Week 1: Embarking on the Journey
Initial Thoughts and Feelings
Starting my mentorship under Justin Brooke and beginning my work at Happily Unemployed felt surreal. My initial thoughts were, "Is this really happening to me?"
Justin's kindness and willingness to mentor me was astounding. He is not only an amazing mentor and teacher but also a great friend.
I remember when I was younger, thinking, "One day, I'll get to know a VSL rag-to-riches person and ask him all my questions." It took 44 years, but here I am.
Challenges and Humbling Moments
I expected the journey to be easier, thinking I wasn't far from scaling my existing social media professionalism and making a ton of money online.
However, 20 years of Justin's experience compressed into my first week made me feel like I was drinking from a fire hose.
What do you do when you're overwhelmed with tasks and feel like you're eating an elephant?
You take one bite at a time.
Buckle up, Whoman, you asked for this. It's time to get to work.
One of the most challenging moments was when Justin sat me down in his office and said, "You asked me to mentor you, but you have done nothing but question me from the minute you got here."
His message was clear: stop questioning and start doing, or find another mentor.
He was right.
I needed to take a humility chill pill and just listen and apply the lessons he was giving me.
Once I stopped doubting and started doing, everything changed.
My website went up, tools started being acquired and applied, and my whole business life was transforming right before my eyes.
Implementing Essential Tools
Justin guided me in setting up non-negotiable tools essential for my success:
- Social Media Platform: I chose X (formerly known as Twitter) as my main focus, with Instagram on the side.
- Website Builder: Justin recommended an amazing no-code builder, Ghost.org, which made the process straightforward.
- Email Service Provider: For email marketing, we used ConvertKit.
- Virtual AI Assistant: ChatGPT became an invaluable tool to help me with various tasks.
Setting up these tools was pretty straightforward; it was the learning curve of using them all that posed a challenge.
This is where having a mentor like Justin was invaluable. He was always available, not just for motivation but for practical guidance.
One of the biggest tips he gave me was adding an invite option in my blog posts about three-fourths of the way through.
Mentorship and Guidance
Justin’s availability and guidance made a significant difference.
He provided both theory and practical advice, showing me how to use the tools effectively and implement strategies that had an immediate impact on my workflow and business.
Motivation and Not Quitting
A significant part of this journey is the motivation to keep going, even when the road gets tough.
The reality of embarking on this path is that there will be moments of doubt, moments when quitting seems like the easier option.
In those moments, motivation becomes the key to perseverance.
One thing that stood out to me from the beginning was Justin's relentless positivity and belief in my potential.
There were times during the first week when the sheer volume of new information and tasks felt overwhelming.
It was easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt, questioning whether I was truly cut out for this.
But Justin always had the right words to keep me grounded and focused.
He embodied this message through is actions which was, "Success isn't about never falling; it's about rising every time you fall. Cutting the losers and keeping the wins."
Plus he would often ask, "How are we going to know if what we are doing is working?"
This resonated deeply with me. Never give up and track your successes and keep the winners plus ask yourself how you'll know when you've arrived.
The journey to getting rich and enjoying is a straight path.
But being human you'll find it's a winding road filled with obstacles and setbacks.
Just remember the key is to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps may be.
Suspending Disbelief
Another crucial lesson from week one was the importance of suspending disbelief.
When you're aiming for goals that seem out of reach, it's easy to let skepticism and fear take over.
Justin made it clear that to achieve extraordinary results, you need to believe in the possibility of success, even when it seems improbable.
Suspending disbelief means allowing yourself to dream big and take bold steps, even if they seem unrealistic at first.
It's about trusting the process and having faith in the guidance of your mentor. Justin challenged me to embrace this mindset fully.
He encouraged me to set ambitious goals and work towards them with unwavering determination.
I remember a specific instance where I was hesitant to implement a new strategy he suggested.
It seemed too advanced for where I was at that moment. But Justin reminded me, "You won't grow if you only do what's comfortable. Stretch beyond your limits."
Taking his advice, I went ahead with the strategy, and the results were astonishing. It was a powerful reminder that growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
Staying Motivated
Staying motivated in the face of challenges requires a few key strategies. First, it's essential to have a clear vision of your goals.
Knowing what you're working towards keeps you focused and driven.
For me, the vision was not just about financial success but also about the freedom and fulfillment that comes with it.
It's about creating a life where I can provide for my family, enjoy my work, and give back to my community.
Secondly, breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps is crucial.
The feeling of being overwhelmed often comes from looking at the big picture and feeling daunted by its magnitude.
Justin taught me to take things one step at a time. Each small achievement builds momentum and keeps you motivated.
Lastly, surrounding yourself with a supportive community can make all the difference in motivation and application.
Being part of Happily Unemployed means I am constantly in touch with like-minded individuals who are on similar journeys.
We share our challenges, celebrate our successes, and motivate each other to keep pushing forward.
This sense of community provides a support system that makes the journey less lonely and more enjoyable.
One More Thing
Week one of my journey to getting rich and enjoying it has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and transformation.
The mentorship of Justin Brooke has been invaluable, providing both practical guidance and the motivation to keep going.
By suspending disbelief and embracing the challenges head-on, I've begun to see significant changes in my business life.
The path to success is not easy, but with the right mindset, tools, and support, it is achievable.
I am excited to continue this journey, learning more each day and inching closer to my goals. Stay tuned as I navigate the ups and downs of this incredible adventure.
