Let’s take care of the elephant in the room before we go too far. The network marketing industry is the best profession to go from rags to riches. It is an industry designed for that same story. However, what happens when you don’t have this rock-bottom struggle? What if you are what people would call pretty average?
Does Someone have to hit Rock Bottom to Inspire Others?
Absolutely not. [Sarah here] I didn’t. I came from what most would call your everyday family home. I had everything I wanted or needed growing up and into young adulthood. And I followed what you call the traditional route. Finish school, have great friends, a fantastic family, and so on. Rock bottom wasn’t a thing for me in those days.
And I believe I have inspired many people throughout my professional career as a result. Having said that, those who know me knew I spent years as a nanny. In many ways, living someone else’s life. Wasn’t a bad gig, but I wanted more.
And, my story doesn’t sell so well — at least, that would be the presumption. But, at the same time, we sell these more challenging stories that hit you in the gut – Tony’s story, for example, with his battle with addictions.
Now, this isn’t to say one person’s struggle is worse than the next, and vis versa. But we want people to know that network marketing isn’t solely a story of rags to riches or rock bottom to triumph. Instead, it is a collection of stories about what’s possible.
Who Decides what a Struggle is and what isn’t?
Remember when you believed you were going through your toughest life challenge?
Ever.
And, we are not just speaking of those that challenged your brain — we’re talking about a moment when you felt absolutely drained and defeated. You felt emotionally, physically, and spiritually spent. Guess what? Everyone has a moment like that at some point, and you are not alone.
And so, this struggle, these depths of exhaustion, are where successful people are born. You don’t have to live in a car or on the street, have less than 2 pennies a day to rub together or come from horrible circumstances. It would be best if you dug deep for those moments that taught you something.
Somewhere in the most challenging time of your life (identified by you), you pulled your way out. You were taught a lesson without a price tag in that heartbreak, loss, failed business, etc.
Two-fold;
- No one would want to pay that price you paid and,
- What you learned or gained at that moment is priceless.
The key is taking the time to recognize that there is a lesson to be learned.
Here are the facts: you will find a few success stories, one that you can be inspired by and respect, that doesn’t include life-changing adversity, regardless of how it presents itself.
Still, it’s not easy to see the lessons through the reminders of your pain when you’re in the thick of it.
Here are four steps that will hopefully help you keep moving forward the next time you find yourself hitting what seems to be rock bottom.
You are far Stronger than you Think.
Strength, resilience, and perseverance are all qualities that will help you rise to new occasions. In addition, some skills and attributes will help you overcome any obstacle, including rock bottom. Much of this falls around the ability to adapt and adjust. When faced with absolute tragedy, struggle or what feels like the end of the road, take a moment; yes, it will be hard but ask yourself this …
What is this here to teach me?
This is an excellent way of facing the pain head-on in instances you would feel avoidance is the answer. But, we promise you, it’s not. And what’s funny is, in one way, we’re asking you to take comfort in the fact that others are struggling, too … right? But please know that knowing you do not alone supersede that notion.
Quit Judging yourself so Harshly
Think back to a time when someone close to you hurt you unintentionally. Maybe it was one of your team members or a close friend. Did you not beat them (figuratively) up after this instance, right? You have even asked them what they learned from this or how it can be avoided next time.
You are the closest thing to yourself! And yet, we’re OK with beating ourselves up for some reason. Our ask is this, recognize that you are going to make mistakes. It is all part of being human. However, you will choose not to dwell on or live inside those mistakes — you will treat yourself the way you would treat someone else who hurt you.
Celebrate the Wins!
Additionally, celebrate every win! Big, small, and all things in between. In our Facebook Community, we would love to celebrate you.
Give yourself credit for being where you are today and where you will be tomorrow. Unfortunately, people are often caught up in this circle of negativity — step out of that and into a much happier place!
And last and certainly not least.
Let it Go
Now, this one is important. When we use the term let it go, we are not asking you to forget the struggle. We suggest that you let go of the ideology that you can change what happened. Because guess what? You can’t. However, what you can do is be reminded of that dark place and find strength in knowing you never want to go back there. You can take the lessons you’ve learned (and are learning) and apply them to your actions today.
These few things will help you through the more challenging times. Because in this industry, there will be tough times, but your story deserves to be heard, shared and built upon.
