy: me. Note to self: more work required in this arena. A quote "the most common cause of failure is quitting."
7. Safe Harbor
We all need to belong to something, or someone. This womb is where we visit to lick our wounds, ask our whys, relieve our pains, put salve upon our hurts and failures. WA is the one online community where foolish questions are addressed, nonetheless; where gifted people keep giving generously of both time and talents, where the founders are out there looking not only for number one, but for everyone.
So there. A few more tasks before proceeding to Level 3, as this blog post forms part of the tasks to complete Level 2. I am 1 happy grandma, indeed :-)
PS. Another extremely kind WA member, among so many--dossettaaron--told me not to quit “2 feet away from gold”. That saying somehow stuck. Then I came across the original: “Decide to live life to the fullest. You may be 3 feet from gold”---Napoleon Hill
Happy 10-10 everyone!
Recent Comments
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Hi Maria, Your blog post really struck a cord with me. Shiny objects and losing momentum for whatever reason or no reason at all. I joined WA in June and have not really progressed much. I keep saying to myself (especially at renewal time) if I cannot commit here then where? Anyway, your blog post Is inspirational to me and I thank you very much. Another omen for staying on my path. Michael
Let's hang in here together, dogkojo. We could be worse off elsewhere.
The decision will always be ours to make, individually. But, like you, there seem to be omens that somehow guide our path. Take this blog post by Joshua ( have you read it?). He gives wonderful ideas to make an extra buck or two for our monthly renewal purse. Have a look, in case you haven't already. I only came across it yesterday:
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/joshua0853/blog/is-it-really-about-the-money-no-longer-an-obstacle
See you around, and if I missed your 62nd, know my thoughts are for your continued well-being and success. Take care, dogkojo, always.
"Anything I dare create is like clay being molded into form. Grotesque in the beginning..." I love this thought of yours Maria! It really motivated me. It's so true, why on earth should I expect perfection immediately when in fact I'm creating something and need to 'work' it into shape?
Thanks so much for that thought. Cheers, Caden
Discouragement seems hardest to overcome, along with frustrations, a tight budget, etc.
Often I wonder if this is "the one", Caden...
Then I remind myself to remain steadfast and stay the course. Things will either fall into place, or I'll find another island (not a shiny object!).
But this will only happen if I stay onboard; not necessarily always on course because we're just starting to navigate our little ships at sea; a rather competitive and perilous one.
Always the best to you, and everyone here. Thanks, Caden, so much!
You have some interesting thoughts - ". . . or I'll find another island" that are really worth pondering. Keep sharing, please.
you see, dossettaaron? exactly what i mean by my learning curve. i hope you didn't get eyestrain; i almost did, except for my initial horror....thanks!
I think that's great but I don't see the other 6 reasons. However, I am the same way only because they went no where for me. I'm sticking with WA as well, not going anywhere! Nice!
geez Eric, I had no idea a lengthy blog post could be a horrific experience. But. Meredith has a post out there, right now, which is most reassuring. Thanks so much!
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Life itself is a challenge.
Yes indeed, georama. Something to be aware of whenever things fail to go our way.
Thank you.