Day 1 - Humble Beginnings!

21st January 2016...

So there I was, on my way home from my dead end job beating myself up about the fact that I hadn't yet made something of myself. When I was younger, I had big dreams. I had actually wanted to be in the Royal Air Force - however when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in June of 2008 I knew this could never materialise. My focus fixated on my hobby, something I enjoyed doing very much and had done since as long back as I can remember; cooking. Thoughts of travelling the world (something I so desperately wanted to embark upon) whilst working as a chef on cruise ships occupied my thoughts. However, after 2 years of college and numerous stints at 5* hotels and even at the London Houses of Parliament, I find myself having accomplished little, somehow ending up working in a small town pub. I was really beginning to rue all the opportunities that I had somehow missed throughout my short adult life. This had left me feeling lost and empty. I needed inspiration.

That was 2 weeks ago. They say inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places and I guess there is some truth in that. I would love to say mine came from Shia Labeouf's fantastically cringe-worthy 'JUST DO IT' rant, but sadly not. My inspiration came from none other than snap chat (modern technology eh?!). For those unaware, snap chat is a mobile app that allows users to send and receive photos and videos, as well as creating your own 'story' of the last 24 hours. As I was browsing, I came across a story from somebody that had hit success and made their first million. They were sharing an insight into how they achieved their success (whilst they drove through Miami in a convertible) and disclosed that internet affiliate marketing had been fruitful. A little light turned on in my head and as soon as I got home, I got to researching.

I have probably spent the best part of 2 weeks now relentlessly researching affiliate marketing. I'm not going to pretend that this has always been my plan, or that I had even given it a thought before this year rolled around. However, it does seem like a viable way of generating an income providing the hard work is put in. Now we come to 2 days ago, and I stumble upon what I can only describe as the holy Mecca of affiliate help sites (WA). Having completed course 1 lesson 1, if I had to describe my overall feeling right now, it would be that of overwhelming dread. I feel as though I'm way out of my depth and on occasion I have to sit back and take a breather to relax. "Surely everybody felt this at the beginning" is what I tell myself, and with so many successful individuals on the site it is quite evident that by following the instructions you can most likely succeed in your endeavours. Although I can't quite shake the niggling feeling that something is amiss. I am terrified of failure - I admit that right off the mark, as many others can probably relate to - and that is what is most likely swaying my judgement.

I am filled with doubts both in myself and my ability to see this through. I am generally a very dedicated individual, and this will be no different. But what if I get it wrong? At what point do you say to yourself, "that's enough now, stop pursuing this ideal."? I feel as though although everybody has mentioned that "as long as you put the work into the project you will succeed", surely it can't be as simple as that. Surely some percentage of people must fail despite actually working very hard. I fear I will find myself in that minority - and this fear tends to hold me back. I worry that I will not find a niche (I'm just waiting for that EUREKA! moment) but I've always been reasonably tech savvy so the website factor doesn't phase me so much. As well as this, although the premium seems incredible value for money, I simply haven't got the money to spend without knowing this 100% will work for me in the long run. Understandably, there is no quick money fix. Everybody knows that. This requires hard work and dedication which I am more than ready to put in. I want to change my life! I would just love to know that I'm not in this boat alone. Lesson 2 awaits...

Thanks for reading my first blog, and I'll be sure to post more updates the further through the process I get. If anybody has any tips or advice for myself I would be more than appreciative for you to share them and maybe give me a follow!