MrWillan, your post stopped me in my tracks. 🙏 Your honesty, strength, and lived wisdom from the “school of hard knocks” remind us that real success isn’t found in classrooms—it’s built in backyards, on job sites, and through life’s toughest tests.

The way you compare WA’s digital grind to physical labor is spot-on. It’s tough work, and your mindset—slow and steady like a turtle—is not only relatable, it’s quietly powerful.

Thank you for sharing your journey. You’re not just encouraging others—you’re proving that heart, hustle, and humility are enough to build something meaningful. I’m truly grateful to learn from stories like yours. Let’s keep climbing, one step at a time. 🛠️💥🧠

Leo

MrWilan,
The school of hard knocks is a very good school to begin the learning process! However, the tools at Wealthy Affiliate help a person put those knocks into a format where a person can achieve any goal they go after using their MINDSET, DETERMINATION, AND PERSPIRATION. There is enough encouragement in the community to help each of us succeed.
Jerry

Great post--thank you for sharing and most important the facts of determination and action are the tools for success even without a college degree. Best of success to you!

I really like your post, Mr. Willan. Your journey through the "school of hard knocks" is a powerful story and truly resonates. It's a strong reminder that success often comes down to practical experience and sheer will, not just formal credentials. I especially appreciate your comparison of the mental effort WA requires to the tough physical work you've done – it really puts the challenge into perspective and highlights the determination needed. And like you, I was also raised by grandparents with two other children. Thank God for grandparents!  

As you rightly pointed out, succeeding with WA absolutely takes mindset and determination. Building on that, another key I've found incredibly important is focus. It reminds me of the story of the master archer Drona testing his students. When Drona tied a wood bird to a tree then asked each student what they saw while aiming at it, most described the tree, the branches, the sky, or the whole bird. But when he asked Arjuna, Arjuna replied he saw only the eye of the bird. That kind of single-minded focus is so relevant for us here. It's about filtering out all the distractions that come with working online – the noise, the comparisons, the 'shiny objects,' even our own doubts – and keeping our attention locked on the target, the specific task at hand. That intense focus helps fuel the determination needed to stick with it, especially when things get tough.  

It's clear that the very mindset, determination, and work ethic you've demonstrated throughout your life are precisely the core ingredients needed to make Wealthy Affiliate work. You've already got what it takes.  

WA is totally doable, but many people won't complete the training. It takes real persistence. The training provides a solid map and process, which is incredibly helpful, especially when you're learning so much new information. Sticking to the path laid out helps build that strong foundation the program is designed to build and can definitely help manage the potential overwhelm. But ultimately, it still takes that 'school of hard knocks' grit and problem-solving skill you exemplify to truly navigate the journey and make it succeed. And it's great, as you mentioned, that the platform allows us to go at our own pace and revisit lessons – that's key for letting things sink in properly, especially since we all learn differently.  

So, keep your eyes on the prize, Mr. Willan. Your perspective is valuable, and I know you’ll get there.

Respectfully, Kundi 😊

Great post Timothy.... having a fancy diploma or MBA will get you no where ( unless your parents are well connected) these day....

If we want to make it in the world, then hard graft, being persistent and consistent and having the will to never give up, no matter how hard things become is the way to go in my book!!

There is nothing we can't achieve as long as we want it and work for it!

Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself my friend and enjoy the rest of your week! :-)