“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill
Every entrepreneur, marketer, and business owner has faced moments when giving up seemed easier than pressing on. For new online marketers especially, the path to success can feel anything but smooth. You might be dealing with slow results, tech overwhelm, or that creeping doubt that whispers, “Maybe this isn’t going to work.”
But Winston Churchill’s famous quote is a powerful reminder: if you’re going through hell—keep going. The worst thing you can do is stop in the middle of the struggle. Because if you keep moving, even slowly, you’re one step closer to getting out of it.
Why the Early Stages of Online Business Feel So Tough
Starting an online business sounds exciting—and it is—but it can also be incredibly challenging, especially in the beginning. You’re often learning everything from scratch: marketing, tech, audience building, email automation… it’s a steep curve. On top of that, it can feel isolating if your friends and family don’t quite understand what you’re doing or why.
You might launch a campaign and hear crickets. You may pour hours into a blog post, only to get a handful of views. These early frustrations can lead to self-doubt, and many people give up during this phase—not because they’re not capable, but because they don’t yet see the results they hoped for.
But here’s the truth: what you’re feeling is normal. Every successful marketer has been there. And those who made it? They just kept going.
A Simple Blueprint for Staying Resilient
If you’re in the thick of it right now, wondering if all this effort is worth it, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you push forward with purpose and confidence.
- Accept the Struggle as Part of the Process
There’s no growth without resistance. Remind yourself that struggle isn’t a sign you’re failing—it’s a sign you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone. Even seasoned marketers hit roadblocks. The key is to stop seeing them as stop signs and start treating them like checkpoints.
- Focus on One Step at a Time
You don’t need to have everything figured out to move forward. When things feel overwhelming, simplify. Just ask: What’s the one thing I can do today that moves me forward? Whether that’s writing an email, updating your website, or learning something new—it counts.
- Protect Your Energy and Mindset
Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people. Listen to podcasts, read stories of successful marketers who started from scratch, and limit exposure to negativity. The right mental fuel can help you keep going, even when things feel tough.
- Track Your Wins (Even the Small Ones)
Every subscriber, every click, every sale matters. Keep a journal or tracker of your small wins—it’s a powerful way to stay motivated and remind yourself that progress is happening, even if it’s slow.
- Allow Yourself to Adjust, Not Quit
Maybe something you’re doing isn’t working. That’s okay. Change your approach, but don’t abandon your goal. Online business success is a game of testing, tweaking, and repeating.
Shortcut Your Struggles with a Done-For-You Business
Now, if you’re feeling like you’re stuck in the weeds and could use a clearer path forward—there’s good news. You don’t have to do everything on your own. A done-for-you (DFY) business opportunity gives you a solid foundation to build from, without the overwhelm of starting from scratch.
With DFY systems, the tech setup, sales funnel structure, and marketing materials are already done. That means you can focus on learning, growing, and generating income—while skipping the most frustrating and time-consuming parts of starting up.
It’s like stepping into the driver’s seat of a well-built car instead of trying to build the engine yourself before you can even get on the road.
Discover more from John Thornhill's Internet Marketing Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
