Here I am in Italy, sat on my terrace while drinking water and watching the sun rise slowly on the horizon.
Below you can see the view in front of me which is motivating me to write this post:
It's half past five in the morning, but I'm wide awake.
Internet Marketing is a funny old game and it's certainly NOT the kind of work you can cram into a 9-5 existence.
You can't bottle creativity and sometimes I can go days, or even weeks, where I revel in just enjoying life while watching my business float on by.
And then there are other moments where I feel so inspired by the possibilities of life that sleeping becomes impossible.
Today is one of those days.
When I started my online business things were much more difficult than they are today.
I had a pretty hefty mortgage and a decent amount of commitments which meant I certainly didn't want to let anyone down.
Despite not enjoying the politics of teaching, I really did love working with the kids, and leaving the classroom was a gigantic wrench.
Most people told me I was crazy for even contemplating quitting such a secure job for something as unpredicatable as a fledgling Internet business, but for me the decision was already made.
Just buckle down... work the next 40 years... enjoy the cushy teacher pension... and then soak up retirement.
This was the nuts and bolts of the advice I was lectured on day after day, but I wanted something more from life.
Much more.
And I'm not talking about money.
I wanted FREEDOM.
The freedom to do what I wanted and when I wanted.
The freedom to know that I was in complete control of my life, and to have the kind of choices that most people only dream of.
I'm not here to sugar coat things for you.
Those first few months were tough.
The learning curve was steep and there were times when I was gripped by a mixture of pure excitement, raging fear, and a small amount of self doubt.
I'll never forget the first morning I should have woken up and driven to school, but instead was left lying in bed thinking "this is it... this is what I've been dreaming about".
All of a sudden the reality of the path I'd chosen hit me between the eyes and for the next six months I was a whirlwind of enthusiasm and I barely paused for breath.
My online business became my passion, my life, my everything.
When I think back now I'm not sure how I found the energy for this burst of activity, but I'm certainly glad I did.
You see, I'm not "supposed" to share this but starting an online business can be both time consuming and challenging.
I honestly believe that almost anyone has what it takes to make a full time living online IF they're prepared to educate themselves and apply what they've learned.
But it does take a degree of dedication for a period of time, and if you're serious about building a better life for yourself through the power of the Internet then you need to be willing to spend a few months hitting the odd brick wall.
That's the complete reality, but unfortunately most so called "gurus" don't often like to share this which is why so many beginners become riddled with self doubt and disappointment
HOWEVER, once you break through these early struggles the rewards are immense.
I've lost count of the amount of times I've taught a workshop and had someone shake my hand and thank me for pushing them to build their online business.
Thanking me for giving them the encouragement to shake off the shackles of the 9-5 existence and to believe in themselves and their ability to make their OWN rules.
All of them are different, but each has one thing in common.
A complete sense of overwhelming gratitude that they managed to find the strength of purpose to keep on frantically pushing, even when things seemed a hopeless battle.
For me, online business did seem daunting at first but the rewards taste sweeter than I ever imagined.
I no longer have to clock in or clock off.
I'm my own boss and do what I want, when I want, and this is exactly what I'd always dreamed of.
The recurring income streams I've created mean that my business now averages around $3,500 in daily sales, even when I do zero work.
That's more than $100,000 per month which is way over a million dollars a year.
And this now happens automatically whether I work in the business or not.
If I'm here, and I'm in a motivated frame of mind, then we'll do more.
Often much more.
But if I'm just switched off and enjoying other areas of my life then my business will drift on by at the the million dollar a year mark.
Either way means there's plenty of spare money to chase my passions and enjoy all that life has to offer.
Here's a picture of me having an amazing time in Florence:
And here's one of me soaking up the sun in the heart of Tuscany, and another just larking around in the pool:
These pictures were taken over a two day period and during this time my business grossed more than $10,000.
That's with no product launch, no big affiliates mailing for me, and less than 30 minutes work.
I'm not telling you this to brag but if you're serious about your online business then I do want you to understand two very important points.
The first is that starting your first online business IS challenging.
There's no point hiding from this... it's just the way it is and I doubt it will change anytime soon.
But the second point you need to appreciate is that once you get through these barriers then your life will never be the same again.
It's now 5:45 in the morning and I'm not sure what today will bring.
For the last two weeks I've sat back and soaked up the sun and enjoyed every second that's gone by.
But today I had a million and one ideas raging around my head and simply couldn't sleep.
Not that this is a bad thing.
So today I'll probably pull up a chair by the pool, enjoy some breakfast, and keep on writing until I feel like doing something else.
I'm sure that at some point I'll get distracted by the pool and I'm even more certain that a bottle of Morreti (or three) will head my way... purely to help the creativity process of course 
But more enjoyable than WHAT I do today is the feeling that I'm the one who calls the shots.
Not my boss.
Do you have the same sense of freedom in your life?
If the answer is NO then maybe it's time to keep on pushing hard for your dreams, no matter how bumpy the journey.
I did and it was the best set of choices I've ever made.
Whatever you decide you want in your life just remember that nothing you ever do online will be as hard tomorrow as it is today.
That I can guarantee.
I hope you enjoy your day as much as I enjoy mine and feel free to leave a comment below. It's always appreciated...
Talk soon...
About The Author
Lee McIntyre is an internationally recognised information publisher, direct response consultant, speaker and author. He's the founder and CEO of 'Get More Momentum' where he helps others build, and grow, profitable online businesses using ethical marketing strategies that produce fast results.
Last 5 posts by Lee McIntyre
- Automated Evergreen Income
- Membership Site Secrets
- Media Buying Traffic Secrets...(The 100 Million Dollar Man)
- 5 Top Tips For WINNING In The "Offline" Niche
- Six Reasons Why The "Gurus" Are Dead WRONG!
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Categories: Momentum Marketing, Subscriber Membership
Tags: automation, entrepreneurs, getting started, Internet Lifestyle, newbie, take action
Inspiring words for every budding online marketer..
Good post .. as usual
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the inspiration. Love the pics! I'm glad you've pointed out that IM is challenging work. This is sometimes a difficult concept to get across to my clients. It's nice to know I'm not the only one giving this advice.
-Marnie
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the insight. I remember looking at Internet Marketing back in 2007 and filling in a survey where you asked your subscribers whether you should quit your teaching job and go full-time or stay where you were. I also remember saying that you should quit and go for it! Looks like it was the correct decision
And now 2 years later, after leaving the IM scene for a long time, I decided to give it another go and have jumped in with both feet. I quit my job a few months ago to really follow my dreams and although I can't be sure at this stage, I really hope that it turns out to be the correct decision and I can enjoy even an ounce of your success.
Thanks
Andy
That weather sure looks inviting in Italy, with the dark grey wet stuff we have had in the UK for the past few weeks. Thought you might be at Landsdowne road for the opening match in the new stadium ? Man Utd versus an all Ireland XI.
Looks lonely at the top.
Your posts are always an inspiration.
Thanks Lee.
Hello Lee!
Wow, I really, really want that freedom you're talking about..! And this gave me just even more inspiration, so big thanks!!!:D
Toscany is very beautiful and peaceful...Looks like you had a great time there. Florence is one of my favourite cities!
Kindest,
Joachim
Hi Lee,
Great stuff my friend!
Too many so called 'gurus' preach the 'Big Red Magic Button' that when pressed will make you a gazillion dollars overnight.
To build a long-term sustainable business online or offline takes months or even years of hard work and dedication.
You've clearly done just that and are now reaping the rewards
You are an inspiration to us all!
Enjoy your holiday.
Ben
Hi Lee Italy look fabulous, its posts like this that inspire us to work on our online business and giveus the occasional kick in the pants when we need it.
Enjoy your break
Rob
What an inspiring post! In the beginning, it can be easy to lose motivation because of the doubt and scant results. But if you just keep taking those steps forward, eventually, it all does begin to build momentum. The trick is to keep going. Thanks for the reminder!
Great post Lee and I can certanally relate to your post, it is hard in the early days and this is what I tell all of my subscribers time and again. However, with hard work it does get easier.
Your post struck a chord with me as I'm about to embark on a week sailing the Norfolk Broads and while I am away my business will continue to grow. It's a great business to be in.
You're right about each day getting easier and to anyone reading this who is struggling it does, never give up and one day you will reap the rewards of your efforts.
Hi Lee,
Have a bottle of Morreti for me will you.
Having just finished a coaching program, my head is still in a bit of a spin.
I had tried for a couple of months myself (information overload).
Signed up got a mentor, and now am finally heading in the right direction.
I still work, then work again on my online business. looking forward to having the "freedom" to do what I want, when I want.
Like you say, the first few months are hard, no denying that, then it starts to get a little easier, then you look for more ways to build your business. More work.
Fun Though!
Pete
Hi Lee,
Even when you are relaxing you are working! Do you ever stop?
I find I get most of my thinking done when I am alone running or riding my bicycle. It gives me time to think and put my online business in to perspective.
I completely agree with you when you say starting your own business IS a challenge! There are no two ways about this, your online business does take some getting off the ground and sometimes can be very disheartening. If I could offer a piece of advice I would say ‘Don’t give up and keep on being the best you can be’ because you never know what you could have been if you give up.
Very inspirational post Lee, enjoy the poolside its miserable here in the North East!
Dan
Hi Lee
Tuscany, lovely countryside, the sun, the pool, wine.... this is definitely an incentive to keep me going through the negative phases of IM work.
A nice image to keep in mind when I feel like giving up.
Thanks for that.
Claude
Lee,
Always great to have insipiration from you. Your success is what keeps us going.
Thanks,
Todd
Hi Lee
Thanks as ever for the motivation. For anyone struggling to find direction in Internet Marketing I'd say get yourself a mentor. For myself I find the combination of your relentless enthusiasm and John T's grounded step by step approach does it for me and keeps me going.
Now I have direction, strategy and my first 2 sales.
To anyone struggling to get started listen to Lee and sign up for his Platinum Membership if you can afford it. It's just so full of good stuff and endless ideas.
Enjoy your holiday Lee.
Best regards
Doug
P.S. Does James get a holiday soon?
Thx for the update Lee....great to see you are having agood time. Always positive...many thanks Dave
So now that you have given us the tough news about how hard it is to learn this business(to your credit),how do you suggest I begin the learning curve?
congratulations lee you are an inspiration to me specialy i have seen the diference in teh thing you do in the internet marketing niche.Im looking forward in suscribin in you coaching program.
florence is one of my favorite cities ive lived ther in 1988 for 4 month
the church is la santa croce right?
best regards from mexico
Hi Lee,
thanks a lot for inspiring words : ) I admire your courage to just leave the job and go after your dream. I hope one day I get that courage too. I've been working full time and during my time off I dream about having Internet business and living the "Internet lifestyle"... I realize that I have to do much, much more than just dream, if I want my dream to become reality... Keep up the great work you're doing and enjoy your holidays : )
Alena
Hey Lee,
You're damn right it's challenging, I know that sharing something of true value to people makes it worth the work though.
I can't think of anything better than that, other than of course having a bit of spare cash for doing it....which is nice.. : )
Keep on doin ya thing Mr McIntyre,
Guru Grimmer
Thanks for the post Lee,
I think, no I know many so called Guru's are just selling the dream to unfortunate people that are trying to use the Internet to supplement their income or create their very own business. They don't really give you the full picture.
Yes it does take time, Yes you need to be dedicated and of course the rewards are more than you can imagine. So people keep at it and don't let things get you down if you do hit problems. Take them as a learning curve and progress.
Thanks Lee you are an inspiration to many marketers.
Craig
Hey Lee;
Thank you for been at front by telling it like it really is, about the reality of the starting your first online business and the challenges that should only motivate you to keep on pushing hard for your dreams, no matter how bumpy the journey.
God Bless.
Serpio Teza
Hi lee
Only found out about you a week ago. You do inspire and thats a genuine comment. Unfortunately I dont have the funds to join your program at the moment. I know you are the real deal. My boss decided he could not pay me this month so I'm a bit on the back foot. Will jump back and catch up with you soon. Any patrons out there interested in a genuine person. Walking the talk. Keep on lee.
One family one world Best Regards Anthony
Lee your words are inspirational and I can vouch for their veracity.
You see ten years ago I was told that I was too old to get employment on the Gold Coast.
That left me with two choices 1] Leave my home and go to work in Brisbane.
2] make an income from my home via the internet.
It was a very hard road for me when I started - I got scammed and made no money to speak of for the first 2 years.
I worked on average 14 hours a day trying to make it happen. Everyone told me I was mad and to stop wasting my time and money - I almost gave up.
I am so glad that I was too stubborn to give up.
Now like yourself I enjoy the lifestyle that can only be obtained through financial independence, even though I am now at pension age!
I still work at my business - around 2 hours a day. So now I have both time and money.
My website is designed to make the road easier for any one who is prepared to work hard for these rewards.
Looking over your shoulder Lee has helped me achieve my success.
Thank you for all the great information you have made available to me over the years.
Cheers,
Kitty.
Hi Lee,
Your narrative makes me struggle more to succeed one day on internet business.
Hi Lee
You lucky lucky bastard. Weather looks great there. Thanks for the inspiration. Ive just started a online bussiness A WEEK AGO. Scary stuff man. Reading your stuff gets me motivated. Thanks dude. Have a great day.
Hi Lee, There is a popular saying,that the truth is always bitter,but its the same truth that reveals all secrets. I've been thrown off the right path by some so called experts in the field whom failed to unveil the other side of it. Thanks man,i must commend you. You're the best,keep it real.
Hey Lee,
Great post and your absolutley spot on about it not being as hard tomorrow as it is today. The biggest challenge is taking that first step and gaining the momentum to keep you going through the challenging times of your online business.
I have been online for 2 years now with my business and the satisfaction I get watching my business grow as I continue to automate more and more areas, is immense.
There is wealth of information online where you can teach yourself the basics and more, I continue to learn new business techniques and strategies every day and your blog is the number one sport for my information and inspiration.
Keep up the great posts and videos, I love reading and watching them.
Regards,
Steve Wilkins.
WOW.... THANK YOU to everyone for the positive comments!
This blog post was a HUGE step outside of my comfort zone so I'm chuffed so many people found a ton of value here.
These comments have made my day.... keep them coming!
Cheers
Lee McIntyre
The day i will afford my first vacation ever..I think I will sit down and cry. It has been my gaol and I am not giving up. I came into the IM not knowing what a blog is, I had no idea. I have been working on it. This is the start of my second year, still in the woods, financial goal not achieved. I am thankful, so far I have made about 200 dollars. My goal is to have 6000USD per month and scale from there.
Thank you for the inspiration,
Grace
As always Lee, you've delivered inspirational content to your readers.
The value of your content is always good, when are you doing another webinar in the uk? How about coming up to Scotland for a change?
Steven
Thankyou for your very inspirational small lecture, how I wish i could be like a free man. As far as my work is concerned as i am a 9 to 5 job worker and the place where i am working, i feel is not worth, i see no option as i am a family man having two kids to raise.
I amin need for an online buiness but know how to go about please help me .
Rgds
Nice legs, Lee. lol.
Thanks for your motivational information and the drive to delve into your inner strength to find ones success. I am awaiting the cash flow to afford your program with the hope that it will still be available. As a "Newbie," into my second month, I feel I could have gotten better value for my investment with the programs you are offering. Hopefully, your program will still be available when the funds arrive. In the meantime, continue to set the bar and align the curves! Will look for you on the other side!
Thanks for all your help
I have long realised that success in any endeavour requires energy and motivation but this is especially true when starting a business, even a low-cost IM one. My problem however is credibility - I simply don't know what I can offer anyone and I don't want to pretend that I know anything about dog training or the like.
I may start with a 'resale rights' job and see how it goes. Having been out of work for a year I don't have much to lose!
Thanks for a well-written post.
What a great motivator! I would probably be vacationing in the same place (if I could), always wanted to visit Italy. Hopefully by next year I will get my chance - thanks for the uplifting message, Lee
Amen Lee,
That was totally awe inspiring. And my beginning well described.
I hit that wall!!! Now I've got confirmation that it's gonna be alright.
I appreciate your testimony and the great pics too!
Peace and love,
Kevin
i started a few weeks ago and have been trying but i can't spend any money so i'm trying to do it totally for free, so far it's not going so good but i've got all the time in the world until school starts
Thank you Lee. You are my hero!! Truly inspiring words and if you don't mind I will add the link (for this post) to my facebook page and my twitter page and also send it to my friends by email. That is, all the ones who keep telling me to get a 'proper job' because they just don't 'get' what I want to do. I'm still floundering and getting distracted, am struggling financially but I'm going to keep on, keeping on and I'll get there I know I will. Then I can thumb my nose to the doubters and say 'I told you so' - or maybe I'll just send a text message whilst I'm lying next to the pool somewhere hot while they are all working in their 'proper jobs'!!!
You are truly a great adviser, this kind of stuff always help the little guys like me.
Thanks.
your words are keka ( awesome) this is indian native lang slang............
I know what you mean! I have always enjoyed a casual approach to work, either doing nowt living off my savings for a while, or teaching piano 3pm to 8pm and having all day to chill out. You don't need a lot of money to relax and have fun but most people I know couldn't give up their day job because they fear having time to kill! They have zero leisure activities and no idea what life is at all - sad isn't it?
Hi Lee,
I imagine that quite a few people can't believe the colours in the Tuscan landscape. But, as you well know, they are real. It's really quite astonishing when you see it. It's like standing in a painting.
I'm "test driving" the Point & Click Coaching programme right now. It's so good, it's overwhelming. I'm looking forward to your step-by-step process, if only to reduce the rising anxiety. Maybe I need to see a psychologist. LOL.
Cheers, Bruce