The Youngsters among us:
First let me apologize in advance if I ramble a little. The point I want to make to the youth in this community is important, but requires that I get a little personal and admit some things that are a bit uncomfortable for me.
I just ran across a disturbing realization here at WA. I was reading a member’s blog. He was expressing his excitement about his rank, he had realized that without paying attention his rank had broken 1000. It got my attention because I felt the same way. (673 now) As I was reading I glanced up to see what his rank was now, it must be pretty good by now, the blog was a few months old. 417,000, my heart sank a little, did he quit? Take a short break? What happened? I’m not fixated on the rank; my immediate goal is to do at least a little every day and the rank will take care of itself.
I’m filled with joy to see so many young people among us that are looking for a way to better secure their future, and my message is directed mostly to them. I’m sure that a lot of the old farts here will relate to my blog more than take it as advise.
When I was in my late 20’s early 30’s I was where you are now. I had the attitude, motivation, and desire to build something I could count on to provide a residual income in my Golden Years. I joined Amway, Melaleuca, and A.L. Williams (known now as primarica) For some reason that I still don’t fully understand I gradually drifted away from all of these ventures. I can come up with a long list of excuses, I was young and had plenty of time, had a good paying job that I guess thought would last forever, “friends” that reminded me on a daily basis how naive I was being, a spouse that was not behind me, I’m sure the list could go on and on. The point is that I haven’t seen those “friends” for 30 years, the wife is an ex now, I was laid off from that good job in 1992, and I am no longer young and have plenty of time. It’s hard to see now, but things change, sometimes drastically.
Regardless of our current opinions of the ventures I signed up with then, I would bet large sums of money that had I pursued any one of them with the slightest degree of enthusiasm I would not be in situation I find myself in today. At the very least it leaves you wondering, what if?
I don’t want you guys, 30 years from now, asking yourself what if? Find something that your motivated about, set goals, learn to filter the negative crap and absorb the good. If it seems that all your getting is crap, private message me and I’ll give you a pep talk, nobody else has to know. Focus like a laser on where you want to be in 2045 (trust me, it’s closer than you think)
You may find it hard to understand now, but your success if very important to me and probably some of the other old guys and gals here as well. Wishing you all the best.James
“Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goals”Abraham Lincoln
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Being part of the old crowd ourself and having through the same road and having lost a few tires along the way. We approved and agree with you 100%.
Thank you for reminding us.
Serge and Suzanne
41 years, congratulations guys. We haven't really lost anything, we just learned a couple of ways not to succeed.
Spectacularly put my friend. The problem with all those MLM's for me was the cult-like cookie cutter viibe, Amway, being the ultimate offender.
Every MLM set a spark off in me and fizzled out just as hard and fast as it came.
I'm still with one of the 7 because of the product not the business.
Wealthy Affiliate never fizzles out for me. In fact, the bonfire I've been dancing around here grows stronger daily.
People like you help me jump through it and walk over those hot coals to get were I need to be daily. I thank you for that. I'm no spring chicken but, I have a lot of road to cover still.
I'm so grateful to have landed in WA. I finally have my perfect fit. I pray that the super youngin's that you speak of will heed your wise reflections.
thank you for your reply. A.L. Williams did spark my interest and still believe in their cause, just going a different direction. Best to you and yours
You have hit the nail on the head! I too am an oldie in the exact same position as you. You are offering the young people in WA a great opportunity as a mentor, and my advice to them is... Follow it up.. NOW!
well put, I've never thought of myself as a mentor, I just would hate to see all these great young people miss their chance by giving up to soon.
Thanks for the inspiring motivation, oldokie! I appreciate your willingness to remind us about the "What if?" syndrome. I love the reminder to keep our eyes on our goals! Will keep us from the "What if's" later in life. Thank you!!
Your welcome, I think of us have to many of those what if's we look back on. Hopefully we can help others avoid those pit falls.
Very well said. I, too, tried those programs you mention; Melaleuca, Royalite, etc. They come and go, and don't keep your attention too well when you're young. Now I have a completely different viewpoint at age 68. The young should start now.
Yes sir, and have you noticed how many of them there are. It's great and with the technology available their possibilities are endless.
I'm a semi-oldokie but my mind, for whatever reasons, is still in it's 20's ... I wish my body could act like that.
I relate very well to your blog and I once tried Herbalife and was doing quite well. For whatever reasons, I could rattle off a list to bore you all, I stopped doing it.
I've matured and intelligence has turned to wisdom through experience and I know exactly what you are talking about and I to feel the pain of wondering "what if".
I also take away from this blog a new excitement and resilience similar to years ago, though this time I will follow through. It's never too late.
ROCK ON!
E
Your still 20 in your mind, I like that. I to have a renewed spark, I guess my motives are different now, When all these great young people get discouraged I want them to think, "Better get to work, or I'll end up like that gut that wrote the blog."
You have a very good point, though if I'd been listening to you in my 'real' 20's I am certain I'd have known way better than you and completely disregarded everything you said .... that's typically what youngsters do - and I admit my guilt too.
I hope they can all learn from us.
E
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Thanks a lot man :) Good words, good thoughts
Your welcome, and thank you.