Here’s the thing… people won’t understand what you are doing, or why you are doing it.

You will be told (more than once) to get a proper job.

At times, you will be isolated and riddled with self -doubt.

People who you loved/cared for/respected as industry friends and peers will turn on you,block you, bitch about you and generally surprise you by their actions.

This hurts more than you can imagine.

I have (a few times) suffered with a depression like I have never had, and let’s not forget I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack when I didn’t deal with my stress levels.

Motivating yourself when you work from home/coffee shops is a lot harder than you think. If you go ‘all in’ expect for a period of time that your health, sanity, sex life, relationships,sleep, diet will suffer.

You will be disheartened at the lack of instant success (as many promise) for some. If something seems too good to be true, especially online, it isn’t true

NO ONE PERSON, SYSTEM OR PRODUCT CAN DO THE WORK FOR YOU.

Effort, showing up, commitment,passion, drive and sacrifice (for a period) are all ‘key players’ in making it online.

There is NO magic pill to online success.

It’s not uncommon to turn to drink, drugs, risky behaviour, succumb to mood swings when the pressure gets to you. I know I did (and more than a few other successful entrepreneurs I know have).

Stress. Get used to it and learn how to manage it -learn to ask for help you NEED a support network, having someone to talk to is crucial.

Loneliness is commonplace, as is self-doubt

You will compare yourself to others, it will suck.

Social media can paint a very attractive picture, but is often smoke and mirrors.

Some very successful people (as shown online) are broke.

There is NO magic pill, instant success, or quick fix. Like any business, this takes consistent time, effort and commitment.