So, after a number of years online without any huge (or long-term) success to show for it, I'm finally starting over with a new website and following the WA official "Getting Started" guide... writing articles, doing organic SEO optimization, adding value and content, and doing my best to keep moving, even when the results of my actions aren't clear or don't necessarily generate income.

Like many of you, when you're not finding real success from the efforts you put out, it's super easy to fall prey to the "Shiny object" fallacy, where every email from an internet marketing program or guru becomes your next 'big break to REALLY make it online'.... until you purchase the system and realize it's not that much different from all the knowledge you already have or can access here at WA. I've done it for... several years now, so I'd like to think I'm an expert at getting distracted!

But rather than shortcuts, like trying to replicate "The incredible profit system that brought in over $150k in just 3 days!!!", I'm more convinced than ever that real progress comes instead from focused, dedicated, simple steps and actions put forward towards our goals. A friend of mine once said that "There's no shortcuts to any place really worth going" - meaning, I think, that if you can get there with some sort of 'amazing' shortcut, you may want to re-evaluate as it might not actually be where you really want (or need) to be in the end.

Of course, there's a valid point that you don't want to get bogged down in all the small details in your steps forward - like obsessing over the keyword density for your article , trying to find the "PERFECT" niche (or other related "analysis paralysis" that keeps you too worried about the outcome to make a decision), or freaking out over the latest Google update. But generally speaking, at least in the beginning of internet marketing, I believe that the 'secret' to real success in the internet marketing world online comes from a few things:

1. Having a plan (provided here by training and other members' input).
2. Working that plan.
3. Continuing to do #2, even when confused or overwhelmed.

By having a plan and working the plan, even if it seems slower, even if it may not always seem 'perfect', you limit yourself from the distractions of the 'Shiny Object' fallacy, and have something to show for your efforts at the end of the day, rather than having wasted time and money trying to take a shortcut.

So, I guess what I'm saying is that it's time for me to make real progress and follow a plan even if that means results come a little slower. The learning and experience gained, and the knowledge that I'm doing it the right way, serving people and helping others find something truly helpful online is going to far outweigh the desire to just 'do it fast and make money' at the expense (or prodding, obnoxious upselling, etc) of the customer.

I'm going to keep this updated and continue to share my progress with you all this time, for real, because at this point for me, there's no other option! Thanks for reading this, if you've gotten this far, even though it's really just a random brain dump for me here as I head off to start my day, focused and ready for success.