"It all starts within. When you genuinely love, value, and nurture yourself, that powerful energy radiates outward, attracting and building the kind of love life you truly deserve. It's not selfish; it's foundational. As this beautiful image reminds us: 'The more you love yourself, the better your love life will be.' Pour into your own cup first! ❤️"
A Note From Ben:
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
Every arrow needs a target, and every life needs consistent goals. As this powerful message reminds us, without a clear direction and unwavering objectives, it's easy to drift. Let your ambitions be your compass, guiding you towards a life lived with purpose and consistency. What's the consistent goal you're focused on today?
A Note From Ben:
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
Beyond the Symptoms: Finding My Unshakeable Persistence in Health, Business, and Life
"Think and Grow Rich" isn't just a book; it's a blueprint for life mastery. It's filled with principles that can transform dreams into reality. But what happens when your "desire" for health or financial freedom clashes daily with a body that feels like it's actively sabotaging you? What does "persistence" look like when simply getting out of bed feels like climbing Mount Everest?
As someone living with a chronic condition for years – navigating the unpredictable gauntlet of symptoms, the endless pursuit of wellness, and the rollercoaster of network marketing – Chapter 9, "Persistence," has resonated with me on a profoundly personal level. Napoleon Hill defines persistence as "the sustained effort necessary to induce faith." For me, it's been the unwavering, sometimes painful, daily choice to keep moving forward, even when every fiber of my being screams to stop.
The Unseen Marathon: Persistence in My Health Journey
Hill's emphasis on "definiteness of purpose" and "desire" strikes a unique chord when you're chronically ill. My purpose is often to achieve a baseline of comfort, to reduce pain, to have enough energy to participate in life. My desire is for a body that cooperates, even if just a little. This isn't a destination; it's an ongoing, unseen marathon.
For years, my persistence has been honed in the quiet battlefields of doctor's offices, physical therapy sessions, and restrictive dietary changes. It’s taking your medication even when you doubt its efficacy, pushing through a modified exercise routine despite pain, or sticking to a restrictive diet day in and day out, hoping for an incremental improvement. It's dealing with setbacks – a new flare-up, a failed treatment, the crushing fatigue that wipes out carefully made plans – and finding the resolve to start again tomorrow.
This isn't the glamorous persistence of an entrepreneur closing a multi-million dollar deal. This is the quiet, fierce persistence of survival and the determined pursuit of a better quality of life. It’s about fostering an unwavering belief in a future where I feel better, even when the present feels overwhelming. It’s learning to adapt, to rest when needed, and to redefine what "progress" looks like on any given day. Sometimes, persistence is just choosing not to give up on yourself.
The Entrepreneurial Gauntlet: Network Marketing with Chronic Conditions
Network marketing, by its very nature, demands a robust form of persistence. Rejection, inconsistent results, the need for constant communication and team building – it's a field that tests your mettle. Now, add unpredictable flare-ups, brain fog, chronic pain, and limited physical energy into that mix.
I quickly learned that my approach to persistence in business had to be different from my able-bodied peers. I couldn't always match their intensity, their long hours, or their travel schedules. My "definite plans" often had to include contingency plans for bad health days.
My persistence manifested as:
* **Consistency over Intensity:** Instead of aiming for ten calls a day, I'd commit to two high-quality, focused interactions. Even on my worst days, I'd send one valuable email or connect with one person. It wasn't about heroic sprints, but about showing up *every single day* in whatever capacity I could manage.
* **Leveraging Technology:** Remote work and online platforms became my allies. This allowed me to build my business from home, conserving precious energy.
* **Building a Supportive Team:** Surrounding myself with understanding mentors and team members who believed in my potential, even when my energy fluctuated, was crucial. Their belief fueled my own.
* **Redefining Success Metrics:** Some days, success wasn't about signing a new person, but simply about following up with existing contacts despite a migraine. It was about moving the needle forward, even if only by a millimeter.
This taught me that persistence isn't just about brute force; it's about intelligent, adaptable, and self-compassionate action. It's about finding *your* rhythm and sticking to it, even when the world tells you to push harder than your body allows.
Cultivating Your Own Persistence Toolkit
So, how can you cultivate this unshakeable persistence, especially when life throws unique challenges your way?
1. **Revisit Your "Definiteness of Purpose" (Your "Why"):** Why are you doing what you're doing? Is it for your family, your future self, to inspire others, to reclaim your health? Write it down, look at it daily. On the days when motivation is scarce, this purpose will be your fuel.
2. **Break It Down (Micro-Persistence):** When a monumental task feels impossible, break it into the smallest possible increment. Instead of "clean the house," it's "wipe one counter." Instead of "build my business empire," it's "send one follow-up message." Small, consistent actions build momentum and prevent overwhelm.
3. **Celebrate Small Wins:** Acknowledging tiny victories is crucial for maintaining morale, especially when progress feels slow. Did you manage to stick to your meal plan today? Did you make that one phone call? Pat yourself on the back!
4. **Embrace Adaptability & Self-Compassion:** Persistence isn't about being rigid; it's about being relentlessly adaptable. If your original plan isn't working or your body isn't cooperating, find another way. Give yourself grace. Rest when you need to, and don't mistake self-care for giving up.
5. **Build a Supportive Community:** Whether it's online forums, local support groups, or a trusted mentor, having people who understand your unique challenges can make all the difference. Their encouragement can be the flicker of hope you need on a dark day.
Conclusion: Your Unseen Strength
Chapter 9 of "Think and Grow Rich" is a powerful reminder that persistence is the bridge between desire and achievement. For those of us living with chronic conditions, it's often more than a business principle; it's a life principle. It's about showing up, even when you’re utterly exhausted. It’s about believing in your path, even when the fog rolls in. It’s about building a life of purpose, one persistent step at a time.
Your chronic condition doesn't define your capacity for persistence; in many ways, it strengthens it. You've been honing this superpower in countless unseen battles. Now, it's time to fully own that strength and apply it to every dream you dare to chase.
**What's one small act of persistence you can commit to today, even if it feels tiny? Share it in the comments below!**
A Note From Ben:
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
My Decisions, My Destiny: Think and Grow Rich Chapter 8 Through a Disabled Entrepreneur's Lens
Napoleon Hill's *Think and Grow Rich* is a timeless classic, a roadmap for success that has inspired millions. Each chapter offers profound insights, but Chapter 8, "Decision," holds a particularly unique weight for me as a disabled network marketer living with chronic conditions. For many, Hill's emphasis on swift, unwavering decisions is a powerful call to action. For me, it's a call to *strategic adaptation* – a dance between conviction and the fluctuating realities of my health.
If you're also navigating entrepreneurship with chronic illness or a disability, you know that every decision often comes with an additional layer of consideration. It's not just about the business outcome; it's about the energy expenditure, the potential for a flare, and the relentless mental battle against doubt. Yet, Hill's principles aren't just for the able-bodied or those with boundless energy; they are universal truths that can be molded to fit any journey. Let's dive into how I interpret and apply Chapter 8.
The Weight of Decision in a Body That Doesn't Always Cooperate
Hill famously states that successful people "make decisions quickly and change them slowly." This sounds fantastic in theory, but what happens when brain fog makes quick thinking a monumental task, or when persistent fatigue blurs your focus? For me, the cost of a "wrong" decision isn't just financial or reputational; it's often measured in precious spoons of energy, days lost to recovery, or increased pain.
This reality forced me to develop a new approach to decisiveness. It's not about being reckless or impulsive, but about creating systems that allow me to make *informed, swift* decisions when my energy allows, and to trust those decisions even when my body rebels. This often means pre-planning, delegating research where possible, and relying on a well-defined "why" that guides every choice. My "why" – financial independence, the flexibility to manage my health, and creating a legacy – acts as a compass when the path ahead seems obscured by symptoms.
Swift, But Strategic: My Version of Decisiveness
Hill points out that successful individuals often act decisively, while those who fail tend to procrastinate. How do I, with conditions that sometimes dictate a slower pace, embrace swift decision-making?
1. Trust Your Gut (and Your 'Why'): Living with chronic illness often hones a unique intuition. We become intimately familiar with our limits and our needs. If a decision feels "off" or like it will cost too much, I listen. Similarly, if it deeply aligns with my core values and my long-term vision (my 'why'), I move forward with conviction.
2. Small, Consistent Decisions: Not every decision needs to be earth-shattering. Hill also praises persistence. I focus on making small, consistent decisions daily – reaching out to one new prospect, creating one piece of content, learning one new skill. These micro-decisions build momentum and reduce the overwhelming pressure of one huge, make-or-break choice.
Building a Wall Against Doubt: Your Inner Circle (and Your Own Head)
Hill talks about how indecisive people are easily influenced by the opinions of others. This is a battle I know well. When you live with an invisible illness, you often face skepticism – from well-meaning friends and family who question if you're "really up to this," to internal doubts whispered by fatigue and pain.
My strategy?
Define Your Circle: I've consciously chosen to surround myself with a small group of trusted mentors, fellow disabled entrepreneurs, and supportive loved ones who truly understand my journey. Their encouragement and honest feedback are invaluable.
The Power of Your Own Conviction: This is where Hill's message resonates most deeply. My decision to pursue network marketing wasn't made lightly. It was born out of a profound need for flexibility and residual income that traditional employment couldn't offer. That unwavering conviction is my shield against external doubt and internal criticism. When a flare hits, I remind myself *why* I'm doing this and that this business is a key part of my path to a more sustainable future.
Practice Self-Compassion: Sometimes, the most important decision is to rest. That's not a failure; it's a strategic move to preserve my health and ensure I can continue pursuing my goals tomorrow. Deciding to be kind to myself is just as critical as deciding on a new business strategy.
The "Pivot" vs. the "Quit": Deciding When to Adapt
"Change them slowly," Hill advises regarding decisions. For someone with chronic conditions, "slowly" might mean "when absolutely necessary due to an unforeseen health setback." I've learned the difference between *quitting* a goal and *pivoting* my strategy to achieve it.
If a particular marketing approach drains me too much, I don't quit the business; I decide to try a different method. If a specific time-block for work consistently causes a crash, I decide to restructure my day. These aren't signs of indecisiveness; they are strategic adaptations based on real-time data from my own body. The *decision to succeed* remains steadfast, but the *decisions on the path to get there* are flexible and responsive to my unique needs.
Deciding for Your Future Self
Ultimately, my decisions as a disabled network marketer are deeply rooted in deciding for my future self. Every choice I make today is aimed at creating a life where my health is supported, where I have financial freedom, and where I can contribute meaningfully without sacrificing my well-being.
I decided to start this business despite my conditions.
I decide every day to show up, even when it's hard.
I decide to learn, adapt, and grow, embracing the unique perspective my journey offers.
These are not easy decisions, but they are powerful ones. They are the decisions that are shaping my destiny, one strategic, self-compassionate, and determined step at a time.
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What decisions are you making today that are shaping your destiny? Have you found unique ways to apply *Think and Grow Rich* to your own circumstances? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
A Note From Ben:
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
😃🏋♂️👨👩👦👦 The journey to success is rarely easy. It demands effort, grit, and some tough choices. For the entrepreneurs, the network marketers, the parents building a legacy—we all have to make sacrifices. What are YOU willing to give up to achieve your goals? Share your answer in the comments below! 👇
A Note From Ben:
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
