This is a refreshing post, Merelina. You’ve hit on what most people overlook — that the real growth here starts once you step past the checklist and begin figuring things out for yourself. I like how you framed it through those five lenses, especially “reverse engineering” and “content remix.” That shows you’re already thinking like a strategist, not just a student.

Keep following that thread. The more you turn your own discoveries into lessons, the faster your skills compound. A single example from your own site would make this even stronger, because readers learn best from seeing how someone actually applies the idea.

You’ve got the right instincts — experiment, connect, and stay patient. That’s where this platform’s real power lives.

JD

Such an informative post, Merelina! Thanks so much for sharing this.

The suspense is killing me. Time to unlock the secrets of WA

When I started here back in 2013 I already had an outside the box mindset. I would create blog posts that were conversational around a topic I wanted to know more about. Then I would ask questions to some of the comments I thought would answer my original intent.

Another thing I did and still do, is to create WA blogs that focus on a specific topic that is related to the Wealthy Affiliate experience. I word it in such a way so it resonates with people "outside" of WA. I will also use a low competition keyword in its title so it will rank in Google.

Seeing how all of our WA Blog posts get indexed into Google, this means that people who are not WA members can see and read them, they just cannot comment on them. I also would place a link to my WA blogs on my websites to help get people to join WA, especially since I didn't need to use my affiliate link.

This strategy of using my WA blogs on social media and having them rank in Google, has gained me many referrals to WA over the years. When you are the author of a WA Blog, you don't need your WA affiliate ID to gain a referral from your blog. The only time you need to use your ID is when you share someone else's WA Blog.

If tried (unsuccessfully) organizing a small WA Mastermind Group.

“Wealthy Wednesdays”

I’m not very good at it.

I believe a mastermind group needs to meet frequently, perhaps weekly. Maybe even a daily “check-in” to hold momentum.

I also believe the meeting should be video live in real-time interaction, (rather that text messages back and forth walkie-talkie style)

People seem to be too busy and have full calendars. I get it.

I’m willing to try again.
I’ll host it.
I’d like a co-host.

Wow MereLinaFort — this post is a masterclass in mindset and momentum!.
Your “beyond the training” approach resonates deeply. I especially love how you framed reverse engineering and remixing content as creative strategies, not shortcuts. That shift in perspective is powerful.
The “Inner Circle” idea is gold — focused peer support can truly accelerate growth. And your reminder that done is better than perfect is exactly what many of us need to hear when we’re stuck in overthinking.
Thanks for sharing these gems. I’ll be revisiting this post often — it’s a roadmap for sustainable success at WA.

Lanicheduclip