Have you ever been driving down the road and suddenly run into a patch of fog?

It can be scary, can't it?

The same thing can happen as you build your home-based business!

Read on to find out how. . .

Most everyone who has their own business has spent some time investigating their chosen opportunity and getting their questions answered before they made their decision.

Once that decision is made to get started, most people have high hopes, big dreams, tons of enthusiasm, a solid commitment, and a "nothing is going to stop me" attitude. And it's only natural for them, at this point, to believe that everyone they come in contact with is going to "see it" and either buy their product or join their business with them.

And then reality sets in. . .

If we're not careful, the bright and promising vision we had in the beginning for ourselves will become clouded and dulled, as if a slow moving fog has surrounded us, and suddenly we can't see where we are going.

When you find yourself in this "fog" it can be tempting to stop. You are afraid to keep moving somewhere that you can't see, so you may be tempted to turn around and go back, because you know where that leads and it is comfortable there.

My goal in this article is to prepare you for "the fog" that invades us all from time to time, so it won't take you by surprise.

I want to encourage you NOT to turn around and go back, because if you are patient, the fog WILL LIFT. Or, even better, help you find the courage to continue to make your way through the foggy patches because you know that the sun is shining just a bit further down the road.

So. . .

What can we do when the fog comes?

How can we see through it?

How can we chase it away?

I. Recognize Where the "fog" is Coming From, Know That It Is Normal, and remember IT WILL PASS!

Everyone has times when their vision gets clouded, their motivation declines and their excitement for their business just isn't there. But KNOWING that this is normal and that IT WILL PASS helps you prepare for it and helps you get through it.

Although there are many situations that can become a fog for you in your business, two common ones that almost everyone experiences at one time or another are:

1) Negative People

2) Lack of Results

The negativity of other people is a particularly thick and ugly fog that can surround and discourage us. Just remember to never take advice (especially financially) from someone who isn't where you want to be.

Lack of immediate or profitable results in your business can also create of fog of doubt in your mind. As this fog quietly rolls in, you start to doubt yourself and your business.

Again, just being able to recognize what is going on is your first step to being able to confidently continue on your journey - knowing that there is a "clearing" just around the bend!

II. Cultivate a STRONG Vision!

You hear it all the time, but setting goals and creating a Vision Statement, writing them down and reviewing them daily is very powerful.

A goal is merely a dream until it is written down!

Have a goal that really INSPIRES you. Something that will push you to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Get past the money part and think about WHY you want a successful business.

By making yourself dig a little deeper you will start to discover what is really driving you To help you get to what is truly inspiring your goal try this. . .

* Name one of your goals.

* Ask yourself, "What good will come to me when I achieve this goal"?

* In response to that answer, ask yourself, "Why is that important to me?

* And in response to THAT answer, ask yourself, "And why does THAT matter?"

Another way to help you develop your vision is to answer this question:

If you were to receive one million dollars tomorrow morning, free and clear, EXACTLY what would you do with it?

And lastly, take out a clean sheet of paper and complete this thought. . .

"A complete life to me is one where. . ." and just start writing. Let your thoughts and dreams flow.

Finding your inspiration and regularly reminding yourself of it is one of the best ways to quickly blast through any fog that comes your way!

III. Don't Have False Expectations About the Growth of Your Business!

It's ironic in a way, but hearing of other people having tremendous success very quickly can simultaneously motivate and at the same time frustrate you.

Perhaps you can relate?

The fog slowly rolls into your mind. . ."If they can do it so fast why can't I?", "What's wrong with me", "I'm must not be good enough", "Why is it taking ME so long to earn good money?", "This just isn't working", etc., etc.

When you find yourself thinking these types of thoughts STOP YOURSELF! Recognize what is happening, remember this is normal, and remind yourself it will pass. Pull out your goals, your dream board, your commitment statement and focus on YOUR vision of the future.

I promise, this is just a temporary fog and it will pass!

Not everyone gets off to a fast start, but through persistence and consistent effort have built incredibly successful businesses. Think about a Pack Horse versus a Race Horse. A pack horse will not impress you with its speed or appearance, but it will amaze you with its quiet strength, patience and stamina.

Whether you start fast or slow doesn't matter. We are all successful!! Keep your Vision!! Look past the fog!!

IV. Make Time For Your Business and Do SOMETHING.

Another thing that can happen when your vision gets foggy is that you start procrastinating. You find yourself spending more time just thinking about your business than actually doing anything. You start making excuses and tell yourself you just don't have time to work your business.

The next time you tell yourself you don't have time to work on building your business, think about this. . .You have just stated a priority - not a fact!

We all have many priorities in life and it is extremely important that we keep a balance between family, our spiritual faith, our health and our business. And we must make time for our business. Once you have set aside a specific time, even if it is just one hour a day - use that time productively and be consistent.

You can build a successful business part-time, but not spare time. Are you giving your business a consistent effort or are you very sporadic in your efforts?

Remember that most success and greatness comes from doing many little, repetitive things consistently over time - not just from one grand moment.

So make yourself DO SOMETHING!

It is amazing how forcing yourself to take some action, no matter how small, can break you free from the power of inertia.

If you find yourself lacking in persistence, perhaps your desire isn't what it should be. Get a Bigger Dream! Go back to step one and dig a bit deeper into your goals and find your TRUE INSPIRATION!!!!

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In summary, know that there will be times when your vision becomes foggy. Recognize what it is, that it is normal and that it will pass. Work through the fog by strengthening your commitment and focusing on your goals and dreams, have realistic expectations, AND take consistent action in your business.

And remember . . .

Never, Ever, Ever Give Up On Your Dreams!

Kathy Black is a successful online entrepreneur dedicated to helping others achieve success in business and in life. Visit http://NetMLMSuccess.com to learn step-by-step a better, more profitable, and more fun way to run your network marketing business.