Two and a Half Months into Wealthy Affiliate: The Highs, the Lows, and What Keeps Me Going

It’s been two and a half months since I first joined Wealthy Affiliate, and I can honestly say the journey has been both exciting and challenging. When I first started, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect — but I dove in with the same energy I bring to my woodworking projects: eager, focused, and ready to build something from scratch.
And build, I have.
I’ve learned how to create posts that I’m genuinely proud of. From formatting to SEO, headlines to helpful links, I’ve gone from zero to “Hey, I can do this!” a lot faster than I expected. Each new skill has felt like a small win — a little digital notch in my belt.
But here’s the thing: as satisfying as those wins are, they can sometimes feel… quiet.
Don’t get me wrong — I know that success doesn’t happen overnight. I knew going into this that online growth is more like planting a garden than flipping a switch. You have to water it, nurture it, and give it time to grow. I get that.
But some days, it feels like I’m watering seeds that haven’t even cracked the soil yet.
I’m not saying I want instant fame or thousands of clicks overnight (though that wouldn’t hurt, right?). I just sometimes feel like my hard work isn’t being rewarded yet — and I emphasize "yet" because deep down, I still believe it will be.
I’ve celebrated the small victories:
✔ My first published post
✔ My first comment from a fellow WA member
✔ That moment when I understood internal linking (and started doing it like a pro)
✔ Watching my writing voice become clearer and more confident
But I’d be lying if I said I haven’t felt a little burnout creeping in. It’s like pushing a boulder uphill and wondering how much farther until it starts rolling down on its own momentum.
So, what keeps me going?
1. The Community
There’s something about being surrounded by people who get it. Reading others’ experiences on WA — especially the ones who’ve been here a year or more — is both grounding and motivating. They’ve been where I am. They stuck it out. And now they’re reaping the benefits.
2. The Lessons
I’ve already learned so much more than I expected in just 10 weeks. Every new thing I learn is something no one can take from me. I’m not just building a website — I’m building skills. Whether it’s SEO, affiliate marketing strategies, or just becoming a better communicator, this knowledge will always serve me, no matter what path I take.
3. The Vision
I didn’t join WA to make a quick buck. I joined to build something real. Something that reflects my passion, helps others, and — yes — eventually pays off. I keep that vision in my mind like a compass when I feel lost in the weeds.
To Anyone Else Feeling the Same Way…
If you’re reading this and nodding along — feeling like you’re putting in the work but not seeing results yet — know that you’re not alone. This part of the journey is the hardest. The part where you're working the most and getting the least in return. But it will shift. That’s what every successful person says: keep going. Stay consistent. Don't quit three feet from gold.
My advice?
- Celebrate every little win, even if no one else sees it.
- Take breaks before burnout takes over.
- Lean on the community — they’ve been where you are.
- Keep learning, because that’s where the real wealth begins.
- And most importantly, don’t let discouragement win.
I’ll be back with another update soon — hopefully with a snowball that’s finally starting to roll. But even if it’s still just a handful of snow, I’ll keep packing it, one flake at a time.
Because I believe in what I’m building.
And I believe the best is yet to come.
Your Turn:
Have you gone through the “slow season” of affiliate marketing? What helped you keep going?
Drop a comment — I’d love to hear from you.
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Recent Comments
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I've actually gone through the "slow season" of affiliate marketing since 2013 lol - continuously starting new sites with tons of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement, but then deleting those sites due to burnout, fizzled out interest and motivation. Plus working a job and the grind of every day life also have an impact.
But what I've learned is that you must learn to LOVE what you do to keep that spark, use the community as a crutch (like you say) for daily motivation and inspiration, and balance certain aspects of daily life to find time and energy for building the Biz.
That's my take anyway. :)
Very encouraging words. I absolutely love doing this but there are times when I ask myself, "Why am I doing this?" Then I think back as to why I got into it in the first place... because I wanted to learn what affiliate marketing was about. I really do have so much more to learn.
Thanks again!
Ciao Wayne,
I love that you wrote "I am not building a website, I am building new skills"
In one year, I have learnt to build websites, bring them to first page on Google, writing on Medium, understanding the real opportunities to grow, creating digital products....
So yes, you are in the right place, with the right people!!!
surely it is! You will receive tons of ideas, inspirations, motivation and HELP! So trust the process one step at time!
Wayne,
Man, I’ve been where you are and honestly, some days I still feel like I’m there. But reading your post, I can tell you this: you’re on the right path.
Congrats on one of the biggest things you’ll ever do here sharing your journey with others. That’s your golden ticket. And from the way you write and reflect, it sure looks like you’re going to make it shine.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is this: lean into the community. That’s where the power is. It’ll help you more than you know. Truth is, I’ve got more friends here from all over the world than I do in my day-to-day trucking life. And if it wasn’t for the incredible people who’ve been part of my journey here, I honestly don’t know if I’d still be going. That says a lot.
This platform brings out the best in you. And before you know it, you start growing more with each day. I’ve only been at this for about 14 months, and I’ll tell you it’s a ride. But it’s one you don’t want to miss.
What’s worked for me is simple: be yourself, share your story. People feel honesty and they’ll start following you because it’s real. And always, always dream big. Reach for the things you never thought you could. Because before you know it, you will accomplish them.
A year ago, I set a goal to write 10 books and two days ago, I hit it. And you, my friend? Keep showing up, keep learning, keep trusting the process. Your goals will come together too.
From where I’m sitting, it sounds like you’re on the path to doing great things. Keep building. Keep believing.
This place helped me build something that feels like a legacy and it can do the same for you.
Stay curious,
Shawn
Nice and encouraging post! Need consistency, I know. Things happen like I was doing my best, felt like that, but return was too slow and I felt discouraged. Never slow down or post less, dont lose momenum. I did that and not sure I can get back that, only with new site. However, maybe this opens doors to more creativity and different ways and ideas like video creating etc.
I'm learning something new and trying new things all of the time. Something is going to click sooner or later, I can feel it! Thanks for the kind words!
For sure it will, just not stop doing things there. I did and was not consistant. Keep going! 🙂
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Join FREE & Launch Your Business!
Exclusive Bonus - Offer Ends at Midnight Today
00
Hours
:
00
Minutes
:
00
Seconds
2,000 AI Credits Worth $10 USD
Build a Logo + Website That Attracts Customers
400 Credits
Discover Hot Niches with AI Market Research
100 Credits
Create SEO Content That Ranks & Converts
800 Credits
Find Affiliate Offers Up to $500/Sale
10 Credits
Access a Community of 2.9M+ Members
Yes, when I first started, I experienced the slow season effect a few months in, and I got stuck because I couldn't sitekit to work on my website. I stopped working on it for two years. Then I began posting again and created another website and I've been fairly consistent ever since. It's slow getting organic traffic, but I am not burned out like I was before. I have more motivation and joy for what I'm doing. It's definitely a rollercoaster though.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It helps a lot.