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By James Allen
For many who have pursued the dream of making a living
online, much of the allure was the idea that it would
provide personal and financial freedom. Most quickly
realized though, that once they started down this path, it
was going to be a while before they got to this point. Many
gave up too soon when they realized that their goal would
actually require effort on their part. Others have
continued on to where they can now see the light at the end
of the tunnel. Quite a few have reached their goal –
profitable online businesses that now produce multiple
streams of income with only a minimum expenditure of effort
on their part.
Once you get to that point and are ready to make your
‘exit’ – be prepared. You have spent so much time building
your online business, it may be a bit of a culture shock
when you no longer need to be in front of the computer all
day long. Suddenly confronted with free time and extra
cash, you may not know what to do next. Here are a few
suggestions not only to help those recently ‘freed’, but
also to inspire those who are almost there.
1. Travel
There must be someplace you've always wanted to visit.
Maybe there is a cruise you've always wanted to take? Now
is the time! Do not be alarmed by the news. With a very few
exceptions, almost everywhere in the world is much safer to
travel to now than in the past. Even taking into account
recent events, flying in a plane is still so much safer
than driving your car. Don't let the fear the government
and media are trying to instill in you stop you from
exploring the world. Travel is still one of the most
rewarding investments you can make in your personal
happiness.
2. Mentor
Look back on your experience becoming successful with your
online business. Was there someone who helped you on the
way? If not, don't you wish there had been? Now it may be
time for you to pass the torch. Find someone starting out
and offer to guide them through the process. Ask anyone who
has ever mentored another and they will tell you it is one
of the most fulfilling things they have done. Chances are,
it will be the same for you.
3. Give Back To Your Community
Ask yourself what you can do to make your local corner of
the world a better place. Maybe you can volunteer at the
local youth center. Find out if there are any community
groups that could use your expertise in online business to
help them with fundraising. You may have already learned
the secret of giving - that it always comes back to you
tenfold. Why not put it into practice in your own backyard?
4. Pursue an Offline Hobby
Get away from the computer! It's time to spend some time
offline - finally. It may be hard to break away at first,
but by picking back up on an old hobby or pursuing a new
one, you can soften the blow as you come back offline and
into the land of the living. Whether it be stamp
collecting, jazz piano or mountain biking, an offline
pursuit will certainly make your life much more enjoyable.
5. Reconnect with Your Friends and Family
There are too many stories about those both in the online
and offline business worlds who sacrificed their friends
and family for their business. Are you heading down this
path? It's never too late to connect with friends and
family you may have lost touch with. Remember, a phone call
or better yet a personal visit will go much further to
rebuild bridges than an email. Scheduling a weekly
get-together with friends at home or at a local cafe or bar
for some real world conversation will deepen and strengthen
old bonds.
Remember, especially if you haven't reached your "exit"
point yet, you will do well to plan ahead for the future.
Of course you should plan ahead financially, but you also
want to make sure your personal life continues to be
fulfilling too. The above ideas should at least get you
thinking. Be ready to enjoy the fruits of your labors.
You've worked hard to create your online success - make the
effort to ensure you can enjoy it!
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