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glindow
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Joined: 5 Sep 2008
Posts: 27
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2009 14:54
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This is somewhat of a rhetorical statement, but not really. I just find myself wondering what people have found to be their best source of motivation, long term or short term. My apologies if there is a similar post somewhere.
I have tried various things to get my motivation for working at home going, they even last for awhile, and then I get bored and those goals get set aside. I tried using that new desktop I want and then I lost interest, partly realizing that with a new desktop I would just sit in front of it playing computer games. Then I tried using my desire to go back to Hawaii, which sort of worked, till I got used to the picture on my desktop, taken in Hawaii. Maybe I should get a new picture.
Now I suddenly find myself realizing I am bloody freaking broke! Hopefully that will turn out to be the best motivation of all, though I still need to find an actual job to keep me paying my bills.
Anyone else found anything that is particularly motivating for them and possibly somebody else?
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2232
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2009 16:00
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Hi Gus,
Keeping things before you as you have done is one good method.
This applies to what you want in life and also wish to avoid.
Hopefully you also enjoy online marketing. If not, then it'll be a forced march and that's no fun.
Best thing to do is to strike a balance - work hard and play hard every day. Take a few days off for a vacation every few months to break away from it.
Get your exercise in and give some time to a little socializing and hobbies.
Once you start making significant money, you will see it with new eyes.
Last, be actionable. Once you have learned a fair amount and experimented a little, create and implement a project. Repeat this over and over with new projects. Task variety is critical.
~Newbie Shield~
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JoyBringsWealth
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Joined: 25 Jul 2009
Posts: 14
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2009 16:37
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Great advice Newbie Shield. I think we all lose our motivation every so often. What works best for me is to make a daily, weekly, and monthly plan of things I will do EVERY DAY - come rain or shine every 90 days. Kind of like a work out and diet plan, except it's for my online business. Then when the 90 days are up, I look at what worked and I do more of that, and I look at what didn't and I switch those things to something new. On the days I don't feel like following it, I tell myself I don't have to like it, I just have to do it. So I give myself permission to not like it and do it anyway. In the end I'm always so happy that I did it!
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jeffathome
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Joined: 9 Sep 2008
Posts: 118
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2009 22:19
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I focus on the prize. If I keep working out on a regular basis the prize should be a long healthy life of hopefully looking and feeling good. If I help others the prize is a lifetime of residual income. Never quit. Even baby steps can take you a long way.
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TshirtFrank
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Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 91
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2009 22:28
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Great Posts!
JoyBringsWealth, I am a lot like you I am a list builder. I have a spreadsheet with the next 8 weeks already planned out for me so that I know what I have to do every time I sit in front of the computer. The thing thing that motivates me most is my desire to be my own boss..... and I want it Bad!!!
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Vishal P. Rao
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 1036
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2009 01:50
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Newbie Shield: Hopefully you also enjoy online marketing . If not, then it'll be a forced march and that's no fun.
This one I think is pretty ignored aspect, but one of the most vital aspects in determining your overall well-being. The one thing I have started hating recently about working from home (especially if it involves doing work entirely on your PC without getting in touch with your clients in real sense) is that it cuts you out from the outer world. Your life then starts entirely around your PC. You are happy when you make money and see success and you become sad and stressed when you see your income going down. The happiness you get is also momentary and fleeting. No sooner you achieve one goal, your goal is shifted to next level. And so on... You never get satisfied.
Real happiness can be found only in serving others. When you serve others and if it makes them happy, then that makes you really happy. That is true happiness. And it empowers you and nurtures you. Only then your true creativity and purpose in life unfolds. And once that happens, and you start following it, you'll be eternally happy.
I don't say you should stop working from home. But definitely take some time everyday to reach out and serve people. This will nourish your spiritually and give you real happiness.
Sorry for going off tangent!
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BobFirestone
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Joined: 1 Jul 2009
Posts: 133
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2009 02:24
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1. Pain is almost always the best motivator. Is playing solitaire on your computer more fun than being broke is painful?
2. Is there passion behind your positive goals? I have been in goal setting workshops and people say their goals are things like moving to a tropical island but you very can clearly see that there is no fire to actually get there.
Day to day you probably need to treat it like a job. It isn't exciting or fun but the important part is getting results.
One of my dad's favorite sayings "selling is like shaving, if you don't do it every day pretty soon you start to look like a bum."
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 2060
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2009 09:30
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Great topic!
So many great things shared. I have to admit, my biggest motivator is when I make a sale...lol
That kinda like adds fuel to my tail and I go like a madman, er, lady for awhile.
But I agree that regardless what motivates us, a big reason for losing that motivation is sheer boredom - or for me, it is.
I have been trying to get out more and it really helps. Hubby and I had a picnic at some really great falls a few days ago and yesterday I took a few hours off to take the kids to the lake.
It just has a way of renewing me and I don't spend as much time fiddling around, trying to GET motivated when I DO hit the PC again - as I don't have time to!
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2232
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2009 14:26
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Vishal P. Rao: Real happiness can be found only in serving others.
Hi Vishal: That's absolutely true. I've been feeling that way and acting on it for many years. Nothing brings me fulfillment like serving others or serving an important cause.
mountainmom5: I have been trying to get out more and it really helps. Hubby and I had a picnic at some really great falls a few days ago and yesterday I took a few hours off to take the kids to the lake. It just has a way of renewing me and I don't spend as much time fiddling around, trying to GET motivated when I DO hit the PC again - as I don't have time to!
Hi M5: I'm glad you feel that way about it. It really does feed the enthusiasm and makes you quite a bit more focused. I'm heading out to the lake myself in a little over an hour.
JoyBringsWealth: make a daily, weekly, and monthly plan...On the days I don't feel like following it, I tell myself I don't have to like it, I just have to do it. So I give myself permission to not like it and do it anyway.
Hi JoyBringsWealth: Plans do make a big difference. I plan everything very carefully before I implement anything at all.
There are times when I force myself to do something even if I don't feel like it. I simply stop the thought processes that threaten to prevent me from doing what I know needs to be done and just do it.
~Newbie Shield~
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 615
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2009 17:06 · Edited by: A8ch
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What are the best motivators?
That's a great question and the posts in this thread are all very insightful.
I like Newbie Shield's advice to strike a balance between working, playing and exercising. Variety is the spice of life and you should pay attention to the different aspects of your personality. It's one way to keep your sanity.
Making short and longterm to do lists, as JoyBringsWealth does, and then forcing yourself to stick to them when you really don't feel like it, is also an important part of the equation.
JeffAtHome points to persistence and baby steps to stay on target. For TshirtFrank it is the desire to be his own boss.
Vishal puts the spotlight on the feeling of isolation that can accompany working from home staring into a computer monitor all day, with little face-to-face human interaction.
BobFirestone identifies "pain" as perhaps the best motivator and sees the absence of fire as a counter productive element.
Our beloved MountainMom and recently elevated Gold Member (Congrats!  ) admits she is at peak motivation when she makes a sale, but can lose it all to sheer boredom.
I doubt there is one person who doesn't ever get stuck at some time or other while in pursuit of a goal. It's part of the human process I suppose.
My own opinion is that whatever image, thing or condition you use as a motivator, it is important to realize that:
1. Your degree of motivation will peak and dip from time to time
2. It is essential to have an action plan to follow
3. You should make a commitment to follow that plan
On those occasions when you're really not in the mood, simply going through the motions according to your plan will keep you moving forward, even if you have no emotional attachment at that moment.
Productive action will trump boredom every time and boost your level of motivation.
The Shield agrees!
Newbie Shield: Last, be actionable.
Hermas
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VictoriaNTC
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Joined: 12 Mar 2008
Posts: 561
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2009 19:09
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I think poverty would do it!
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shmeeko69
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Joined: 23 Apr 2009
Posts: 76
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# Posted: 10 Aug 2009 12:12
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Trying to think like someone who is successful in business & trying to copy their methodology. Better to learn what you can from the best & who are proven & are'nt pushing an agenda or trying to get you to part with your cash.
I personally bought a couple of books about top business people & it did change my approach to certain things & has kept me more focused.
Mark
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TCharmLady
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Joined: 10 Aug 2009
Posts: 10
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# Posted: 10 Aug 2009 16:07
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The many people that I have motivated to even start an online business have found it hard just to be motivated to start.
I found though, if you just do something every single day, no matter how little or big it is, it will keep you moving towards success.
But I have to agree, you must possess the passion and desire to want to succeed at anything that you do. Without it, then how can you get out of bed the next morning, learn a new marketing technique, design a new product, etc.
Passion and desire have to be from within and that is really nothing you can teach or even learn. We all have some kind of passion within us - find what that is and then go for it!
I have been an artist all my life but went down the path of working for a corporation for over 25 years because I thought 'that is what you are suppose to do". About 4 years ago I turned my passion and desire for art into a business which now affords me more time to be with family and friends AND leave an 8 to 5 job that I so much did not want to do any more.
So go for it ...... turn your passion and desire into your dream of success - what ever that may be.
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nanlar
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Joined: 9 May 2009
Posts: 62
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# Posted: 10 Aug 2009 16:32
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For me it is the little things! A great comment on my blog Or a new found method that is showing some progress and most of all a SALE! It is all good!
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thefortunemaker
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Joined: 11 Jun 2009
Posts: 8
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2009 16:58
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For me, my son motivates me. i keep photos of my son and fiancee all around me while im working in my home office.
my family are the reason i started an online business
best wishes
Robert
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TCharmLady
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Joined: 10 Aug 2009
Posts: 10
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2009 18:16
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thefortunemaker (Robert), Thank you for reminding me of the 'why' I got started. And it is just like you ..... our son.
I have his pictures all around me as well. From when he started kindergarten, playing baseball to his high school pictures and family photos of my husband our son, me and our little dog!
Family is huge motivation ...... the more sales/success = more time with family and friends!
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celebratelife
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Joined: 10 Aug 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 13 Aug 2009 10:52
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Staying focus can be tough, but if you write down your "whys" and they are big enough you will march forward. Great website is
www.findyourwhyandfly.com Also daily meditation is great. Here is a great website for a free CD www.manifestationmeditation.com
you do pay for shipping. Check out www.mindmovies.com Guess you can tell I love info on personal development.......the key to success.....be mentored. Your thoughts become things........
Smile........life is good
Laurie Greenup
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Ann Williams
Member
Joined: 9 Aug 2009
Posts: 37
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# Posted: 13 Aug 2009 11:43
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TCharmLady: thefortunemaker (Robert), Thank you for reminding me of the 'why' I got started. And it is just like you ..... our son. I have his pictures all around me as well. From when he started kindergarten, playing baseball to his high school pictures and family photos of my husband our son, me and our little dog! Family is huge motivation ...... the more sales/success = more time with family and friends!
Me too. As I type on the computer, my sons, both of them, pictures are right in my line of view. What also helps to motivate me, is being able to look out a window and see trees, sky, people coming and going, hearing birds etc. This reminds me that there is more happening then in my corner of the world, that awaits for me.
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paolo4
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Joined: 3 Jul 2009
Posts: 51
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# Posted: 13 Aug 2009 14:42
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Hi,
Great advice from everyone.
I would recommend you get yourself pen and paper and jot down what you need to do in the forthcoming week.
Plan ahead. Stick to your notes. Once you have forefilled your daily targets you will feel better and know you actually achieved something. Don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
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shmeeko69
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Joined: 23 Apr 2009
Posts: 76
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# Posted: 14 Aug 2009 10:42
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It took me about two months to get my finger out my backside & start to write a plan of action & checklist eg.
8.00am - 12pm Trading checking charts on Sport & Financial
12.00 - 12.30pm Lunch
12.30 - 4.30pm Internet Marketing - Blogs, Forums, Videos,
Advertising ............
4.30pm - 5.00pm Tie up any loose ends
5.00pm - on My own time
Treat it like a real job & have a weekly/monthly checklist & try to devote as much time to your business as possible & also to have the usual breaks, so not to sicken yourself & stay positive & determined at all times & spent your time productively !
Mark
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debbystewart
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Joined: 18 Aug 2009
Posts: 29
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# Posted: 18 Aug 2009 23:39
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For me, it's money and making sales. The more money I make, the more I am driven to work even more.
When business is slow, I have to admit that I struggle at staying motivated.
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paolo4
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Joined: 3 Jul 2009
Posts: 51
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# Posted: 19 Aug 2009 07:57
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When business is slow, Debbie, this is the moment you need to push, do not let this de-motivate you. It can take one ad or email to make you earn so much money. Keep on at it!
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glindow
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Joined: 5 Sep 2008
Posts: 27
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# Posted: 20 Aug 2009 16:35
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Wow, my thread is still at the top of the forum! I find myself delighted at the prospect. Lots of helpful advice too. The last two weeks or so have been awful for me. I just haven't carred about much of anything and even the fact that I checked my checking account balance the other day and found it all but empty hasn't helped motivate me. Well its helped a little bit. Not sure exactly what it is thats bringing me down either. End of summer blues possibly, a pervasive lonliness that I can't seem to shake, though I have had that feeling for years. Maybe I need to organize a weekend with friends. That would be nice.
Anyway, thanks for the tips and I am glad the shared thoughts are helpful to others as well.
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sylviad
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Joined: 26 Aug 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 26 Aug 2009 10:39
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You are (virtually) looking at a Master Procrastinator. Getting motivated is like pulling teeth sometimes. Things can always get done later. There's always tomorrow. It's not what I want to do right at the moment because THIS will be much more fun and satisfying. Unfortunately those distractions often are not related to my busines and if they are, they are not really the things that will make money.
Here are a few things that I've learned along the way - not just from my own experience but from tips I've read from people who know what they're talking about.
1. Plan your day. If you've ever worked in an office, you will know how bosses insist you be at your desk at certain times and go home when they tell you to. When we work from home, all the things that have plagued us at the office become a distant memory: can do what we want when we want, can work as much or as little as we want, we can stop and take time off whenever we want, no boss to criticize us and our work, etc.
The advice I was given is that you MUST have a schedule that you follow every day. That includes getting dressed (sounds obvious but aren't you tired of hearing people say they work in their PJs or don't get dressed until noon?). In your "job", you would have dressed for the occasion, but at home, you probably don't. So dress like you are going to work.
2. Decide exactly how many hours a day you will work. Set a schedule of when you will work each day and how many days per week. This will ease the "burden" of work because you know you have only so much time to accomplish it.
3. Make sure your business is something you truly enjoy. That's why so many people get bored - they don't have jobs that really turn them on. Sit yourself down and ask, "What type of work do I "really" enjoy doing?" Forget what you're doing now. Look to what you've done in the past and how much satisfaction they gave you. This is what you should be doing now. So if you like writing, but hate marketing, design your business so that you do the part you enjoy and you hire someone else to do the rest that you do not enjoy.
4. Checklists are a fabulous way to get motivated. Forget Word or Notepad. Grab a physical notebook (spiral are great for this) and a real pen. Keep it beside you as you work. As you work, jot down the things you need to do. At the end of the day, you will begin to feel motivated for the next day when you see how much you accomplished.
One problem I have is that there is so much to do, and I'm constantly thinking of things I have to do. At one time (and even now sometimes) I would constantly be distracted from my current task to take care of that other one, which meant many things never got done - or at least not in a timely fashion. When I began this To Do Checklist Book, I sat down and listed all the things I wanted to do that day. What didn't get done was completed the next day.
The important thing was, new things were added which took them out of my head so I could focus and come back to them later.
These are just a few of the things that have helped me to get and stay motivated. But even still, I have to make sure I'm motivated to follow through with these steps because it's all too easy to fall back into my procrastination mode.
Hope this helps.
Sylvia
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minraj
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Joined: 26 Aug 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 26 Aug 2009 12:53
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necessity is the cause of invention, though its all about timing, interest drives/leads intention and vice-versa.
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sjames23
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Joined: 9 Dec 2008
Posts: 30
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# Posted: 26 Aug 2009 19:24
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For me the best motivators are Mindset audio calls.
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weblearner
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Joined: 17 Aug 2008
Posts: 34
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# Posted: 30 Aug 2009 01:03 · Edited by: weblearner
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Newbie Shield: Once you start making significant money, you will see it with new eyes.
100% true ... very well said
thanks
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Andyee
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Joined: 30 Aug 2009
Posts: 11
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# Posted: 30 Aug 2009 13:34
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Write all your goals on a sheet of paper)) and before you know it - they will be achieved.
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lanitap
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Joined: 25 Aug 2009
Posts: 19
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# Posted: 31 Aug 2009 21:23
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something that keeps me motivated is knowing once I get my business going I can quiet my full-time job and work from home making twice as much in less time.
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joyschatting
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Joined: 6 Sep 2009
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 6 Sep 2009 17:29
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The biggest motivator for me has been my newly formed mastermind group. I had been spending the first year and a half basically on independent study, but it wasn't until I had to be accountable to a group of people every week before things really started taking off for me.
Working online is very lonely AND more so since no one understands what the heck I do on my computer all the time. Now, I have an amazing group of people that I can talk to and we push each other along.
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