Keeping the fire burning when inspiration grows cold:
Building something you care about – whether it’s a website, a shop, a service, or any kind of new venture – takes a lot of heart and hard work. There are times when you feel full of energy and excitement, and other times when things might feel slow or challenging.
I remember how building the foundation of this platform has, at many times, been a very emotionally challenging exercise. By the 3rd month of launching the website we had a sudden spike of over 2 400 visitors within just a couple of weeks, but with none of them showing interest in any of the products. And we had to almost convince ourselves that we were still making good progress. It was encouraging to know that people were finding their way here and seeing what we’re trying to build, but sometimes, even when you see progress like that, you might not see the results of that progress in the ways that you have hoped to see it right away.
At this point it is natural to start wondering if you’re on the right path or if all the effort is making a difference.
If you’ve ever tried to build something new, you probably know this feeling. That moment when the first burst of energy fades a little, and you have to keep going even when you don’t see immediate success.
So, how do we keep our spirits up and keep moving forward, no matter what we’re building or where we’re from? Here are a few simple ideas that helps me trough, and I hope they help you too:
1. See the Small Wins: When you’re aiming for a big goal, it’s easy to only focus on that. But it’s important to notice the smaller steps forward. Getting more visitors to your website, finishing a small task, or getting positive feedback on your product – these are all wins. Celebrate them! They show you’re making progress.
2. Remember Why You Started: Think back to why you decided to build this in the first place. What was the main reason? What change did you want to make? Keeping that “why” in mind can give you strength when things get tough.
3. Focus on Giving Value: Instead of just thinking about what you’ll get out of it, focus on what you can give. How can you help the people you’re trying to reach? Creating helpful content, offering good products, or providing a great service builds trust, and that’s important for long-term success.
4. Learn as You Go: Every step of the journey teaches you something. Pay attention to what’s working and what’s not. If something isn’t giving the results you want, be open to trying something different. Learning and adapting is key.
5. Connect with Others: Building something new can sometimes feel lonely. Talk to other people who are also working on their dreams. Share your experiences, learn from them, and support each other. There’s strength in connecting with others.
6. Be Patient and Keep Going: Big things usually take time to build. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see huge results right away. Keep showing up, keep working, and keep learning. Persistence is really important.
7. Be Kind to Yourself: It’s okay to have moments of doubt or feel a little down. It’s part of the process. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember that everyone faces challenges, and it’s important to be kind to yourself along the way.
Building a dream takes time and effort. There will be good days and tough days. But by focusing on the small wins, remembering why you started, and keeping your focus on providing value, you can keep the fire burning and keep moving towards your goals, no matter what they are or where you come from.
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