As I sit here on the first day of 2011, I reflect upon the last five years. That’s how long I have now been making a living exclusively on the Internet. It’s been a wild ride, and continues to get even better. Except for a disappointing first year, where I made almost no money and tried to do everything on my own, making a living in this way has far exceeded any expectations I may have had.
I have become an entrepreneur during these five years. That means that I create new products and services and promote other people’s products in order to make things happen in my business. There is no boss or supervisor to guide me. I guide my own business, and earn as much money as you choose.
I have become a writer. I now write each and every day. This writing has enriched my life on a personal level. It has also allowed me to spend my time as I choose, writing when and where I want. I had dreamed of being a writer years ago; now it is my reality.
I’m still a teacher. When I left the classroom to come online, I knew that I would miss having students. Within a year I was teaching classes on the Internet. Now I have students all over the world who benefit from what I can teach them.
It’s easier for me now than it was five years ago. I was willing to be the newbie who had no clue about making money online for as long as it took. That means I had to humble myself to the others who were already successful. That was a good lesson for me, and the reason I persevered during the recession. I have continued to increase my income each month during this time. No job will ever offer that possibility.
The technology is now easier. I know what to do, and how to outsource the rest. Just because I know how to do it doesn’t mean that I should. This has saved me time and money so that I can write and create new products. There are other people who enjoy doing the things that must be done. It feels good to give work to others while I do the things that I enjoy more.
The best part of the past five years has been connecting with so many incredible people. These are my students, my mentors, my colleagues, and others whom I would never have met if I hadn’t made the decision to change my life. I cannot even imagine not knowing each and every one of them. A huge ‘Thank You’ to each of them. If that’s you, know that my connection with you is a special one.
So what will the next five years be like? No one knows, but I can tell you that being in charge of your own destiny feels very good. The best way I can describe it is to tell you to think of a time when you were still a child, and you dreamed of growing up and doing exactly as you pleased. That did not have to be a childhood fantasy. Being an entrepreneur in 2011 gives you opportunities and choices. Now that’s a dream come true.
What do you think about all of this?
It really helps me to have your shining example of how it can be. Not only how it can be but the manner in which to you do it,. remaining honest to yourself and to those of us who follow your path.
Connie, what I find totally refreshing and inspiring about you is your honesty about what has been possible for you. You don’t try to pretend it was all easy and you grew your list of millions overnight LOL. I love that you say “If I can do it, then so can you!” It really helps those of us still learning and growing. I look forward to following your exciting journey in 2011.
Love & best wishes
Heather xx
“I am still a teacher.” Isn’t that awesome? I have been a teacher all my life in what way or another, starting with 17 years teaching high school. You can never take teaching from a teacher.
I love your conclusion, “Being an entrepreneur in 2011 gives you opportunities and choices” and isn’t that what most of us want to have? Choices allow us to do what we truly enjoy doing rather than doing what wehave to in order to meet our obligations.
You are an excellent example of one who has worked hard to achieve your goals and your example helps me to stay motivated even when my goals are not realized in the given time. My motto is, “Connie did it, and I can too.” Being willing to work hard and with God’s help will give great results. Thank you, Connie.
Thanks Connie. Powerful reminders of what is possible. I am so grateful to be in your circle. Have a blessed 2011~!
Bobbye Middendorf
The Write Synergies Guru
Opportunities and choices are a great way to kick start this new year! Thank you for keeping it real and keeping us in the loop. You allow us to dream about what is possible by your stories and experiences! It has been a real honor to study under you and work with you! I am so much more of my potential thanks to you!
Happy 2011! May it be everything and more that you hope for! That we all hope for!