There's a problem with these timeframes. What if I don't make any money for 9 months? Am I a failure? Should I just quit?

I refuse to believe the answer to be "yes". I have seen Diane (a wonderful and very helpful member of WA) stating that in 3 to 6 months you should start making some money. She probably should even be more conservative...

There are a lot of nuances in affiliate marketing you only learn by trial and error. There are some strtegies that work for a niche and doesn't work for another. I am mentored by one of the best here in WA, and even he doesn't have all the answers, many times his advice is... trial and error. And google takes TIME to rank those posts. You really can't make conclusions that your post is good or bad, or that your CTA works or not within a few days...

You get your post ranked in 3 days in first page? Great. You make money within one or three months of starting your website? Great.

You don't do this, you are a failure. Are you? Because honestly, that's the message you are subconsciously passing.... or the message many insecure people (since they are learning) will read.

To be honest, after reading so many experiences here, I really believe you won't get any decent income (or any at all!!) before 1 year, assuming you are starting to learn about affiliate marketing. That is probably a very realistic milestone for many people.

I understand and truly believe that we shouldn't limit ourselves, and that our will and motivation are one of the most powerful forces in the universe. But be careful with these "sucess milestones" tied-up to a timeframe, as most people will feel a failure for not reaching them.

And in the end is a matter of persistence and hard work, eventually you will win, even if it takes years!!

Am I wrong?

Cheers,
Sofia

Good morning Tony,

I hope you're doing well and your business is going well.

I very much like your wise words, it's so true and far too easy to sometimes place limits on ourselves!

It's very important to have good people around us. I remember the Principal (Roberts Liardon) at the Bible school I was at 10+ years ago saying; "run from negative people"! I've never forgotten this!

Let's get the right people around us and not place limits on ourselves!

Have a great day.

Roy

Very true, Tony. We all work at different levels, speed etc.
You and I joined WA within weeks of each other. Wow, look how far you have gone, while I continue to plod along!

If only people stopped to consider the negative effect they could have on another by expressing their opinion!

Cheers :)
Valerie

Such a good post, Tony, one of the best reads I have had this week- the thing is that some of the limits comes from people who love us including ourselves, so we definitely must know ourselves and have the will to learn and fight towards overcoming those limits we may or may not impose on ourselves.

To overcoming limits and spreading our wings further than we can even imagine Great read 👌

I have to admit, on average, it will take most (90% or more) people at least 3-6 months, some longer to earn a residual and steady income with little or no knowledge of affiliate marketing. Granted there's also a language barrier, locations and other factors to consider as well. You, apparently, have a lot of knowledge and expertise, but most people here, I don't think have that so, I have to tell people the same thing so as not to get their hopes, but at the same time, not to discourage them.