There is no point in trying to tell ourselves that it isn’t going to happen. We are all prone to times of discouragement. So we might as well be prepared for those times. Preparation includes knowing what signs to look for in our lives and attitudes.

The first sign is that we feel the opportunity for success is gone. Often this happens when we get into a new venture or opportunity and then find out that it has been around for some time and there are many who are doing very well in this business. If we don’t seem to get off to a very quick start we begin to feel that the chance for success is gone. We just got into the business too late. All the best spots are taken. All the best opportunities have gone to those who were there first.

The second sign is that we become selfish. By this I mean that we begin to think mainly of our self. We begin to develop our thinking around the idea that people should be lining up for our product and to be able to work with us. After all, this is such a fantastic time to join so that I will make lots and lots of money. Besides I really need the money.

The third sign is that we did not get off to a rocket start. I don’t know what it is about us but we always expect to start off knowing everything and doing everything perfectly. When that doesn’t happen we become discouraged. There was a study conducted by National Retail Dry Goods Association that points out that unsuccessful first attempts lead almost half of all salesmen to certain failure.
48 percent of all salesmen make one call and stop.
25 percent of all salesmen make two calls and stop.
15 percent of all salesmen make three calls and stop.
12 percent of all salesmen go back and back and back and back.
They make 80 percent of all sales.
We do not conquer through brilliance. We conquer by continuing.

The fourth sign is that we have a lack of purpose and a plan. When we don’t have a purpose or a plan we tend to do nothing. We just are spinning our wheels and not going anywhere. We may try to do a lot of things without doing anything. Thomas Edison said this as he spoke about his success:

The most important factors of invention can be described in a few words. (1) They must consist of definite knowledge as to what one wishes to achieve. (2) One must fix his mind on that purpose with persistence and begin searching or that which he seeks. (3) He must keep on searching no matter how many times he may meet with disappointment. (4) He must refuse to be influenced by the fact that somebody else may have tried the same idea without success. (5) He must keep himself sold on the idea that the solution of his problem exists somewhere, and he will find it. … The trouble with most people is that they quit before they start.

If you are going to start your own business you had better have a plan and actually stick to it. Just making money is not a plan. You need to know the reason why you want to start a business. If you don’t know why then you will quit at the first sign of discouragement.

Henry Vargas has learned that to be successful one recognizes the signs of discouragement and then plans to overcome them. He has found that life is enjoyed when you take control of it. Musicgeniuslounge.

James Heller
I worked in the corporate world for 15 years - oil & gas taxation, payroll account. The next 27 years have been spent in church ministry. Internet Marketing is allowing retirement. www.joannaheller.com