He quit his job to live his dream. Three months later, no money was coming in and he panicked.
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Last week, I was driving home from dinner with my wife, and we were talking about a friend of ours. He has worked for himself for years, but because his business is slow, he just started applying for jobs.
The month of March was depressing–I made ZERO.
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I had the most random thought and a flashback to a similar time in my life. I have told you a lot of parts of my story, but I don’t think I’ve ever shared this part.
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In 2013, I was fully supported by my writing, speaking, and coaching. Well, almost… The month of January was great–I made $4,200. The month of February was OK–I made $2,600. The month of March was depressing–I made ZERO. Like not even a PENNY. My wife and I were scared after March, as we used some of our savings to pay our bills.
At that point, I started to get desperate, so I applied for jobs.
I figured I would get a desk job or work remotely, so I went on Craigslist and applied for every marketing, social media marketing, or website job I could find. I had a resume and tried to leverage what I had done online to impress an employer.
I didn’t get any of the posted jobs on Craigslist, Monster, or a host of other employment sites. All I got was scams in reply. No luck. No Job. And, I made $97 in the month of April.
When I realized no one would hire me, I discovered what the word “hustle” means. I took any call I could when ANYONE who even hinted they could give me some work. I hustled harder than I thought was possible. I got a check from Amazon in May for $4,236 for book sales. I made $1,300 in coaching revenue, and I got $400 to design someone’s website. (I don’t offer that service anymore because I suck at it)
What’s the point?
I lost belief in myself and my dream. That led to desperation, which resulted in me getting sidetracked. If I had just focused–instead of applying for jobs I knew I couldn’t get–I would have hustled sooner and gotten back on track.
When you’re chasing your dream on the side, it’s easy to get sidetracked because of disbelief. Your dream isn’t working out, so you get another job, or try MLM, or try to freelance, or mail order from home, or WHATEVER. Don’t get sidetracked by disbelief.
I know there are plenty of bright shiny objects.
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You see someone post content about a cool new system or strategy they tried and made six-figures with. The other day I saw John Lee Dumas’ income report of $525,000 for ONE MONTH! I would love to make six-figures in a month. I spent a bunch of time yesterday trying to dissect his income report—it was a waste of time for me.
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I know what I should be doing and how I make money. I have to focus on scaling my thing, not trying his because he made a lot of money. It’s a distraction that many of us give into because we want those results.
I know it’s not easy, and it seems like it’s taking way too long. I know there are plenty of bright shiny objects that seem like they’ll lead to income. They’re just a distraction from what you want to do. If you spent that time and energy in your dream, you would be surprised at what you could accomplish. This all starts with what you believe (mindset), which affects the actions you take. I have lived this.
Audio version:
Have you ever applied to jobs in desperation?
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This article originally appeared on KimanziConstable.com.
Photo: Flickr/ United Nations Development Programme in Europe and CIS
Wow, what a great article Kimanzi! Thanks for the mention, it’s an honor 🙂
You’re doing cool stuff John 🙂