Getting started seems impossible - frustration

[DaveyLoos]

Hi,

It's already been roughly a year since I first read the book. Since then, I have read it three or four times to not lose motivation and tried to get started a couple of times. However, I seem to be stuck with the same problems forever and the problems are numerous: getting a muse, then designing a webshop, driving traffic towards it and so on and so on...
It's like an endless list of obstacles to overcome. And on top of that, I have to do all of that in between activities of my current job. So that makes that I am frustrated now because it seems to be impossible. I hear people talking about 'just quickly setting up a webshop using dreamweaver, but to be honest, all of that stuff ain't easy. It is hard especially when you did not get courses about it. I have the feeling that the four hour workweek just is not for me. Yet, the 40 - 50 hour workweek is also making my life go to fast. How to get out of this? The book has been like showing a dog a pile of nice food and holding it in front of him, but never giving it to him. He'll go nuts.
Davey

[AntonTheKhan]

Hi,

It's already been roughly a year since I first read the book. Since then, I have read it three or four times to not lose motivation and tried to get started a couple of times. However, I seem to be stuck with the same problems forever and the problems are numerous: getting a muse, then designing a webshop, driving traffic towards it and so on and so on...
It's like an endless list of obstacles to overcome. And on top of that, I have to do all of that in between activities of my current job. So that makes that I am frustrated now because it seems to be impossible. I hear people talking about 'just quickly setting up a webshop using dreamweaver, but to be honest, all of that stuff ain't easy. It is hard especially when you did not get courses about it. I have the feeling that the four hour workweek just is not for me. Yet, the 40 - 50 hour workweek is also making my life go to fast. How to get out of this? The book has been like showing a dog a pile of nice food and holding it in front of him, but never giving it to him. He'll go nuts.
Davey

SO YOU ARE THAT GUY!!! You are THAT guy that works a regular job and IS trying to build a business on the side and finds it hard. Wow, pleasure to finally meet you. You are so unique.
Ok, enough ragging on you. From your post it seems you have no clear idea about what you want to do, which is why you don't have focus. Focus first, then the rest will come. Honestly, the whole idea of just setting up something, anything, is a little silly. If you put no love and interest in your business it will never go anywhere, not even get started.
You are telling me that for an entire year, you weren't able to even get the basics of Dreamweaver. That you couldn't even read Dreamweaver for Dummies? I mean cummon. If you really wanted to do this, you would have done at least something.
I admit, its hard. Harder than I expected. But not impossible and certainly not all that hard. Its just getting started and completing one step at a time rather than trying to do everything at once. Thats why you feel so boggled down.
Break it up. Set up must-hit deadlines for yourself.

[froldt]

DaveyLoos, I've just started myself. I've read the book twice now in about two weeks. The first time for reading and the second time for a beter understanding (when I wasn't so tired).

The focus makes a great difference. One thing that I've noticed, personally, is that the two-item todo list makes a huge difference. I'm in the process of moving, and I'm down to the last three days. So my time is over-run with all of the things that I have wanted to get done over the past month but haven't gotten around to.
My todo list yesterday was about 10 items long. I got 4 of them done. However, two of them were things that HAD to be done, and my day was worthwhile because I got them done. The other two were just side things that needed to be done and happened to be along the way. Today's list is shorter. I have just as much to do, but the critical things are first on the list, and I have a time scheduled for them. The other things are separated by a space, and will be done if there is time left-over for them. Today I feel less stressed and confident that I can get everything that I need to done.

Break the process into smaller steps. Sit down with the book, today, and write down the groups that you can identify with. Tomorrow, work through the brainstorming a product section. Soon you will have your muse idea.
As far as the website, you can also break it into smaller pieces and work on a step at a time. Today's item could be "get Dreamweaver for Dummies." Tomorrow's item could be "work through chapter one." etc...

It is hard, I agree. I am currently working on my muse. I am in the design phase and have to take care to not fall into the trap of detailing it to death. I've got a good idea, and the process to get it to market. Now I have to quit worring about the details and just go do it! So next step is the website. I'm going to do it a piece at a time.

Hope this helps, and you can do it!

[Mike2212]

Have you considered using one of the ecommerce carts from 1and1 or godaddy. Super easy to set up. Yea they are limited as to how you can make them look, but it gives you an opportunity to test the concept before diving in too far. You could also check out carts from miva or volusion.

[Vacman]

DaveyLoos,

It's tough man.

And can be overwhelming.

But if you were to break it down into smaller pieces.

And just take one small step a day.

Even if its a LITTLE tiny step.

Just think about it.

You'd be 365 steps closer than you were when you first picked up the book.

Better start now, cause I can almost promise you that it's going to take longer than you think.

And every day you wait, is one more day you won't have what you want.

Go take a step.

Today!

[webgal]

Oh go ahead and give up now. Throw in the towel. It will never happen. <grin> Did I tick you off enough to inspire you? I hope so.

[travelhead]

Hey,

I'm a full time affiliate marketer- I started 7 years ago :)

Here's what you need to do:

1) Set a goal for yourself. Realistically, what type of position do you want to be in exactly 1 year from today?

2) Once you set the goal, write down all the things you might possibly need to achieve the goal. This could mean a new computer, certain software, particular relationships, a mentor, a certain amount of time, money, giving up certain things, sacrifices you need to make, dedication (# of hours a week you will invest).

3) After you've completed step #2 (if you don't complete step #2, you need to re-think your life), you need to organize all that information into a meaningful plan. Start from 1 year out, how might your life feel like? Picture your new lifestyle. Develop a vision for yourself and what and why you are exactly going to embark on a mission that will fundamentally change your life.

4) After you've created a vision for yourself and your potential business, you need to dig deep into researching everything about your plan. Start talking to people, researching ideas, getting suppliers, finding a website designer, and all the stuff you NEED. Don't worry too much about all the pieces, just FIRE! Start taking small baby steps , EVEN if you don't know which direction to go! There's an amazing thing that happens when you start moving-- that momentum will propel you forward.

5) Believe you can do it. Believe that you are in control of your life and you were given certain talents and abilities to put your life to the work for positive change-- you are going to create value for others in a BIG way.

6) Continue pushing forward, even if it's small steps.

Good luck!
Josh
(I posted a more in depth reply at scrappybusiness.com)

[JFrenzel]

That first piece of advice that was given to you is key. I am telling you this from personal experience. I started a landscape co. and in my first year did over $1 million in sales, not saying this to impress you, but impress upon you that it can be done if you have the right mind set. I hate the business and would not wish it on anybody. I am in the process of getting out completely. Without rambling on, I just want to suggest that you find what it is you want to do. Forget thinking about the money. IF you just do something for money its not always the best. And you may get burned out, like I did with the landscape company. Take time to yourself and meditate. Read some solid books and take time to write. You only have one shot at life, you might as well figure out what you are shooting for.


Hope it helps a bit,

Cheers

Jose

[kazzmeister]

I have the same problem with getting started, although have only been at it for a few months. I find myself questioning Tim's advice a lot. I am dying to travel, and being that I'll be doing it as a female alone, for about a week I had myself convinced that Tim's ideas wouldn't work in my situation. However, I read various applicable areas in the book again, and he answered all of my fears.

I found it very rewarding to realize he'd said this would happen, and went back to the first exercise. It helped me a lot. I haven't traveled yet alone, but I have made a hostel reservation and will be going for a one night trial stay this month just to see if I can hack it.

I also get too worried about the details of the muse. I've made a bit of progress, but am curious to know how much time and effort other people have put in before seeing success. After reading through the book the third or fourth time, and getting to the muse math, I realized how much work goes into starting this. I'm guessing that it's not always going to be the same for everyone, nor for every muse.

Am I right in thinking that after the first muse, the next will be easier, and the next, etc?

[TimW]

Rome was not built in a day.

[Sonya]

I think it's good to go back to basics and write down what your interests are. Tim suggests in the book to list what magazines you read, what television shows you watch, what websites you visit and then go from there. Finding something your naturally interested may help motivate you to start your business.

Also I wouldn't bother learning how to build a website. It takes a long time if your starting from scratch and your time is too valuable. It's just so easy to hire a professional and you can get a great website between $150 - $5000 (depending on your requirements)

I'd also recommend you use a site like www.guru.com where you can upload your details and freelance companies can bid for your project.

Best of luck.

[ConquerLife]

DaveyLoos,

It's tough man.

And can be overwhelming.

But if you were to break it down into smaller pieces.

And just take one small step a day.

Even if its a LITTLE tiny step.

Just think about it.

You'd be 365 steps closer than you were when you first picked up the book.

Better start now, cause I can almost promise you that it's going to take longer than you think.

And every day you wait, is one more day you won't have what you want.

Go take a step.

Today!


I just wanna say cheers. Cookie for you Vac, that's a great post.

[kingfu]

Did you miss the outsourcing bit of the book? lol

I can make great websites, code a zillion languages, make great graphics etc...and you know what? i don't bother. its hard work. pay someone else. cheaper, less hassle and more often than not they will do a 20x better job than you in 1/3rd the time.

I ask you this...how much is your time worth? It should be worth alot more per hour than a offshore indian webdesigner. If it is, then you should be outsourcing the work.

[dreb]

I completely agree with the rest of the comments here, if you have been trying for a year to come up with an idea - give up now. Well only for a moment, take yourself away from work (take a quick holiday) it is summer after all. Relax then take note of what you truly are good at, what you are passionate about and what you want to focus on. Specifically think how you can help others and get away from how much money you can grab. Once you decide these three things, you will be able to focus and will wonder why it took so long. One more thing, think big.


----------------
http://www.smartmillionairesguide.com

[MJ1225]

Don't let fear paralize you. If you do not try, you do not fail. But you do not succeed either. Step out. Take a chance.

I found the road has opened my eyes. I am four months into my muse and making progress everyday. The thing is, the business has completely change from what I first imagined.

You will run into road blocks, but they usually lead you to a better idea and better product. It really is amazing.

Though I haven't made a dime, yet. I have gained so much!

Enjoy the experience. When you run into a road block, see it as an oportunity to learn. Seriously! :)

[camdengirl]

I like this one: Done is better than perfect. :)

Seriously you'll feel much better having even done a small step towards your goal. On a more practical level I hear good things about MrSite.com

Kazzmeister - don't be put off travelling alone. I did 6 months travelling alone and LOVED IT! Everyone should live with themselves for at least 6 months when they are in their 20s - it's a great exercise in self-discovery. There are loads of special Go Girl tips but I guess my top 3 safe travel tips for girls would be:

Don't book into hotels under Ms/Miss/first name - just A.Bloggs is fine and means no one can lift your name off the register.
Let people know your travel plans and check in regularly.
Block in some "easy stay" nights where you don't have to be aware of what you are doing all the time - stay with friends, book a really nice place, treat yourself to first class.

[frekwentflier]

I agree with the post above regarding outsourcing, but would like to add another question. Did you read the part about Liberation? Maybe instead of concentrating on first establishing a website, you should instead work on working remotely so you'll have more time to work on your muse.

And one other thing, just because Tim used a website does not mean it's the only way. My passive income comes from real estate rental properties and royalty checks from work I've done in the past (ala Rich Dad, Poor Dad philosophy). And yes, I can do everything for both businesses via email, phone, and Fedex and work even less than 4 hours/week on them.

[Valentine]

Did you miss the outsourcing bit of the book? lol

I can make great websites, code a zillion languages, make great graphics etc...and you know what? i don't bother. its hard work. pay someone else. cheaper, less hassle and more often than not they will do a 20x better job than you in 1/3rd the time.

That is just plain truth.. I've been in this business since childhood.. I've been learning a lot, made dozens of nice websites, established a small company .. dreamed to be a web-designer and work from anywhere and have mobility.. BUT.. what I just realized.. I truly SUCK in it :).. then what I did? I outsourced my last project to professionals.. counted the expences, doubled the price.. and earned cash just by sending couple of emails.. my revenue doubled and my working hours shrinked by 1000% at least and most interestingly websites I sell became 20 times better and effective.

Now I understand... you truly think that your case is the worst.
But look.. I have a 9-5 job now 40 hours a week.. and "better" news it's ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE!! FOR 15$ AN HOUR !! It's enough just for my rent and basic living needs.. that's it.
By simply applying the concepts from this book to everything I manage to work 9-5, train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 3 times a week and have a small Internet Business. And I'm sure that by applying the principles of 4HWW it will get EVEN BETTER!

And I'm sure YOU CAN DO IT TOO !!

And as for an advice.. if you have low motivation.. start small.. after making a DREAMLINE mentioned in the book.. make yourself a DREAMBOARD OF GLORY :)

1. Picture in your mind EXACTLY what you want. EXACTLY. No matter how stupid or expensive or hot or whatever. Don't judge it - if you could have ANYTHING in the world what would it be. Write down your visions immediately. It helps to maybe put on some fly deep house tunes in the background to help you make your list. (just like in the book)

2. Purchase cork board set and clear board pins

3. Search http://images.google.com for images relating to your list such as “Swedish Model” “A healthy and fit athlete” “Hot girls” also include any of your own photos that relate to your success in the FUTURE

4. Put the images on a disc or memory stick and run down to the nearest photo printing center and find one of those machines that prints digital photos

5. Print all the images

6. Arrange the images in a cool way

7. Hang up as close to where you wake up/sleep every day. You want to look at this board before you go to sleep and as soon as you wake up.


Look.. I'm a pretty "Down On Earth" type of guy.. but I have this board.. and every day.. whenever I think that I suck.. or feel bad.. or think about my bull shit job.. I look at this board and it gets me back on track. I fall asleep thinking of those dreams, I wake up seeing those dreams.. after a while I even started to like my 9-5 job.. just because it drives me toward my dreams.. you see..

That's it for what I wanted to share.. I would be very glad for you if it will help.

And.. remember.. STOP READING THE BOOK and hoping that it's going to work out by itself.. just DO what it says.. step by step.. exactly in the right order.

[SelfDefenseSource]

I can relate totally.... I've had a couple of muses idling for the last year, and haven't done much with them. It's completely my fault, I've used priorities in life as excuses, and have been guilty of chronic "procrasturbation" (love that term). BUT -- things are turning around... why? Focus. I make a great living at my "real" job, am able to work remotely, have all of the makings of a great success story for Tim's ideas... but i've lacked the focus. I was seriously starting to get depressed an overwhelmed with the whole thing. Then I realized that mental clutter was making it hard to determine what the next task should be, or where to start. No more of that nonsense.

What's my motivation for focus and success now? I've got a mental GUN pointed at my head, ordering me to make this happen. With no other choice but to make it work, (life or death) I'm actually getting things done and making huge strides.

The short to-do lists are wonderful.... however, one thing I put on my to do list daily, is one of my home-run goals... just to keep the dream alive.

It will only get better for all of us! This forum was a god-send also... Thanks! :D

[katiecleary]

Start outsourcing first! I first read the book a year ago...and even started a 4hww support/masterminding group with my like minded entrepreneurial friends and acquaintances. (by the way masterminding is a very powerful practice...google it). And I still didn't really get started. Then I finally decided in the past week, almost exactly a year later, I'm tired...I'm just plain tired. I need an assistant, if I'm going to accomplish all my goals.

I just got my first VA...and WOW what a great feeling. I can just get someone else to do all the stuff I really don't want to do, but have to make sure everything gets done to build my wealth.

Now I'm pumped and ready to go. Delegation and planning isn't everyone's strong suit, but it's mine and probably the only thing I'm really good at. I can create a good vision, see the big picture, see everything that needs to be done for success to happen, organize the resources and everything....but after that I'm no good with out a strong support team that can get down to the nitty gritty part of doing it.

Build your dream team....then build your dream.

Much Love & Gratitude,

Katie

[jammerings]

A newbie who also struggles with the same issues..Thanks for the insight

[liam75005]

One step at a time !!! Every journey starts with a single step. And then youbuild the momentum... it takes time and effort to set up a successful muse but think of the rewards ! and it can be done ! So many people did and are linving this lifestyle.

I was in your position a few months ago. The tips I used to get out of the rat race and fin dmore time to work on my muse despite of a 50 hours a week tyep of job (industrial management) :


Set up the email routine : check your mail at fixed hours during the day and never first thing in the morning
Use the to do list done one day in advance with only 2 to 3 main tasks and do them fully
On your muse set up a specific time to work on it. In the beginning I made myself a commitment to spend 1 hour per day working on my muse. I worked on it for one hour, with a stopwatch to measure the time and force myself to work one hour on it. It gave me great results. Once things start to kick in, you move to 2 hrs and then more without even noticing or having to force yourself
Remember that it can be done but takes effort ! The potential benefit is huge !


Good luck with it all !

[luiscongdon@msn.com]

Stop working yourself so hard.

Creativity and juices flow when there is less demand. I couldn't write good papers when I didn't spend time doing activities that relaxed me and inspired me.

Take a walk. Let the Universe do the work for you. In your case letting go and letting it happen may help.

What activities inspire you? Spend some time on those and forget the "have to" just let yourself drop the "have to" for a little while.

Your post says a lot and not very much. It says, "I am stressed, I have to..." and the blank could be everything you feel you "have to" thus stealing your mind's ability to just let go and be creative.


My work requires calm states, aware states, and that comes to me because every day I start by doing what I love. I read, listen to some MP3 recording or video related to topics that I truly love.
Try this.

Tell me how it goes.

[vmgbpo]

Luis has got it right - sometimes you have to stop trying and then the answers will come.

[luiscongdon@msn.com]

Hi,

It's already been roughly a year since I first read the book. The book has been like showing a dog a pile of nice food and holding it in front of him, but never giving it to him. He'll go nuts.
Davey

Do you do anything to rest. There is a lot about having to, and going nuts because things are not going the way you want them to.

I am curious, what is that you would like? I believe that our words (in this case our written words) have a tremendous power.

Let's hear what you would like to have. Then we can see where the gaps are.

[last_hopes]

sorry
i search but i did not save this file
it is a simple sample, very easy, only for getting started for beginners

most