Building Your Network Marketing Business is Not a Sprint - It's a Marathon

Are you building your network marketing business going full speed like you would run a sprint?

I’m back in the saddle again after an enjoyable break. I cheated a little and did not totally keep away (from the computer) like I had planned originally but I did take it very easy. And I took a lot of time to think. I guess, I really needed that. Both, the break and the time to think. I was going full speed ahead, always afraid I’d miss something if I didn’t and I lost myself along the way.

I am a very competitive sort of person. I hate to be left behind and I hate to lose. I am also very driven which, I guess, goes right along with being competitive.

Take time to smell the daisies while building your network marketing business.

I used to keep insane hours, working from when I first got up until going to bed. Notice, I said “used to” because there will be some changes from here on forward.

“Working” didn’t mean 12 hours of income producing activities. A lot of the time was spent on learning new things, growing my list and driving traffic to this blog. While these activities eventually mean income, they will take time.

Building your network marketing business takes many different activities. There are a lot of pieces to the  puzzle. Each one of them important to make the picture complete. But it is not a sprint. It’s a marathon.

Before I went on break I had drawn out my goals for the rest of the year. Going over them again now, I realized that I have set my deadlines very tight. Too tight. On purpose, because I wanted to reach my goals faster. But why really? Just so I can prove to myself that I can do it? Nonsense. I’ve proven that many times over. The first time I was 10 years old. I think it’s time to “live a little.”

You can’t run a marathon from the start to the finish line like you would run a sprint, at your top speed. You would never get there. You will have to pace yourself through the 26 miles, taking in some water along the way to keep you hydrated.

I know that some of you reading this blog post are just like me, building your network marketing business going at it at full speed. I know, because  I read your blogs. If you can keep it up through the finish line good for you. But the likelihood is pretty slim. Most likely you will get burned out and maybe even quit.

Slowing down is perfectly okay. You don’t have to prove yourself to me or anyone else. The only person you are accountable to at the end is YOU. If you are reaching the goals you have set for yourself and you are happy with your accomplishments then that should be good enough. The important part is … to reach the finish line.

Are you pushing yourself too hard building your network marketing business just to prove to yourself (and maybe even someone else) that you can do it? That’s the way I am, but I am trying to change. When someone tells me I can’t do something, I am bound and determined to prove them wrong. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

To Your Success!

Ilka Flood
The EnlightenedNetworker

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