There is ONE THING that’s by far the most important when it comes to success as an online entrepreneur…
- It’s not one specific strategy…
- It’s not a specific system or model…
- And it’s definitely not a 5am wake-up routine…
So what is it?
Mindset.
Now, you can’t fully succeed on mindset alone. But the right mindset is absolutely critical for success (and is often the very first thing you need to master).
Take it from me.
Back in 2005 I decided to give the whole “online entrepreneur” thing a go. Looking back at it, my first attempts were frankly embarrassing.
I cobbled together a website about Argentine tango. It barely made a dime, but it did earn me free meals at some Buenos Aires’ steakhouses. I followed it up with one site after another.
None were big winners. But each step (and misstep) taught me valuable lessons.
By 2006, I was setting up simple affiliate websites and dipping my toes into paid traffic. Those first $30 commissions felt like striking gold. Slowly but surely, I expanded into e-commerce, learning to leverage Google rankings and diversify my traffic sources.
Fast forward to 2024 and my business partners and I have sold over $100 MILLION of products online.
Looking back, I realize that my journey wasn’t just about learning new skills. It was about constantly reshaping my mindset, embracing failures as stepping stones, and never losing sight of the potential that lay just beyond my reach.
Without that, none of this would be possible.
So today, I want to pull back the curtain and share 7 of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve used over the years to build my online empire.
Even focusing on just one or two of these can make a big impact…
#1 - The Thought-Behavior-Result Connection
Throughout my life, I’ve discovered a direct link between our thoughts, behaviors, and results. This isn’t just my observation. It’s a common trait among high achievers I’ve met.
Think of it as a chain reaction…
Your thoughts shape your actions, which determine your outcomes.
For example, if you constantly think about growing your business, you’re more likely to research new strategies or network with potential partners. These behaviors lead to tangible results like increased sales or new opportunities.
It’s not just about positive thinking.
It’s about aligning your thoughts with your goals and letting that alignment guide your actions.
Remember, this works both ways. Negative thoughts can lead to counterproductive behaviors. Recognize this pattern, and you can redirect your mind towards more constructive thinking, setting yourself up for success.
#2 - Visualizing Your End Goal
Visualization is a powerful tool for achieving your goals. It’s about creating a vivid, detailed picture of what success looks like for you.
This mental image becomes your guide, influencing your decisions and actions.
Ask yourself:
What does ‘finished’ look like?
If you’re aiming for financial freedom, what does that mean specifically? The more detailed your vision, the more real it becomes to your mind.
To understand visualization’s power, try this: Close your eyes and imagine biting into your favorite food. Your mouth likely started watering. That’s your mind influencing your physical reality.
Apply this principle to your goals, and watch how it shapes your actions and decisions.
#3 - Understanding Your "Why"
Knowing your core motivation is crucial for long-term success. It’s the fuel that keeps you going when times get tough.
Don’t just settle for surface-level reasons – drill down to your fundamental ‘why’.
For instance, you might want to build an online business for financial freedom.
But why?
- To quit your day job?
- Why quit?
- To spend more time with family?
Now we’re getting closer to a core reason.
My ‘why’ centers around my family, friends, and the charities I support.
Everything else builds on that foundation. Your ‘why’ might be different, and that’s okay. The key is to be honest with yourself and dig deep.
Understanding your ‘why’ does more than motivate. It helps you make decisions aligned with your core values. When faced with choices, ask yourself, "Does this align with my why?"
This clarity can be incredibly powerful in keeping you on track.
#4 - Setting SMART Goals
The SMART system is a game-changer for goal setting.
It stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-based.
This framework turns vague aspirations into concrete, actionable objectives.
Here’s an example: "By January 1, 2026, I’ll have a lifestyle business earning $100,000 monthly profit, running on 1 hour of work daily."
This goal is Specific (clear business model and profit), Measurable ($100,000/month), Attainable (with the right system), Relevant (to financial freedom), and Time-based (by January 1, 2026).
Set SMART goals for different time frames – long-term, mid-term, and short-term. These should align and support each other.
#5 - Creating a 10-Week Action Plan
While long-term vision is crucial, short-term actions drive real progress.
That’s where the 10-week action plan comes in.
It’s long enough to make significant progress, but short enough to maintain urgency and focus.
Start by listing all tasks needed to achieve your goal. Prioritize ruthlessly – focus on what’s mission-critical. Break these tasks into 10 weekly blocks. Week one might involve setting up your website, week two could be about creating your first product, and so on.
By completing these weekly tasks, you’re automatically moving towards your larger goal.
Visualize this as a critical path – a clear route from where you are to where you want to be.
Get more granular with weekly and daily planning. Every Thursday or Friday, plan the next week. Each evening, create a to-do list for the next day, highlighting 2-3 non-negotiable tasks.
This structured approach keeps you focused and accountable, turning big goals into manageable, daily actions.
#6 - Continuous Improvement and Course Correction
Success isn’t about one big leap. It’s about consistent, small improvements over time. Making tiny, almost microscopic improvements daily can lead to remarkable progress when compounded over months or years.
Think of it like steering a ship across the Atlantic.
You’re rarely pointing directly at your destination. Instead, you’re constantly making small adjustments, zigzagging your way across. The key is to keep moving in the generally right direction.
Regularly measure your progress and be willing to course-correct. Set up checkpoints in your 10-week plan to evaluate. Are you moving towards your goal? If not, what needs to change?
Don’t be discouraged if you’re not always moving forward in a straight line. Progress often looks more like a winding path. The important thing is to keep learning, adjusting, and moving.
#7 - Maintaining Focus and Overcoming "The Dip"
Even with the best plans, you’ll face what Seth Godin calls “The Dip.”
It’s that valley where momentum slows and doubts creep in. It’s normal, and you can overcome it.
The key is awareness.
Understand that losing momentum, especially when starting something new, is part of the process. You might get quick wins at the start, then hit a plateau. This is your chance to reassess, remember your ‘why’, and refocus on your goals.
Establish a solid morning routine to maintain focus.
When you hit a dip, lean on your support system. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance.
Getting through “The Dip” often comes down to showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Focus on getting a few quick wins to rebuild momentum.
Remember, persistence is often what separates those who achieve their goals from those who don’t.
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