Running my own race.4 points to keep in mind

INTRODUCTION

Building and growing a business is like running a marathon. It takes hard work, patience and perseverance. It requires determination, discipline and courage even in the face of difficulties.

Sweat and tears may blind you. Self doubt and fear might stalk you. You may trip and fall, then find yourself lagging far behind. Ignore these distractions. Get up, dust yourself. Then keep going.

In addition, do the following:

1. GO BACK TO YOUR 'WHY'.

Why did I choose to join WA?

I did so because I want to build a solid business that will enable me to make a difference in this world. I want to change lives.

The reminder is a great way to motivate myself.

So, get into the habit of motivating yourself daily, Don't wait until you are discouraged. It also helps to write your 'why' in BOLD LETTERS and keep this where you can see it every day.

2. FOCUS ON YOUR PRIZE

Related to your 'why' is where you are going and on your reward. Instead of focusing on challenges, which may distract you, (and there will be many along the way), focus on the prize and where you're going.

A runner who constantly stops to look back to see how far those behind him are, is sure to lose momentum, to lose heart and to lose the race. Similarly, in business, comparing yourself to others will do you no good. Instead, it's likely to hurt your self-esteem.

Let other people's success motivate and inspire you. But don't put yourself under pressure. You're not competing against anyone. You're running your own race.

3. EMBRACE YOUR UNIQUENESS

Just as runners come in all shapes and sizes, business people have different backgrounds, different personalities and different abilities. Some are young and blessed with limitless energy while others are not so young and need to exert twice as much effort to get results. If like me, you belong to the latter group, it's okay. That's you. Accept that fact. Then do the best you can.

Just like a runner you need to assess your strengths and weaknesses then do what is best for you. Adjust your pace and slow down, if you need to. Or stop to re-charge your batteries. Then get up and work. Only you will know what your constitution will take.

Of course, you may need to work twice as hard because of your lack of business experience or because you are new in the online world. Just don't over exert yourself. Know your limits. Pace yourself. You are running your own race. Not someone else's. .

4. ASK FOR HELP

In a race you are not alone. You may be running your own race but you're surrounded by fellow runners who care. People who would show you the ropes and the pitfalls if you cared to listen. People who wouldn't leave you lying by the road side writhing in pain.

It's the same here at WA. The community is family, made up of friendly, caring and supportive people. They will show you the ropes, cheer you on, and inspire you with their success stories, sometimes just when you feel like giving up.

Help is available. Ask for it and accept it when it is offered to you.

CONCLUSION

We in WA, are in a marathon. Not a sprint.

A marathon requires endurance.

The temptation to quit may come. Many times. Especially when you see those behind you go past you with the speed of lightening. It's their race. So be happy for them. Then continue to focus on your own race.

You know why you're here. You know where you're going. And you know what prize awaits you where you're going. If you work consistently, (and that's the key), you will get there.

I would like to leave you with this quote, allegedly from Vida Sassoon:

"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary"