This post was most recently updated on February 23rd, 2014
I‘m visiting my step daughter and her new baby this week. It is a quiet little New Jersey neighborhood where most of the homes are filled with young families.
As I was sitting outside this afternoon getting some vitamin D from the sun, I watched a young mom with her child teaching her how to ride a bike. Wabble, warble goes the kid on the bike. Up and down the block she rode with her mom holding her bicycle – trying to steady it.
Every time mom let go for a second, her child was happy that she had peddled a few feet. Mom was encouraging her with “hoorray’s” and “great Job!” I had to stay and watch this monumental moment.
Five minutes later, that child mastered her balance on her own. Mom was hugging and kissing her like she was the greatest kid in the world.
I was so fortunate to step outside to witness this precious and joyous moment. They were strangers, but what I thought about was encouragement.
During your childhood, there were surely many moments that your family and friends encouraged you to succeed. But what about now?
You are an entrepreneur, you work round the clock. Who encourages you? I am fortunate to have my husband encouraging me when the chips are down, or when I am learning something new.
Today’s little experience made me realize that there are many out there who are doing this business solo. I know some internet marketers that have a spouse that discourages them by saying “you will never make money.” But they go on. They understand that it does take time to learn the ropes and put things into action.
Others, are not strong enough and they just give up. So today, I’d like you to think about is who encourages YOU. A spouse, a friend, or an internet buddy?
Think about it and let me know your thoughts.
Have a blessed day,
Donna
Great post, Donna! I think that my wife has been one of my biggest supporters in the world of academia, and I also get a lot of support from my online friends as I build my blog. It really is amazing to see the way things have worked pretty well and that it is a lot easier to have success at getting things done when we see even the slightest results, because we know that we are on the right track.
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Awesome Steve!
I truly believe we are here to share our knowledge. In doing so, when someone follows us, we must encourage them.
Thank you for visiting this post,
Donna
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Donna, thanks for the beautiful story. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed a few too many ‘discouraging’ parents who fail to compliment their children. I have to say, you were very encouraging to me lately when you sent me a LinkedIn recommendation. Thank you so very much. It’s now time for me to pay it forward 🙂
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Hi Steve, I too, have seen too many discouraging parents. I happen to be part of that scenario myself. This is why self encouragement is so important. We need to encourage ourselves first, then others. We can make a stronger impact that way.
Thanks for visiting and of course I recommended you on Linkedin…You deserve that!
Thanks,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Love And The Entrepreneur
Hi Donna, such a touching post thank you. Its amazing how something as simple as encouragement can make such a huge difference in someones life. Just receiving that extra little push from a loved one or colleague. Encouragement needs to be be used more often. I am always the first to help encourage others but find it hard to self-encourage.
Thank you Sarah for visiting. Yes, we may view encouragement as such a simple thing, but it does carry an important impact on our lives. If you are always there to encourage others, think of this: YOU are the tool to help them, so you must encourage yourself first in order to be more effective.
Much Love,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Love And The Entrepreneur
Twitter: RyanBiddulph
March 10, 2012 at 2:17 pm #
Hi Donna,
Thank goodness, my girlfriend is supportive most of the time. Since she is human, she has her moments, but I forgive her 😉
Encouragement makes all the difference in the game. When we are grown-ups, we forget that we are still human, and figure we can do it on our own. It doesn’t work that way.
I wanted to throw in the towel more than a few times, and thankfully loved ones and friends were there for support. I would not have followed through but still, it made a huge difference, as I did not spend days or even weeks languishing, instead hopping right back on the wagon and sharing value with my audience.
I know most people fail because of no support: from their family, community, or their mentor, which is a tragedy. I have a few team members who face strong resistance and I know I am the a rock, an inspiration, for them to persist, and I do not take this responsibility lightly. I am blessed to face little resistance in the domestic area so I want to pass my positive energy on to these individuals.
We need a rah-rah speech. All of us. We have doubts, and worries, even the most successful, because we are human beings with feelings. Be there for others in their darkest hours, and people will be there for you when you most need it. That seems to be the way it works.
Thanks Donna!
Ryan
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Hi Ryan,
I just love your comment on encouragement. Yes we are all human and it doesn’t just only pertain to business. Encouragement pertains to all facets of life.
We all face those dark times when we feel hopeless and want to throw in the towel. Sometimes we are overwhelmed and just need a break!
You are fortunate to have family and friends behind you Ryan. Be grateful.
Some are less fortunate and have their spouse, family or friends that knock them down, especially in this business! That’s when one has to realize that it is just negative statements and hold strong to their own truth.
This is why I believe that encouragement first comes from the SELF, and then can be reinforced by others.
It is a journey, but a great one to become stronger as we learn how to encourage ourselves.
Thank you for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret Weapon
Encouragement is very lacking today. I thank God my parents were so encouraging and supportive of me or I would not be where I am today.
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Aloha Donna, what a wonderful post and I agree we do need some encouragement from time to time. It’s not a simple process to push on if you’re not strong enough to hang in there, plus you have to enjoy what you do to keep the process going.
I do at times, get my sisters uplifting me and just lately my 13 year old son, said mom you’re a celebrity online. I love it, coming from him and how he notices my comments. Plus he wants me to help him create a blog so he can become popular with his videos as well. I’m happy to hear it. Glad I came by and thanks for sharing! Mahalo, Lani 🙂
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Thank you Lani! It is so great to see that your 13 year old son says that you are a celebrity online. What a fine example you are setting for him. I bet if he started blogging he would be a blog star.
Thank you for coming by,
Donna
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Hey Donna,
I am fortunate to have my wife and my mom. My dad thinks I am beating a dead horse. LOL. But I know one day I will be successful, but it does help to have the encouragement that I do have.
Jaden
Thanks Jaden! Great to hear you have people behind you that encourage you. As for your dad, maybe he just won’t “get it” because of his own views on life. That’s O.K. because what really matters is YOU!
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
What encourages me, Donna, is knowing that every time I give The Passion Test, every time I coach someone to stretch themselves, every time I contribute to another I am totally and completely encouraged. I get much more than I give.
And, thank you for having me reference that today and have it be present in my life.
RICK
Rick Lelchuk recently posted..The Power of Passion
I feel the same way too Rick!
Every time I coach someone and encourage them to grow..even if it is a tiny bit of growth – it is inspiring!
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hello Donna
Encouragement is a very important building block that helps people grow and develop. John Maxwell wrote a book titled “Encouragement Changes Everything” The legendary football coach Bear Bryant had this to say about encouragement:
“I’m just a plow hand from Arkansas, but I have
learned how to hold a team together. How to lift
some men up, how to calm down others, until finally
they’ve got one heartbeat together, a team.
There’s just three things I’d ever say:
If anything goes bad, I did it.
If anything goes semi-good, then we did it.
If anything goes real good, then you did it.
That’s all it takes to get people to win
football games for you.”
— Bear Bryant
Encouragement has been a very important building block in my life. I discovered this Proverb early in life.
“He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” We each have the responsibility to encourager others.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
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What an awesome comment Perry! I love what Bear Brant says. I also am glad to hear that you have discovered that proverb early in your life.
It is so true – when we refresh others, it comes back to us ten fold. We, as humans have that responsibility to others. That is what we are here for!
It is the essence of humanity.
My proverb I live by is “Do unto others as they will have done to you” When you have that mindset and put others first, you humble yourself. That is the beginning of love. To put out your heart to another human. There is no better feeling than that.
Doing it for it alone, and not expecting anything in return is the “key.”
That is when things start coming to you. It is that flow of energy that keeps us in a peaceful life.
Thank you Perry,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Twitter: simpblognetwork
February 27, 2012 at 8:40 pm #
Hey Donna,
What a great post. I never thought about where people get their encouragement from. My first piece of encouragement comes from that little voice in my head telling me this is my destination.
The second I would say from my mum, who doesn’t understand what the devil I am doing, but believes in my regardless.
My third is from my daughter, who believes anything is possible. I often feel dumbfounded by some of the wonderful things that come from the mouth of babes.
My fourth most certainly comes from you guys out here in the online world. The strength we draw from strangers and those we come to call our friends fills me with such happiness.
My Fifth comes from my other-half. Whilst I know he has a see it to believe mentality were as I have a believe it see it mentality. I know secretly he is willing me on.
Thank you for such a lovely post. It should remind us all, that if we have little ones and big ones in our life that need encouragement we should be there to give it to them, with all our belief.
Beth 🙂
Oh boy Beth, you have a lot of support behind you. There was a lot of thought put into this comment. I like how your mum feels. Although she doesn’t understand what you are doing, she is behind you all the way.
What positive energies around you. You are so blessed!
Thanks,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Love the post, Donna! Fortunately, I have a wonderful girlfriend who encourages me and I also participate in a daily generic mastermind call with a group of positive thinkers! Napolean Hill stressed the importance of a group of individuals who encourage each other in his book, Think and Grow Rich.
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That is awesome Anthony. I know so many people that are in masterminds. Napoleon Hill has been a great influence in my life since I was very young. I read the book over and over again. It gave me a sense that I was “normal” because I didn’t have encouragement around me at that time.
Now that I work with my husband side by side, we encourage each other. You are blessed to have your girlfriend by your side.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
The only one who encourages me is my little son! He gives me all the motivation and inspiration for work, life and emotions. I couldn’t picture myself what would I do if he wasn’t for me…
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Hi Julie, that is awesome! Our children teach us so well!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Encouragement is, indeed, incredibly important. You’re right, though, Donna . . . so many independent entrepreneurs don’t get the encouragement they really need — especially from close friends and family, who too often just think they’re crazy for not going out and getting a “REAL” job like everybody else. All they can see is the lack of supposed security (yeah….like that exists in the “real” working world, HA).
You have certainly been a huge encouragement to me in the short time I’ve known you, and I sincerely appreciate that! A little encouragement goes a long, long way toward helping one have the confidence to move forward with their dream. Thank you!
Hey Steve, I’m happy to read that I have been an encouragement to you in the short time we know each other. I agree that too many entrepreneurs don’t get the encouragement they need. Sometimes they get very negative responses from their family and friends. Most people are used to that “get a real job” mindset. But where does that really get them. I do believe there is a certain percentage that do love what they do working for the man. But I have never met people that work so hard as entrepreneurs. We do need encouragement!
Thanks Steve,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hi Donna, what a lovely moment you have shared. I wonder if as entrepreneurs we think we cease to need encouragement as adults? I certainly will do more to encourage others – thanks for the post and the message
Hi Sarah,
We certainly do need encouragement as adults. We are always growing, and need to encourage each other as entrepreneurs. It is sometimes lonely when we run our own businesses. We can reach out to others, join groups, masterminds, and encouragement comes, so does good friends.
Thank you,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Excellent article and I love your writing style Donna! And you are right, we all need encouragement. I find my own source of encouragement from many of the blogs I read, such as yours.
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Thank you Stevie, Glad to hear I’m encouraging you!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hi Donna,
The best encouragement for me is my faith in myself that I will succeed. Sometimes it seems like I am on a treadmill going nowhere but then all of a sudden I made a sale or some great opportunity has come my way.
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Awesome Justin!
Faith in yourself is a great thing! Not many people have it. Some are struggling to achieve it, some never do. It is so great to know that you have it!
Encouraging yourself is the key. Some people get caught up in trying to seek approval from others. I’ve seen it and it is a terrible place to be.
When I have a client that is in this mindset it takes so much work to pull them out of it.
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hey Donna, thanks for friending mé on FB. Love the article. I have a one year old and not a day goes by were I don’t admire him for his ability to go on. He never thinks beyond the next step, so all you need to do is encourage the steps he takes. We can learn so much from them:-)
All the best
Brian
Hi Brian, I am so happy to hear that you are learning from your son. Kids have a way of teaching us so many things we have forgotten, if we pay attention! If you learn that mindset, you are on your way to bigger and better things because you will learn how to live in the moment as your son does.
Thank you for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hi Donna,
Having someone who is supporting you can make a huge different, the problem with internet marketers is that most people cannot understand exactly what is their job and most of the times they discourage them by saying something like “get a real job” . This is another reason from the many that most people who are trying to make money thru internet marketing give up early without making any money at all…
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Aha Kostas! You have got the message! Internet marketers do have that problem, that is one of the reasons why I wrote this post. I don’t like to see people walk away from their passions. People have to understand that it does take time and patience to build a business. Just like a brick and mortar business, it does take time.
Those who give up too fast can be missing out on their freedom of being their own boss. “Get a Job.” is something we all have heard from people who don’t understand what we do. But it is not that simple.
Encouragement can come from within. We need to encourage other marketers also. Hey, that’s what we are here for.
Thanks for your comment,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
What a great post Donna and I love the story about the little girl on the bike. It is very easy to focus on the negative things that children do and so celebrating an achievement is very important no matter how small or how big. They grow so fast and when we are always so busy, it is very important to take this time.
My youngest was 9 this weekend and it seems like just yesterday when she was learning how to ride her bike.
I am pretty much self motivated because I have a very strong why, but in the early days when it didn’t all happen immediately, I faced quite a strong negative reaction to what I was doing which I do very much believe held me back a bit as I started to doubt myself.
When I retrained online, and got my first $20 commission and then low and behold an automatic sign up it encouraged me so much and the confidence started to flow!
Inspirational story and a very important one,
Nicky
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Hi Nicky. Loved your story! I also am self motivated and faced negative reactions since I was a kid. I learned at a young age that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. I dug down deep into myself for my own encouragement.
I learned by doing. Once I started making money at an early age of 17, I was on top of the world. Even though I received no encouragement from my family and friends. I wasn’t walking the path they were, I didn’t want to work for the “man” so I understood it then.
Thank you for your comment,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
OMG Donna! My wife and I had 8 great years of offline business together. Hurricanes hit, the real estate market crashed and life took an unexpected turn. Then, we had to get jobs. My wife supports my online efforts 0%. In the meantime, I’m almost finished graduate school with dual certification in math and special education, teach at my daughter’s high school, play in two bands, and work to build an online business.
With the exception of my awesome teammates, I’m riding my bike solo on the home front. It is what it is. I rock in the classroom, on stage, and online. Negativity will NOT knock me off my bike!
Keep on rockin’
Nathan Gurley
AWESOME Nathan! My husband and I are still in the real estate market and quite surprisingly, it is doing well where we are. We are off line and on line partners.
Riding your bike solo now is o.k. As long as YOU have the encouragement yourself – and I think you do – you will be o.k.
You are not the type of person that will let negativity make you fall off your bike!
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
That is one lucky little girl to have a mom so encouraging. Not every child in this world is so fortunate. And what a great thing for you to witness that moment, learn from it and share it with us.
Genuine encouragement is love in action. If someone truly loves you, they’ll be there to cheer you on even when the chips are down. God knows we need such people in our lives. And their presence is worth more than all the gold in the world.
In my case, it’d be my sweet wife. Frankly, I wouldn’t know what I’d do without her constant encouragement and abiding faith in me.
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You are a lucky man! I am happy to hear your wife is behind you encouraging you. Not many people have that in their lives. I am sure you are grateful to have her.
As for my daughter, she is older now, and I still encourage her (even if she doesn’t want to hear it ha ha)
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
I always hope I have the opportunity to encourage someone. I think it starts with our family: our spouse, parents, children. My husband and I will be going on a mission trip very soon and that is one of the things we have been praying for. We believe it really can change a person’s life.
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Alicia, that sounds wonderful…going on a mission trip. I know you will be able to change a person’s life because you prayed for it. That is the ultimate encouraging thing you can do.
thanks so much for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hi Donna,
Wonderful post…you have to love those quiet little New Jersey neighborhoods!!
I hope you enjoyed your time in NJ and the magnificent ceremony you came in to witness.
Encouragement is such an important topic to discuss. You and David are fortunate to have each other. You are both seasoned, professional Networkers with a wonderful web presence and understand what it takes to succeed.
My wife is my biggest supporter in EVERY aspect of my life, except for my online endeavors. She loves seeing the commission checks, but feels that too much of my spare time is spent online rather than with my family. It is a delicate balance.
So, my encouragement comes from within and my self discipline and the many awesome online friends, business partners (such as yourself) and my mastermind team.
But, it does have to come from somewhere or it is too easy to just give-up when the going gets tough. Nobody should have to make this journey alone.
To your continued success,
Marc
Thanks for visiting Marc,
Yes, I loved the New Jersey neighborhood! I also found the Bris a delightful and spiritual experience. I am so honored to have been a part of it.
David and I are full time marketers, but I can understand your situation. It is balance my friend. I counsel lots of people that are in your situation. Sometimes a spouse takes it seriously when we are connected to our computers. Balance is the key.
And…you are absolutely correct by saying that encouragement starts from within. If we don’t know how to encourage ourselves, we cannot accept it from others.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
My husband also encourages me. I do realise how really important it is to have someone encouraging you, so I try hard to be the person encouraging him. I want to be the strong person behind him, especially when he’s feeling overwhelmed. I also try to do this for my friends.
I want to have people encouraging me, but it’s also important to me to make sure I’m doing it for others as well.
Great post. It made me remember my friend, who taught me to ride a bike when I was 15.
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Hi Anne!
Yes, you bring out a great point here that it is important to encourage others. If we encourage others, it does come back to us. Thank you for visiting and I am happy this made you think of your friend when You first rode a bike.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hi Donna,
This was a sweet reminder of my why.
Your story about learning to bike with mom’s help reminded me of my own learning to bike experience.
It’s a little bittersweet for me because way back then I had a close relationship with my dad…he was the one who showed me how to ride my banana seat Strawberry Shortcake bike. Later on, we had a deeply strained relationship that sent me “packing” and out into the world at a time most would find to be premature. I was still just a teen, actually.
I think that some of life’s hard knocks taught me that I couldn’t always rely upon another person to encourage me to do what I needed to do. Sometimes I had to be strong and simply encourage myself.
I learned that sometimes it’s difficult to take forward steps in life because it might just be too much at the time. I did find a different strength in those times though. I learned that I could always at least stand. If I could stand my ground, I could find that there was always a support under my feet. As long as I had support somewhere, I could then find encouragement in that and then move myself into some more action.
It was a snail’s pace at times, but slow and steady will get you there if you keep to it! 😀
Life has brought much love into my life. Today, I’m surrounded by it everywhere I turn. I do now have more support all around me and constantly am reminded of how important I am to others and it has simply magnified all that I all ready know to be true: that thing in my heart that made me want to embrace life and “do more” in it was worth every little struggle I endured to make it to today.
Thanks for sharing of yourself and jogging this memory for me, Donna.
Cat 😉
What a beautiful story Cat!
I had walked the same path when I was young. I had to leave home at 17 – prematurely because of all the craziness. But instead of feeling sorry for myself, I succeeded. I never received the encouragement from my family. They always put me down as a looser because I would not conform. I worked extra hard in those days and went to the same school of hard knocks.
Some people would carry that and resent their life, but you and I have turned it around and created so many people that love us.
Yes, I understand when you say you are reminded of how important you are to others and to “do more” – that is my path also.
Are you sure we are not sisters or something? lol!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your awesome comment.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Donna,
It’s amazing! Your post has only been up about 24 hours now and you’ve already gotten a lot of Thoughtful responses on this great post!!!!
When you work for someone else, they typically only talk about your job performance when THEY think it need improvement. No need to thank you or say “good job” when you’re only doing what they pay you to do, right?
Then when you work for yourself, there’s no one to criticize you, but there’s no one to really encourage you either.
All the Posts on my blog from people like you, Donna, and the people commenting on your blog keep me very encouraged.
What is your Career Dream? — There’s another question you’ll never hear a “boss” ask you!!!! LOL
Thanks,
Jupiter Jim
Hi Jim, Yes, this blog has really hit the dirt running this week.
Working for yourself isn’t the easiest thing, but I rather put in more hours doing it than working for some one else. I have been doing it for such a long time, I cannot imagine a day job!
Encouragement comes in so many different ways and comments on a blog is one sure way you can tell you are doing a good job.
Thanks Jim
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
You really have to feel lucky, that your husband encourages you all the time you need it. I’m doing my business all by myself and sometimes it’s really hard to do all the things alone. But it’s a nice feeling, that I’m responsible for all the things with my business.
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I know I’m lucky Julie. It is difficult running your business alone. That is why it is great to connect with other people out here. We are all in the same boat per se, but others feel exactly the same. I think that is why we bond so quickly together.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Twitter: Amis Interactive Communities
February 23, 2012 at 2:53 am #
Donna,
This is the most amazing presentation of today! You manage to expose the number one support action that is needed for everyone. May it be they are just starting out or seasoned. We all need to be encourage even though most will say to remember your “Why” and that will keep you motivated.
Well, those who say the “Why” will keep you moving are right. Yet, encouragement, edification daily from others who are in the same boat, per say. That goes along way in our confidence, which drives us to produce quality and focused results. We desire to get more pats on the back, “Good Job”.
It feels good to have someone say “Get Job” or “Well Done”. We must have our emotional mind edified from time to time. That is what we who have been in this glorious industry for more than 20 years, recognize.
Anyone within a group,(No one can do this on their own),understand to look for the best in everyone, when any situation arises. You search to empower, edify and encourage all. It comes back 10 fold and that is speaking from vast experiences.
Hey, just the other day we had major adjustments right here withing TSA. Some complained and for what? Its free and supportive family environment. Yet, the great coaches, mentors, teachers and visionaries. Just smiled and edified the one who volunteered to help with the spreadsheet. That made me aware of the core message in this articel.
Encouragement is what everyone with a passionate supportive heart should be giving each day. There is always someone who needs to receive our attention to recognize them,and to edify and encourage.
Donna, your a remarkable passion great coach in our industry. Your insight on this subject is well respected and supported by myself and others.
I thank you for the countless encouragement you have given me. If I can recognize the impact of that kind juster. Anyone can! Thank you Donna we should all use you as an example of “How To” encourage others when the time is right. Always…
Thank you William for your kind words. Yes, I’ve seen the complaints on TSA with changes. But on the other hand there were many thankful people in our group that were grateful that someone had stepped up and volunteered. I know I am grateful. I couldn’t make a commitment due to my own time factor. It wouldn’t be fair because I couldn’t commit that time. But I am grateful that others did.
Saying “Good Job” was encouraging to those who stepped up. I also feel that way when I am reading a blog. If I feel like that person gave it their all, I say “good job” in many ways. I like to encourage others to keep on keep’n on!!!
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
HI Donna
now days its hard to get encouragement.
I agree with you, encouragement is really needed for your success. We need some encouragement t build our self confidence.
Thank for sharing this post with us.
keep up the good work 🙂
~ Easther Sudharta
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Hi Easther,
Yes it is difficult to get encouragement, but if you cannot get it from family and friends, there is social media. I find it a great place to build connections with other people. I’ve made so many friends, I always marvel at it.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
True. Encouragement really gives the will to go on even though all else fail. Thanks for sharing..
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Hi Nicole,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes Encouragement does give us the WILL to go on, even if we fail. I like that phrase!
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
I find that social media has actually brought many people together in helping each other and encouraging each other, just like what you are doing here Donna!
There is an overwhelm in many online business owners, entrepreneurs and marketers which that alone can make you feel like an island. I am thankful for a very supportive husband and family. They are all huge supporters, even though sometimes they just don’t understand what I really do!
When we can keep communication open like this, on our social sites and within our outside groups, that is a wonderful way to be encouraged to make things happen.
Lynn Brown recently posted..Social Marketing on How to Own Your Facebook Newsfeed
Hi Lynn. I totally agree. Social media has brought more awesome people to my path than any other time in my life. We can communicate in so many ways and sometimes resonate with some that we can call our “friends.”
These are the people that I can reach off line and mastermind with or just say hey!
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hi Donna
I need to go with my Internet Buddy’s.
You are one of them as you know my family and friends of line
mostly try to pull me down.
I love you post and Example that you use enjoy the time with you Step Daughter.
Regards
Theuns
Theuns recently posted..Most People Are Followers – Introduce Them To A Leader and They Will Thank You
Thank you Theuns, You have been an inspiration to me with your outlook on life and the way you are passionate to change the world. Your passion is to teach people Gratitude. That says it all and that is what draws me to your work.
Thank you for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Thx Donna For the kind words. 🙂
Theuns recently posted..The ABC and Failing forward to Success
Thanks Donna, that is true. In the beginning it was only me, and it was very lonely indeed! I do know its important especially if the spouse doesn’t support completely and encourage you, to have someone that does, even if its only through a skype or call, there needs to be someone you can reach out to. Thanks for the reminder!
Hi Lynda! I am grateful every day that my husband and I are both internet marketers and work full time together side by side.
We wake in the morning and brainstorm of what we are going to do that day. He is on one path and I on the other, but we both merge and encourage each-other when discouraged.
I am one of the few lucky ones. I wrote this so people would realize that they first have to encourage themselves, then reach out to someone else. There are so many people out there that encourage me.
I always say that I met more people on line than I did in life. We get close and help each other.
That is the beauty of the business!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
You had an amazing experience about business I really inspire..thank you for sharing this to us..
Thank you Arline for visiting. Yes this experience was a small, but amazing one!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Twitter: marquitaherald
February 22, 2012 at 6:00 pm #
Wonderful message Donna. Some people are blessed with others in their life who support and encourage them on a daily basis, many are not so lucky. It’s so important to give and encourage others, but it’s also important to nurture “self” from time to time because we all need periodic refueling. Thanks for the inspiration!
marquita herald recently posted..What Would You Miss if You Could Not Read or Write?
That’s what I’m talkn’ about Marquita! We need to encourage ourselves first! I didn’t receive encouragement as a child, maybe that is how I learned to do it myself.
It is so important to do, so we can then accept encouragement from others.
Thank you for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Donna,
This is a perfect story of what it means to encourage and support someone else without wanting anything in return. This is was a tribe is about…engaging, encouraging and supporting each other. I’ve said it many times that you are the perfect role model.
There is also another lesson in your story. The child who is learning to ride her bike may fall but will get back up. Just like when a baby first learns to walk. They fall but keep trying. But for some reason people give up on their dreams. They fall but they don’t get back up. They fear that they have to learn all this marketing stuff on their own and that’s not the case.
Thank you for sharing such a sweet story that has a profound message.
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
Ken Pickard recently posted..10 Quick Tips To Increase Your Productivity: Take The Quiz
Thank you Ken! Yes, I find that the Tribe is the most encouraging group of people I have ever met. We are all in it together to help one another. What I like best is reading other people’s blogs and learning new things each week.
We grow closer, and encourage one another. It is funny to me too that people don’t realize that we do “fall” and then get up. Sometimes they “fall” and consider that it’s the end. But it is not. It is just the beginning of a new and better way.
Thanks for your kind words,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
February 22, 2012 at 5:19 pm #
Well you got me here Donna…
Besides my blogging friends who comment on my posts and say they appreciate what I share, I don’t have anyone in my corner. Oh it’s not to say that my family and friends aren’t behind me with my business but they have no clue what I do so there isn’t any rooting going on anywhere.
I’m always here to encourage others with their journey here online because I believe we all need it in order to continue. You are right, having a cheering section is so crucial to helping you move in the right direction.
Okay, my dog Kayla cheers me on every time I see her smiling face knowing that I get to stay home and be with her everyday. I know in my heart that’s she’s cheering anyway.
Thanks for bringing up this topic and glad you enjoyed the visit with your step-daughter and your grandchild. I’m sure watching that little one conquer that bike was so much fun. I’m smiling right now envisioning that.
Have a great day Donna!
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..10 Ways to Drive Your Content to the Next Level of Blogging Excellence
Hey Adrienne,
Thanks for your wonderful comment. Don’t say you don’t have anyone in your corner because you have YOU! That comes first. We must encourage ourselves. We learned this as kids and if we encourage ourselves first, we will be more apt to accept others encouraging us.
I love the encouragement I get on line also, and you are one of the people who do that for me.
I thank YOU
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hi Donna,
thanks for sharing this. It’s really an amazing experience to observe a baby how she learns to walk. And of course, her success is built on encouragement and a failure-friendly (falling down !) environment. Nobody would say that a baby who falls down and gets up again is “struggling”.
We need to reinforce this two basic prerequisites of learning and growing:
1. Encouragement
2. A failure-friendly environment
Be blessed
Oliver
Hi Oliver,
I always say that you have to fall down, skin your knee before you run!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Wow, that’s a question you don’t get to think about often (if at all) when you’re all grown up and nobody thinks that continuing to be able to pay the bills is any great accomplishment. I agree with Clare, that encouragement is so lacking. We all just assume that unless there’s a disaster, everyone is fine.
Reading your story actually got me a little teary, because I remember being the one trying to balance on the bike and my parents and grandparents thinking I’d saved the world when I learned how 🙂
Not so much of that in the grown up world! I’m fortunate enough to have supportive parents and a husband but it’s so easy to forget that everyone needs encouragement.
So you’ve inspired me today to be the one doing the encouraging, so there’s a little more of it in the world. Starting now… Thanks, Donna, you’re doing a fantastic job by writing here to inspire us all. You’re awesome!
Carol Lynn Rivera recently posted..Listen To Your Mother: Advice For Making The Sale On Your Website
Hi Carol Lynn, I am so happy that you came away with happy memories and inspiration from this post. I think it is important to look back and remember those good feelings of encouragement. Sometimes it is also good to link those feelings to our selves and encourage our inner SELF!
In NLP training, that is what you do. Get a feeling and link it to a thought and put it out in the universe.
Blessings, Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Donna, that is a great story – brings back memories of when I taught my three girls how to ride. I am pretty self encouraged, by helping others get started and succeed in my business…but I do see the power of having someone else encourage you.
Hi Tim,
Yes it is important to have someone to encourage you. If it is not your friends or family, I say to go out to a mastermind group or someone in your niche. Partnering is so important when we are working solo.
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
I loved your article today about encouragement! Both of my parents were entrepreneurs/brick & mortar business owners. So, I grew up in a household where 2 people that had nothing ended up with something from their hard work and efforts to succeed.
So many people are so busy saying they can’t do something that they literally won’t do it! I’ve found that YOU are the only one that can keep your dream alive. I try to surround myself with positive thinkers and people that have already made it with their online business! There comes a time when you have to just let go of those people that hold you back with negative. If we surround ourselves with people that keep saying they can’t then it may rub off on us.
Hi Doreen. Funny, I grew up in the opposite way. My parents both had those “steady jobs” and scoffed at me when I was doing my own thing. I don’t know where else I got the encouragement, but within myself. It didn’t make sense to me what my parents and other grown ups around me were doing. To me it felt like they were in “prison” always pleasing the “boss.”
I just followed my intuition and voila!
Thanks for you comment,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Encouragement does go a long way. It is hard to get that as an adult, as some of us may be only children and parents may have passed away. I still have all my grandparents and my folks… and definitely was not an only child. I know at first, getting their support was a little hard, but since they have seen some of the results, they have backed me 100%.
I was surprised a couple months ago when my dad said if I ever needed help financially, he would gladly help invest. Although I did not need it, just him stating that really made me happy to hear and know that he was eager to see me succeed and would help if needed.
He was also the one that taught me how to ride a bicycle too…lol.
Nile recently posted..Blogging Ain’t Perfect: Your Blog Voice
Hey lucky you Nile! I see you had a lot of support. I personally didn’t and never received ecouragement from my Family. Instead I had to pull it out of my inner Self.
The sense of “knowing” kept me going without any encouragement at all. The first time I was encouraged by anyone is when I met my husband 21 years ago. I am so grateful for that! Beforehand, I was solo. But I did learn that it starts from the inside and I did encourage myself.
Thanks Nile for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Donna
Encouragement is so very important. It is awesome that your husband is so supportive! I do believe as people get older it goes from “you can do anything” to “you will never be able to do that!” It really is sad. I pray to be an encourager to every person that I come in contact with!
Tonya
Tonya recently posted..Protein Power!
Hey Tonya, Thanks for the comment on encouragement. Yes, I am blessed to have a husband that is supportive. I thank God every day for that. The “you will never be able to do anything” can happen when you are young or older. I feel that the older I get the more confidence I have in myself as a woman….a strong woman. Time may take it’s toll on my body, but not my soul.
Thanks for coming by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Hi Donna,
Encouragement is so lacking in our world today. our media seems to focus on the negative! When encouraging words are spoken, spirits are lifted! I would encourage solopreneurs to seek encouragement from their greater source, whoever that may be. For me it is God! I hear Him speak to me and praise me regularly. During tough times, it was God who lifted me up and reminded me as a child of His that I am always loved and precious. Now that life has rebounded, I am so grateful for His encouraging words. God also encourages me to encourage others even when they fail! Always look at the positive effort involved!
You encourage others through your writing!
Be blessed,
Clare
clare recently posted..Enjoying the Holistic Health Benefits of Champagne and Dark Chocolate!
Thanks for the comment Clare. I like your statement that God gives you encouragement. There have been studies of people with illnesses and those that believed in a God, got better sooner than those who didn’t. Hmmm…
Makes you wonder doesn’t it?
I also need God for my encouragement. I am blessed with a great husband but sometimes, it goes beyond that. A more spiritual means. And God NEVER fails me.
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement