Set Realistic Expectations

So what's the story behind the story?

Both a positive and a negative for the network marketing profession is the tendency many companies have of showcasing fast starters and great success stories. It's important that we see those who have "made it" to reinforce that we can do it, too.

The challenge comes when we see those fast starters and start to ask - what is wrong with me?

Always remember that there is a story behind the story. Those "over night successes" usually built it somewhere else before, and climbed the same long, slow hill that everyone does on the way up.

Most often, they have heard 'no' more often than everyone else and experienced greater challenges along the way than those who have not yet made it. Too often, people don't have the success they want fast enough so they quit. The only difference is that those great success stories did not give up.

That doesn't mean they didn't struggle, only that they knew they would eventually achieve their goal.

Set small goals and reward yourself as you journey to the top. Small 'wins' are added together to make larger 'wins.'

I like to do a little success vs. time calculation in my head any time I don't feel like I'm moving fast enough toward my ultimate goal.

Assumptions:

• It takes 10,000 practice hours to become an expert.

• At a regular job, I would work approx. 40hrs x 52week/yr = 2,080hrs/yr

• 10,000hrs / 2,080 = 4.81yrs to become an expert at your full time job

How many hours do you work per day on average on your business (not including all the other things you do)? Maybe 2, give or take a few hours, averaged out over a year's time.

Same calculations with new numbers:

• It takes 10,000 practice hours to become an expert.

• At your side network marketing business, you could work approx. 10hrs x 52week/yr = 520hrs/yr

• 10,000hrs / 520 = 19.23yrs to become an expert at your business

Kind of puts things in perspective doesn't it!

What's great about this is you can have huge success as you are building your business while you are on the path to becoming an expert. You will likely achieve small spikes in your business along the way. No need to go to school for 4-8 years to build a business!

And remember, Exponential growth always starts slow in order to reach maximum potential. Your hours will likely begin in increase as exponential growth happens and so does your experience and knowledge. That’s when you become the story!

Just remind yourself to let the success stories of others encourage you to know that you can do it, too. Work on developing your skills and getting better each and every day.

With gratitude,

Allison