Wondering Why You Haven’t “Made It” Yet? WPCP: 160

I've been thinking about this a lot in the last month or so and knew it was time to share it on a podcast with you guys. Hopefully, through the writing of these show notes, I'll be able to articulate exactly what I mean and it makes sense to you (hopefully by now you guys are familiar with 'Kimspeak' though and this will flow for you). I've been sharing how I've been a little obsessed with all this stuff 'behind the scenes' lately... and it's working. Taking the time to work on this stuff and figure out the things that people can't see is helping me create better stuff that people can see. The end product. I'm going to share something with you from one of Seth Godin's books, "What To Do When It's Your Turn (and it's always your turn)": "WAIT. While standing on one foot, we ask, impatiently, "what's this about?" We don't go to a movie unless the coming attraction tells us exactly what to expect. We don't listen to music we're not sure we'll like. And we want to know how to pigeonhole every idea and every book so we can move on and click. Please, wait. Let it simmer. It might not be for you, but at least this time, postpone the relief of resolution. This is your opportunity to make something that matters." -Seth Godin Amen. We're living in a time when it's very easy to get distracted, get consumed by information, and stay stuck on the hamster wheel. Yes, entrepreneurs can get stuck on the hamster wheel just like employees do. What happens is we start our businesses excited and motivated. We take off from the start line guns blazing (I don't know if that's the correct saying here, but you get my point). Then a few months in you realize, "hmm... this is hard work. This is going to take longer than I expected" and you start looking for a different path. You still want the results you hoped for when you started, freedom, income, making your mark on the world, but all of the sudden you realize that just like a job, you have to show up every day and do the work. Don't worry, before you think this is going to be another post or rant about "doing the work", hang with me for a minute. What I've realized (just in the past couple of years), is that we often think we're doing the work. And we are... sort of. Here are some of the things I'm referring to, tell me if they sound familiar: Reading posts and books about what you're doing Buying and starting courses (because after all, it's that ONE course that will change everything, right?) Creating cohesive branding collateral (logo, site, lead magnets, etc.) Mapping out products and services Sharing things on social media Making lists of ideas Creating multiple opt-ins on your site ... etc., etc., etc. Here's why that's only 'sort of ' doing the work. You NEVER actually produce anything. Cue the sad music... Let me share a couple examples/stories because I think it will make more sense and probably connect on a deeper level for many of you. Before I share these stories with you let me say that there is zero judgment here. Both are examples of people I know and am close with, and both are still in the same place they were 9 years ago when I started this business. One friend, I've known for about 20 years and one is someone I met the first year I started my business. Story 1 The first friend (that I've known for 20 years), was with me from the very beginning of my journey. She and I had gone to a wealth expo in San Francisco (pre-crash of 2008, I think it was 2006?) and went into one of their side sessions and it was about internet marketing. I had already had my interest peaked after having heard someone on an audio program talking about it. Before I go any further, let me remind you that I was NOT technical at this point in my life (or should say I didn't think I was). We were both hooked by the promise and possibility of the internet (I really thought I was going to be a million...