Ever seen that classic iceberg picture? It perfectly illustrates why new online Entrepreneurs struggle.
I’ve been there too.
When I first started out, I was mesmerized by the glittering surface of success—money, followers, media hype, a million YouTube subscribers, and all that jazz.
These all attracted me to the idea of building a side hustle so I could eventually use it to escape the 9-5. It was all so dazzling! But here’s the reality check: what we see above the water is just the tip of the iceberg.
The Iceberg Analogy: What Lies Beneath the Surface
We tend to focus on the things above the water because they’re visible and exciting. We celebrate the instant gratification of vanity metrics, but these are only surface-level achievements.
As the classic image reminds us, there’s so much more beneath the surface that you simply can’t see at first glance.
It’s the “vanity metrics” that act as a mask, distracting you from what truly needs your attention to grow your businessand your life.
You might wonder, ‘Why is that?’
Because, frankly, the things that will make a real difference are boring, intimidating, and time-consuming.
Why New Online Entrepreneurs Struggle – Uncovering the Hidden Elements
Below the waterline lie the building blocks of true success. These aren’t the flashy, Instagram-worthy wins; they’re the hard, unglamorous work that really counts. You need to focus on what’s below the surface—the stuff that’s not sexy but critical:
- Failure – Embrace it and learn from it.
- Automation – Take the manual grind out of it.
- The right mindset – It’s everything.
- Experience – Constantly leveling up your game.
- Overcoming fears – Yes, you’re scared, but act anyway.
- Strategy – Know where you’re going and how you’re getting there.
- Accountability – Because growth requires action.
- Systems – They keep your business running smoothly and efficiently.
- Time – Realize it’s your most valuable asset.
- Support – Build a team or network that empowers you.
These are the building blocks. But most Gurus hardly tell you about them because they’re not as flashy to sell. Instead, they might promise that working just four hours a day will give you freedom…
The Reality of Success: No Overnight Miracles
Let’s be real—did those gurus get there in a month?
Or even a year?
Nope.
It took years of building, failures, adjustments, and learning.
That’s why it’s time to focus on what’s below the water. When you master these unseen elements, everything above the surface—money, followers, and recognition—will follow naturally.
I know it can be daunting. The idea of embracing failure, automating tedious tasks, or even shifting your mindset might sound like a lot of extra work.
But here’s the truth: these are the real ingredients that build a lasting business. It’s not about the instant hit of likes or the rush of a viral video—it’s about putting in the work day after day, even when it feels mundane.
A Conversation With Yourself: Shifting Focus
Imagine having a heart-to-heart with yourself over coffee.
You realize that while the superficial metrics are fun to chase, they don’t build substance. They’re like the glitter on a cheap ornament—it looks great for a moment, but it won’t sustain you in the long run.
When you start focusing on those foundational elements, you begin to see real growth. Sure, it might not be as instantly gratifying as watching your subscriber count skyrocket, but it’s far more meaningful.
You learn to embrace failure as a lesson, to rely on automation so you can focus on creative and strategic tasks, and to develop a resilient mindset that propels you through challenges.
Final thoughts on Why new online entrepreneurs struggle?
Dive deep into the work that matters. Focus on the core elements that underpin a successful business—even if they seem boring at first.
Remember, every entrepreneur’s journey is paved with failures and setbacks, but each misstep is an opportunity to learn and get better.
In conclusion, the key takeaway is simple: success isn’t found in a quick fix or overnight sensation.
It’s built slowly, with persistence and attention to the things that truly matter. The next time you feel overwhelmed by vanity metrics, take a step back and ask yourself: “Am I focusing on what’s really important?”
By shifting your perspective and investing time in the critical work beneath the surface, you’ll be able to take the right actions to avoid struggling like Mike and be well on your way to creating a business that stands the test of time.
Keep pushing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep growing.
Your journey may be long and sometimes tough, but every step forward is a victory in itself.
You’ve got this. I’m rooting for you!
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