Some of you may have opened this post right away because you are a runner and perhaps ran a marathon, while others might have been hesitant because the thought of running without being chased is a hard pass.
No, running is not required in affiliate marketing. Your business is work-from-home or work-from-anywhere flexible. However, I am learning that a critical part of success as an affiliate marketer is having the same mindset as a marathoner. Determination and perseverance. I’ve mentioned this before: it is not about getting rich quick but getting rich forever.
As a former marathoner I knew Why I was running (I loved it and wanted to challenge myself on an iconic course), and had my Goal (the ideal time I wanted to finish under and get my medal). My Why got me to the starting line. To achieve my Goal would be 10% physical (I already trained by running hundreds of miles); and 90% mental (I could not see the end and did not know what I would experience the next 3 to 4 hours). Some marathons went very well and I exceeded my Goal beyond my expectations. (Fulda ’80, Berlin ’82, Tampa ’03 ). Others were quite painful and miserable and I wanted to quit numerous times, but I forced myself to persevere and finish (Greece ’80, Marine Corps ’01, Boston ’04). It came down to mindset: I refused to quit and focused on reaching the finish line even though I couldn’t see it. Determination and perseverance. Amazing the crazy things runners do for a little piece of metal on a fabric loop.
I had to stop running in 2012. It was very disheartening because I loved it, but I believe everything happens for a reason. However, my next “Marathon” is my affiliate marketing business. My Why brought me to the starting line (I want my ideal retired life and to leave a positive legacy). My Goal is the ideal life income I want to achieve. This time the finish line is not in miles or hours, but a quantifiable income goal that will take years. I cannot see the end and I know it will not be easy, but I know living the life I want will be worth it.
I started my race (began my business) in March last year. I felt I came to the starting line prepared for my journey. When I retired I had accomplished many goals, was confident in my abilities, and refused to accept failure. Unfortunately, when I began I had a steep learning curve, I did not properly schedule my time, I was distracted by many life activities, and I refused to ask for help while I was going through my affiliate marketing course because I thought I could figure it out on my own. I was overwhelmed. As a result, I got discouraged, wondered if I made a mistake, and took a break from the course I had invested in. I had a weak mindset and wasted a year of my life.
However, I did not quit. I reached out for help in November and Dean Holland himself responded and gave me the focus and motivation I needed. I cannot emphasize this enough: do not attempt this by yourself. Do not be shy or afraid to ask for help or guidance. As an ISTJ (and marathoner), I was used to figuring things out on my own. In this business, there is strength in numbers. I started this blog to share my successes and failures so you can vicariously learn from my mistakes, avoid them, and use my successes to your advantage. I get a lot of inspiration from my fellow Beginner’s Advantage bloggers. I participate in the weekly coaching and live broadcasts. I have committed to trust the process Dean has created. I know I will have good days and persevere through the bad days. And I am determined to become a master at affiliate marketing and remained focused on my Goal.
For you, you have taken the first step to improve your life. Congratulations. You discovered your Why and determined your Goal. Your affiliate marketing business is a marathon, not a sprint. I will not promise it will be easy and you will not see instant results. However, I believe it will be worth it. Adopt the mindset of a marathoner: determination and perseverance. Follow me on my Voyage so that you can learn from my failures and get inspiration from my successes. You’ve already made the right choice – launch your own affiliate marketing business. Now either go after the life you want, or settle for the life you get. I am going after the life I want. Let’s go together.
Hi Jordan,
What an inspiring post! Your analogy of comparing affiliate marketing to running a marathon resonates deeply. The determination and perseverance required in both endeavors are indeed crucial for success.
As someone who’s not a runner, I found your experiences and mindset as a marathoner incredibly motivating. It’s clear that the principles you’ve learned from running—having a strong Why, setting goals, and pushing through challenges—are directly applicable to building a successful affiliate marketing business.
Your honesty about the challenges you faced, including the steep learning curve and the initial reluctance to ask for help, is refreshing. It’s a valuable reminder that seeking guidance and being part of a supportive community can make all the difference. Dean Holland’s support and your engagement with fellow bloggers and coaching sessions highlight the importance of not going it alone in this journey.
I appreciate your encouragement for new affiliates to embrace the marathon mindset. The emphasis on the long-term commitment and the realistic expectation that results won’t come overnight but are worth the effort is spot on. Your story of perseverance through both the highs and lows is truly inspiring.
Thank you for sharing your journey and insights. I’m looking forward to following your Voyage and learning from both your successes and mistakes. Let’s indeed go after the life we want, together.
Best,
Steve
Thanks, Steve. This thought just struck me out of the blue. I sometimes struggle with “what am I going to post next, or how do I keep this going?” I go back to what Dean said about posting ideas – what I’m doing now, things I’m learning, ways I’m feeling, achievements, etc. I want to post things that people are interested in and help. I know what it means to me, I just don’t know how others will see it. Well, with my perseverance mindset, I’ll keep posting about what I am feeling and my successes, doubts and failures as it’s
Hi Jordan, many thanks for your post! As I scroll through X, FB, etc., all I see are posts referring to affiliate marketing as a sprint to quick and easy cash. I’ve come to know the truth: it’s a marathon, maybe even an ultra-marathon or triathlon, or even an Iron Man. The get-rich-quick gurus do a massive disservice to the online business-building community by selling affiliate marketing as something it’s not. I, like you, am prepared for the 10% physical, 90% mental marathon. It’s nice to know we belong to a group led by Dean Holand that takes this approach.
Michael, thanks. It is definitely a journey. I did not expect to makes riches right away. I needed to learn what I am doing, decide what I wanted to focus on and start building my business. I trust the process that as I learn and get better, results will follow. I want to make sure people know that.
Jordan
It sounds like you’ve found a way to compare running marathons with building your affiliate marketing business—it’s quite a unique perspective! I admire anyone that can run, I’m more like a Labrador, I need to be chasing a ball or something to run! Your determination and perseverance from your running days are clearly helping you in this new venture. Instead of aiming for quick success, you’re focused on the long game, which is admirable. You’ve learned that mindset is everything, just like in running—sometimes it’s about pushing through the tough moments to reach your goals. It’s great that you’ve reached out for help and are sharing your journey with others. Keep trusting in the process, stay focused on your dreams, and keep inspiring us with your progress in affiliate marketing!
Thanks, Sarah. Reaching out for help has been the hardest for me, but also the most beneficial because they have the experience and knowledge I don’t. As Dean said when I started, my Blog isbn’t for me, but for all those beginners coming after me to learn from what I’ve done and am doing. This is not a solo undertaking, rather, it is having the right mentor and being a part of a supportive community.
Jordan
Hi Jordan,
What a motivating post! It is similar to your marathon running to the journey of affiliate marketing! It is also deeply inspiring.
The emphasis on determination and perseverance is necessary to achieve any goal, and your story of the highs and lows in your marathon journey prepares you so well for your affiliate marketing success.
It’s particularly valuable the importance of asking for help. Many of us, myself included, often fall into the trap of thinking we need to figure everything out on our own.
Building a business is indeed a marathon, not a sprint, and staying engaged with a community of like-minded individuals can provide the support and motivation needed to keep going. (I get so much from other people’s comments)
Your journey is an inspiration, and I’m looking forward to following your progress and learning from your experiences.
Thanks, Eleanor. Yes, perseverance is essential, as is optimism. I have ups and downs every week but know it is part of the process. I stay determined to keep at it, learn as much as I can, and trust I will achieve success.
Jordan
Jordan, loved your post! I am not a runner (maybe to the frig) but I do understand your mindset analogy. When I first started out I thought there must be something I’m missing because it wasn’t happening for me. Then I realized that it wasn’t any different than another business in that you have to put in the work. Keep pushing through your doing well.
Thanks, Ken. Yes, the nice thing about having your own business is you will get paid your worth from your efforts, not paid what someone above you determines you’re worth. The bad thing about having your own business is that your results are directly related to your efforts and the work you put in to learn your business and get out there to market yourself an offer others a valuable solution.
Jordan
I love the analogy between marathon running and affiliate marketing. As a fellow ex-marathoner, this post resonated with me completely. I did two marathons and several half-marathons back in the day, and always regret having to give up the running due to arthritis. All the best.
Andy, when the orthopedic doc told me I needed a hip replacement due to my cartilage worn away, it was very demoralizing. Running gave me happiness, stress relief, and a sense of accomplishment when I would win a race. That was taken away and I felt empty. However, I eventually chose to find something else to do that I enjoyed. I am taking my experience and mindset as a form competitive long-distance runner and applying it to my business. I wish you all the best too!
Jordan