It doesn't get any more simple than that. Your hard work and effort will pay off handsomely when done by the work of a true professional :)

Everyone starts at a different place. They cannot expect to progress at the same rate. But to succeed, all must progress.

I like the old flying analogy; I don't care how long you've been a pilot, I want to know how many hours you've got in the air!

Great message! Something to examine for sure.

Great point Eric. If we are to be a pro we need to put our time in.

Thanks Eric...nope, don't deserve it yet...but time to get to work and make it happen!

Professionals in any industry get good coaching and make a DECISION to win.

Talent only is not good enough. People with less talent than others but with more determination will achieve more than those with more talent but less determination. So if you think you haven't got as much talent as the next guy, just increase your determination.

And the journey and the hard work is ultimately fun most of the time anyway. I am at my most frustrated when I know I have been lazy or been putting things off. When I work hard, I finish the day with a smile on my face.

Amatures stop practicing and only play...Professionals practice, practice and continue to practice every day.

Thank you Eric for placing important tools in our hands to go from amateurs to pro...

Lets keep up the hard work!

Professionals pay the price, no matter what area they are a pro at. There is no way getting around that. Just pay the price now and do the activity, for the freedom this business provides in a few years.

Thanks for the reminder Eric!

So true - work as hard as you can and you will be rewardes with reaching the goal.

Daily productive activities. I believe that's the difference between the NMPro and the amateur.

Great message. Thank you Eric.

This one is powerful for me, the question of do I deserve success ...... I have come to discover that I think I actually DON'T believe that I deserve success. For a reason I can't even begin to comprehend! The good news is that I fully agree with Eric when he says that professionals (referring to athletes) fight to the last point. They don't give up when the going gets tough. As an athlete, I couldn't agree more.

Now I just have to get that belief in MYSELF. I believe in my company and the revolutionary products 100%. I just need to figure out how to believe in ME. Put that on my to do list ....... :)

Put more effort to reach success

YES I DESERVE SUCCES, YET I AM AWARE THAT I NEED TO PUT IN MUCH MORE EFFORT THAN THAT I HAVE PUT IN LATELY. I CONSIDER MYSELF A FIGHTER AND A PERSON WHO DOESN'T GIVE UP, SO I KNOW I AM ON MY WAY TO BECOMING A PROFETIONAL, IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT EACH ONE OF US WANTS IN THEIR LIFE AND HOW WELL THEY KNOW THEIR POTENTIAL AND BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES!

Of course you see this with the Olympians too.

I deserved more than I have today, thats why I'm working for better future and lifestyle like you have Eric :)

Applying the same dedication and commitment as a professional athlete. Very cool way to look at it. That's a model people can understand and relate to. Not only in skills and practice but in belief, mindset, visualization and expectation. Thanks for a great new way to look at the path to success.

I was watching a recording of Darren Hardy today and he made the same point regarding being professional, putting in the work, following thru, and being consistent for the next 2-5 years and by doing these things we would deserve the success that we get from all that EFFORT. I believe that most people come into this business with a 2 week mentality instead of a long term one, and i think that will always be a problem until we can change the image of this industry that we all love to be apart of

1)Put in the time, 2)put in the effort, 3)get good coaches, 4)develop good skills, 5)mentally decide to fight until the last point, 6)don't give up at the first sign of opposition or resistance, 7)decide to be serious and go after it in a big, big way!

Good summary. Thanks.

Put in the time and effort and you will get success.

Thank Eric

Very well said... AND perfectly understood. The fun/sad part is that some people think calling 1 person a week is also hard work...
But everybody with a bit of a brain can realize that, no matter what you want to accomplish in life, you have to work hard and put some extra hours/effort at getting GOOD at what you want to accomplish.

As in all professions of life, you most work and work on your skills to become better everyday. Practice makes perfect.

There is more to a tennis match than a single game!
Game, Set & Match!
A bit like recruiting!

Eric, this is perhaps one of the things that our loved ones don't get... They see us try and since they don't see the success come right away.. they say "maybe its time to realize it didn't work..."

As they see us endure, they then say... " I admire your perseverance and consistency"... and that only tells us that in the future, they will say "I am so happy you made it"

Thanks for sharing , and being in the four majors is one of my dreams!! I got Wimbledon down, three to go!

Federico

Do I deserve success....my answer to that question is yes, but the real question is what am I willing to do to get it. My answer to that question is whatever it takes. Thank you Eric

Going Pro requires a lot of effort, commitment and sacrifice...but the rewards are incredibly rich!

Success is worth the effort to become professional.

I believe that if we act as professionals and become the people we need to be to become successful then yes we will earn success. But the work has to be put in.

Would love to live that Diamond Life.

Great video professionals have coaches and keep an A game in every aspect of their endevours

It is time for each of us to become professionals, no matter what the cost. We all have to treat this as a "job". My wife would have loved to be at a major tennis event.

Great company affording you great opportunities. I love the Professional tips.

I do deserve success and I am on my way to become one of the greatest networkers in the world.
This weekend was a very defining moment for me. A lot of stories, lot of information, a lot of work to do.
Thank you very much Eric.

My vacation is over now Carribean was fantastic now it's time to go to work

making the effort to become a pro. Lots of extra work to do that.

Eric, me and my upline were just talking about this topic just lastnight. He called a meeting and we were speaking about some of the things that were said in that Sherman Unkefer interview saying that this is a face to face business and people buy into people. They feel more comfortable and trusting of the person they can PHYSICALLY see and VERBALLY speak to as opposed to ALWAYS hiding behind a computer screen and a text message. I believe the web 2.0 is good to reconnect with people you haven't seen in ages, create and follow along with interesting blogs and to disseminate info to groups at once. But in order to introduce them into the fold of your business, a phone call is necessary, an appropriate sorting tools are necessary and ther person to person interaction is truly a must. And if they're not in your geographic location, it has to be more than just an email sent to sponsor them.

I like what you said about "professionals". They put the time and the effort in and and mastered what they do. That is what separtates the professionals from the amateurs and average people in their respective skill set, careers, businesses, fields of study, etc.

#238 I deserve sucess. Must my team to work smarter.

One of the things I enjoy most about this profession is that it parallels so many important qualities I instill in the lives of my athletes. it requires me to put my money where my mouth is.

Success is something to work for it hard. I do not believe in success without struggling for it.

Hi Eric Yes i deserve success.My success has not come easy and yes i have worked very hard to get where i am , but i am just geting started.Comments to you is just another mark. Thanks A.C.

We deserve success based on the time, effort, and development of the necessary skills to be a success.

True, we should emulate the sports professionals and Olympians who push themselves to the limit to achieve the gold.

Thanks Eric! I agree that we need to work hard in order to achieve success and in this business, that means growth personally and the desire to help others achieve success. We need to follow those who are successful and be coachable.

Do I deserve success?
Yes, I deserve the amount of success I have now.
In one year's time I deserve the success I have then.
The same will be true in 20 years.

Because my level of success is the product of my effort.

Yup. I agree. Lots of hard work. Gotta focus and treat it seriously.

Do I deserve success? Yes. I am I willing to learn how, that is what I am doing reading and posting here :0)

Great show! I have been watching the Olympics and getting inspired. You have just put into words what the metaphors are! Thanks!

No question about it, with a good coach, a good system and product, hard work, succes is bound to arrive.

Absolutely deserve success.....because I try and try and try and try untill I get good enough to rock the world of MLM :)

You're so absolutely right.You have to work harder then the rest and get better every day and not quit
And all your efforts will make you succesful

238:
thanks eric and hope you enjoy my swiss friend body roger federer ;-)

Whether we deserve it or not, if we don't BELIEVE we deserve success, we won't attain it - or be able to keep it. I was listening to James "Ross" Quinn the other day who said one of the biggest diseases in the industry was the lack of self-worth. If one feels unworthy, he/she will believe that whatever effort is put in will not be enough or good enough. I love the phrase coined by Emile Coue' "Every day in every way, I'm getting better and better." We don't start out being great at what we're doing, but every time we put that effort in we get better - and we definitely deserve to get better!

Sven Kramer from the netherlands got a golden medal at the olympic wintergames on skating 5000m And guess what: het said it's a matter of very hard working...

My Determination to Succeed gets stronger and stronger everyday.
Speaking of Determination....Has anyone ever seen the movie "RV" by Robin Williams?

Sport is a really good example of the difference between amateurs and professionals.

I love a Michael Jordan´s commercial where he described what he obtein was not easy, it was not a special gift, or something that dont required a daily effort. Profesionalism is sinonimous of discipline, persistence and continuos learning.

Wow Eric, great message. You spend alot of time in Australia. I know you're having alot of fun.

Maurio

I think I aready commented on this but have had big computer problems. Love to travel vicariously through you.

Identifying oneself with success and "can do" is a journey by itself. I believe it is a process of expunging/letting go......stop placing your dreams in the hands of others no's, don't want to do it, their fear etc. Break through this cycle of the "no- inflence" e and you will find yourself on the other side.

Pauline, very well said, "expunging", "placing your dreams in the hand of others no's" . Your words speak well to me, thanks!

Your message is so true- true athletes practice and stay focused. Their consistency is what takes them to where they are. Thanks Eric

If you are an active athlete you KNOW that you have to practice over and over again. It´s the same for us.

Work, work, work and don't give up. Every mistake is something to learn from.

Like Malcolm Gladwell explains, you have to put in your 10,000 hours.

I have definitely put in effort, but at times I was putting effort into the wrong things, or not being consistent enough. I'm glad I have this program to give me the coaching and teach me the skills I need to be a professional. Part of being a professional is figuring out what you did wrong and changing it so you can do it better next time.

You said it in one of your previous videos if it was easy everyone would do it and the money potential would not be what it is. Great job Eric

Your success is up to you. Your drive is up o you. Your motivation is up to you. If you dont have it no one is going to give it to you. You must be willing to do what it takes to over come and achieve.

#28
the principles to success are the same in everything from health goals to sports and success in MLM... commitment, focus, dedication, sacrifice and consistency.

Thanks Eric

Yes, yes...keep fighting to the end. It's amazing how athletes are that determined in winning. What's even more amazing is us witnessing it? We can learn so much from people all around us. However, it is a personal decision to make and that's why I appreciate you bringing this up to create more awareness that we all should never give up at the sign of opposition or resistance.

It's really simple, it's only up to yourself to become a pro. Success is not something you get for free, but if you're willing to do what it takes you'll be playing in the great leagues before you know it..........

work, and work... learning, being coachable .... focus, focus, fearlur and keep training, never give up, never!!!!!!!!!!! best regards and blessings

Like any success in life, rather financial or relationships, etc, it takes time, effort, a coach or good exmpale to follow, skill development, & DON"T QUIT!!

Network marketing is the most efficient business model ever. If you're a sluggard, you don't get paid. If you work at it, you'll reap the rewards and deserve your success.

BTW Eric... Internet was down all day yesterday and I couldn't post until now.

To be professional you must work hard. The difference in All other areas like sport you have no leverage.

It is a mindset, knowing that if I put on the effort consistently it will grow the fruits, no matter what, in opposed to hoping to get lucky and find the right person.

NOTES:
Put in the time, put in the effort, developed the skills and got good coaches.
Stay serious and go after it independent of what they find in the way.

You deserve success if you not only think about your own success, but when you care about someone else´s success. Regards from your biggest fan.

i think if you want success, you have to find out what kind, and just go for it...its about choosing success.

Stay focused. If you are willing to pay the price you deserve what comes with it.

Great Advice!

It is time &energy and having a great coach. but that is a given. It is that commitment that they have to their careers.

"They fight to the last point" Pro's don't quit! Thanks eric

Be a pro and have success is a decision.

Saludos from Mexico City

We gotta go pro to deserve success... takes time, dedication, consistency, and commitment... the rewards are HUGE!

Great parallels Eric between professional athletes and professional network marketers. The more time you spend doing something, the greater your chances for success. We all need to put the time in and make the decision to keep working no matter what. If we do that, success will come by default.

Success is measured in activity.

Yes! To be a professional takes time, commitment, dedication and effort. I can do that.

Currently, I am a rank amateur. I have no delusions of grandeur. When I heard about the 1-3-5-7 rule, I knew it was for me. So, do I deserve success? Well, "do the thing, gain the power" as Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote. If I do the thing, really do it, I will gain the power (success).

#238 - Do You Deserve Success? - You need to decide to go pro in our business. Making that decision, you need to put in the time, the effort, and not give up at the first signs of opposition, just like the pro tennis players. "Work harder, get better, and go tell the world..." GREAT

Time, effort, coaches, skills and mentally convinced. Simple, essential ingredients.
Of course I deserve success. Deciding is a reference point of awareness that one doesn't have all the success they want. Knowing and believing success is like breathing.
Interestingly, on my travel delay day (stuck in the Northeast yesterday in the February Fury), I ran across more people who were so worried. Having "positive vibes", I thought I would share it with weary travelers. Whenever someone I encountered looked concerned, I asked them "where are you headed?". Their anxiety came out (get them present). I commiserated with their situation, then told them about other possibilities they might want to consider (to successfully get to where they were going). Most of us were faced with a 3-day delay. There's got to be other options. (Don't necessarily follow the crowd) I told them a story about another traveler that solved the problem in a different way (took the train west instead of the plane, which were cancelled anyway). I took the train east to Boston in front of the storm and got out of the area (went south under the storm, then back home to Dallas). You should have seen the lights go off in their eyes. Options. Hope. Successful confidence reassured them that they too can be successful. I hope they all found a good way home. In my case, because I have travelled and love new adventures, I know that I would succeed. I just wanted to help others succeed too. (posting this the day after, since logging on Feb 10th was my adventure day).
When the weary traveler is worried and fearful, their ability to succeed is based on luck. When I believe I am successful, my mind is clearer to face the challenge and apply myself.

Great post about the difference between "Professionals" and "Amateurs". Everyone should try to become a Network Marketing Professional as well. One of my I AM statements is "I AM a Network Marketing Pro. It is true is does take effort. The real Professionals in anything did not get to that position with a whole lot of Effort. It takes work. That is my we call it Net-Work Marketing. Too many people get in our deal with a "lottery mindset" and think their ID number will be picked out of a rolling drum or hat. Sorry it doesn't work that way.

Eric, thanks for the latest short videos - had some surgery so missed a couple of days but am back at it daily as of now.

time, effort, good coaches,develop your skills, and never give up. I got it Eric. Thanks.

Hi Eric-I had a propblem accessing the video while I travelled yesterday....but didn't want to miss even ONE! Your message today is sooooo real to me. To become aprofessional at anything requires work and sweat and training and practice and perseverence to deserve the success that you and many others have achieved. We have so much work to do to learrn and teach others that truth. The goal....is to find those who understand it and are willing to do the work. I am one of those who is...and will!! Thank you!

Thanks for the reminder that we are always learning and that we need to be challenged by others to continue to grow.

Connie T

You're right it takes hard work, passion, consistency and personal growth to become a professional.

Becoming a professional is a decision not to be taken lightly. It is a shift of priorities. It is the difference between 'trying' something and 'doing it'. We've all heard that being a professional means practicing off the field. As a professional we practice our skills to prepare for the match. Do you put in the time? Or are you constantly distracted by things that aren't pertinent to the growth of your business? Eric, as you say at the end of each show - decide to go pro - become a network marketing professional.

They fight until the last point....

Put in the time and effort, be teachable, don't quit! Thanks Eric, we can never hear this advice too often.

Hard work , goals and vision , you need all of those to succeed

So true. We must work harder and keep our dreams in front of so no one can steal them from us. Everyone of us can travel the world and give our families the best this life has to offer. Call 10 people today and share your product!

Jim Rohn said, life asks that we bring seed not need. And life will give us what we desrve not what we need.

Love seeing the backdrop Eric is providing. Just a hint of the freedom and lifestyle available to ALL of us. No special talents needed - but we must develop our craft.

OUCH that is a serious question Eric, we'ld better deserve it to be called nmpro's.
good comparison, thanks!!

indeed, success is a decision in your head. But truly making that decision can be a longterm process i learned:)

I think it's all about making a decision to become professional. I've heard it said that 'there is nothing as powerful as a made up mind', once you have made up your mind you can find a coach and come up with a game plan.

You won't quit if you have 'made up your mind'!

train yourself to be a professional. Find a great coach, you can't do it alone

Hard work is must for acieving anything. Finding time is a bit of a problem.

That hard work is the must, I agree, finding time is a bit difficult for me at this moment.

I'm so excited when we compare Network Marketing with Sports... it's my professional deformation ;-)

Don't say to easily that you deserve success... Let's go to do our homework and attract success. Thank you

Thanks Eric for reminding us again and again. It’s a meaningful advice because many of us still not touch freedom. Yes, we need to put more effort.

I believe that in this business you don't get what you deserve. You get what you expect. Effort is not irrelevant - it is mandatory - but there are plenty of people that work hard but produce nothing because they don't have the skills or they have a personality that repels prospects instead of attracting them.

YES I deserve success. A lot of other people deserve success too. But only those who work at it will get it.

And congratulations to Faouzi Daghistani who was part of this video with you!

Foord Yates

Every episode your bring an insightful perspective for me to look at this profession with new found awareness. This is why I love this program so much. You are shaping my mind to think as a professional network marketer, as I did not truly have this mentality before I began this challenge. When I think of all the countless hours that a tennis professional puts into mastering their craft, I need to step up and find ways to connect with more people to build relationships. This is how I will grow.

Coaching is an important part of turning Pro. Coaches see strengths and weaknesses that are often unknown and unseen in ones self.

To be a pro at anything is hard work, time consuming & you need good coaches. Now lets get on with it!

What a great reminder and something I will take with me all the time. Won't forget this one!

The professional mindset. Don't let opposition or resistance stop you. Embrace it as an expected challange to be overcome. A growing opportunity. Got It.

I've heard this so many times from the Diamonds... "if you take this business as a hobby, you will be paid as a hobby" so I agree we need to work as a diamond, work this business as a a real PRO, don't give up no matter what, work hard, get better, put all your efforts on this and don't be afraid to talk to people, all that will make you feel and get paid like a real diamond =o)

Thanks for making us thing in all of this Eric
Hugs from Mexico
Rossana =o)

No one who was competing at the Australian Open was surprised by the fact that they got there. The work leading up to that was already put in. Similarly, none of us who do not meet our goals in Network Marketing should be surprised when we fall short, if we do not put in the work and avail ourselves to good coaching. Honesty with oneself is key in this industry.

To become a true professional we must put in the time. Just as with any professional athlete they did not become great and achieve their statute over night. They had to learn and fine tune their skills, practice over and over, and then practice more. They were bad before they were good and good before they became great (World Class). They spent much time and invested alot of energy and money into bettering themselves - they worked on developing themselves. Most pro athletes have great coaches, and mentors often many.

It is the same with our profession. To become a professional you have to work hard and want the end result bad. Have to have the "whatever it takes attitude" and never give up, never quit.

We have it better than most pro athletes. Pro athletes are at the top of their game for only so long, and they earn in most cases great money for what they do for that period of time. Most will leave their sport at some point, due to age, due to the strain on their body etc, etc. At that point they stop make the money and their earning potential drops.

With time and as continually you work on yourself and become a true professional within our industry your earning potentially increases and can continue for many, many years if not for generations.

We have a better way!!!

we do have a better way!!

I'm ready to go pro, working that way.

There are no over-night miracles....focus, time, developing skills and lots of effort are requiered to become a pro.

Perfect day for me to be watching this one Eric ... sometimes you feel like a lone wolf out here ... and then you realize, you are not alone .. there are many others out there who share the passion to do MLM correctly and powerfully and to assess others by the set of standards that you set forth in this clip .. great stuff!!! Thanks (and I am jealous .. I saw your pic with Les Brown and everyone else too! How cool!)

I love the reenforment of profeesional and amateur - Thank you.

This was a great analogy. Having played a fair amount of tennis tournaments, I heartily agree that it has nothing to do with "deserving" to win.

It is true. It does take effort to become a professional as you wish for us to become. As I listen to this episode today for the 3rd time, Linda is coaching a team member in the other room of the house. Amazing journey. Thanks Eric.

Great analogy to sport Eric.

Pity Andy Murray didn't win, being a Brit!

Another great show Eric! Thanks.
You articulated very well the difference between an amateur and a professional.
To truly become professional I agree that we MUST decide too, stay focused on it, and take the action to succeed! Thanks again. You are a true blessing in my life.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed

Hey Eric,
Does the person waiting in line at QT to buy their lottery ticket know anything about what it takes to be a 6 or 7 figure Network Marketing Professional ? Could a NM Pro be waiting in the same line to also buy a lottery ticket? Would one deserve to win more that the other? Remember that luck is intersection of preperation and opportunity. As NM Pros, we would be more deserving of success if we ceased to recruit those that think our industry is a winning ticket from lady luck.

Wishing You Plenty To Live,
Tom Doiron
Atlanta

Network Marketing takes time and effort just like any other profession. Good reminder.

This was a terrific example.

Do I deserve success? Only if I truely work hard to acheive it. Nothing comes easy. Being a tournament Bass fisherman has shown me that if I don't keep at it, practice in all kinds of conditions, than I won't be placing in the money at the end of the day. Being good at anything takes a serious effort on your part.

LOVE IT! And yes, I have already decided that I AM a network marketing professional. Just like any pro, it takes time and effort to learn the skills, and keep working at those skills.

Having been a college and semi-pro athlete helps me to remember my focus when I am working this business. Great analogy - NM is just like being a pro athlete.

Put effort into your busiess, work hard in the end it will pay off. Everyone deserves success.

Pro athletes would have to be some of the hardest working, dedicated people out there. Practicing the same motion over and over again. As you said Eric network marketing is a very repetitive business too, we need to keep practicing, sharpening the saw, and be putting it into action.

Becoming a pro at anything is not easy. We have to work hard for many years and then maybe we can call ourselves a pro. The great thing about NM is the fact that anyone can become a pro if they work at it. It doesn't take a ton of money or even a ton of skill, it just take dedication and determination over a period of time. Just don't quit, if you stay in it you will eventually win it.

So much to learn from the athletes. The way the media works we often are given the impression that these superstars are created overnight. But that is so far from the truth. Whether it is athletes, actors, artists, writers, musicians... they put in many years of "working their butts off" to "all of a sudden" make it big. We have to remember the hard work, dedication and slip ups they go through along the way to success. It is always the same no matter what the endeavour.

If I can see it ,I can be it,If I just belive it,there's nothing to it.I believe I can fly,i believe I can touch the sky.Think about it every night & day,spread my wings& fly away.I believe i can fly.See me running through the open door.I believe I can fly.
I was on the verge of breaking down,Sometimes the silence just seems so loud.There are miracles in life I must achieve,but at first I know it atarts inside of me.If I can see it,then I can be it.If I just believe there's nothing to it.
I believe I can fly,I believe I can touch the sky.Think about it every night & day spread my wings & fly away.I believe I can soar,see me running through that open doorI believe I can fly....
If I can see it I can be it,there's nothing to it. I believe I can fly......
As sung by Yolanda Adams
This song is so inspirational to me. It is about beliving in yourself and what we can achieve.(Anything if we put our minds to it)
also we need to learn the right skillsets as well,but it all seems to go hand in hand.

Hi Eric...Like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. Period. One of my "efforts" was to commit to learning from your message every day, and I am getting the benefit out of my efforts, and so are the others that have continued to stick with your challenge at the beginning of the year. Not rocket science - you just gotta do it!!!

Never quit and work hard. Decide to be professional and work every day living up to it.

I have got to put more effort in my business.
Starting today!!!!

Youre have way to much fun.... Wish i was there...

Well I'm pretty stubborn, so I am always willing to fight for what I believe in. I believe in myself, my business and my family. THANK YOU ERIC!

Great scenery Eric. You do live a good life. Everyone deserves success. The problem is not everyone believes they deserve success. And that's where working on yourself comes in. Once you believe you deserve success, then nothing will stop you from getting what you deserve.

As usual, spot on. It's been said it takes 10,000 hours doing something to become an expert.

How many hours have you spent on the phone? In front of prospects? Listening to training? Less than 10,000? GET TO WORK!

Thanks Eric

Here's my comment... You live a great life my friend!!!

Work harder and get better! We can all do that if we DECIDE to do it. Thanks Eric, see you in San Fran.

A key factor is passion. One has to be passionate about their business. If you are passionate and really have a love for what you are doing, it is easy to spend time perfecting your talents because it doesn't seem like work.

As a former tennis pro myself, I underline Eric's words .. decide. And re-decide every day anew.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to realize attaining the goal of “ professional “ and the success associated with this self realized and proclaimed badge of honor !
I have always believed that I would become a professional at anything I decided to pursue. As well, I have always attacked any commitment I made as if I was already a ” professional in training”. That said, earning the badge of “professional “requires a commitment to hard work and along with this “seat time” one needs to learn how to navigate and manage through your chosen initiative. This has proven true of every commitment I have made, sports, music, marriage, faith, and career “choices”.
When you choose to engage in a worthwhile endeavor, you need to be open to learn from your peers, and mentors, maintain a strong personal code of conduct, and an unstoppable commitment to learning your craft, all this and more, in order that you acquire the badge of “professional “and realize your vision.
My take is that amateurs are really "professionals in training". The reason they need to work hard is to develop their sense of timing, instinct, and enough time on the track to evolve into the title of Professional. The line that differentiates you is not the title, but something inside that you believe. One day you wake up and you know you are no longer the PIT, but rather a full fledge PROFESSOINAL!
Then the work begins of honoring this self realized position every day.

This philosophy, that to be successful network marketing professionals and better people and leaders our efforts must include studying, practicing and teaching of the skills required, so that they are duplicated and consistently applied is, indeed, key to the way we must go about our business. What a great illustration of this point – thinking about Roger Federer, the ultimate pro. Thanks again Eric

Eric, Work Hard = L.U.C.K. Labor Under Correct Knowledge. How do you learn the correct knowledge? From great couches and mentors such as yourself. But knowledge without putting in the proper work and effort is useless.

work hard, never give up!

I agree!! but sometimes those you think closest to you are...NOT!!

Thanks Eric

Thanks Eric! You're right.

Look at your actions and mindset. and behaviors. Easy to assess whether we are a pro or an amareur.

Make the decision which you want to be....then stay focused on the desired outcome and pay the price with hard work.

I will remember this! Thanks Eric

I think that a person starting out can only be an amateur to begin with. But with training, a willingness to learn, willingness to step outside of their comfort zone, bring their passion, persistance and a never give up attitude, a person can and will grow into a professional.

Quitting is not in my vocabulary! Work smart - study the pros, get mentors, read and immerse self in self improvement, help others attain what they want and continue to grow.

"Don't quit at the first sign of resistance". Great quote Eric.

I deserve the success more so due to the hard work, time and commitment. But, I must put in the time, get the coaching and develop the skills.

I agree with you entirely and it applies to every area of life.
My favourite phrase.....
They've all done ' the hard yards '.
I'm part the way there....

And not just how much time we put in but how consistently we put that time in. I'm learning to balance the two carefully. Thank you as always for the valuable lessons!

Yes, you have to work harder to become better in your profession. Success comes after you put time and efforts and never give up.

I have a lot of work to do to become a professional, but I am taking the right steps (including coaching by you even though you don't know it, but I am here day in day out and will be for a long time). Thanks for everything.

I GET that! No, I REALLY GET IT! They had to practice, practice, practice and practice some more before they became successful!

Hi Eric, you are the man!!!! living the good life.
the networkmarketing life.
enjoy the tennis game.

Ron Ackerman - Israel

I agree!
Of course I deserve the success.

I definitely deserve success, I am on my way, with full engeens, to achieve it.Thank you Eric and all my friends here, for sharing all the wisdom and the experience. Bless you!

Just like everything in life, first the hard work -> success

Absolutely. Time is a factor that crucial to success. Putting the time in, taking consistent and frequent action to get to your goal. Thanks Eric. See you in San Francisco in a few days.

I am 100% agree, time, skill, coaches, don´t give up, decide to be PRO

Lets do it !!

time effort coaching and skill and never give never give up....

Effort is SO important ... it's the beginning point of all success. However, though many people deserve success based on their effort, they never really get there because their effort is misplaced on flawed business models (a job) or ineffective strategies and tactics applied to their business.

Effort PLUS effective strategies = success ... in any endeavor.

Best to you,
Scott

When you get knocked down, you pick yourself up, over and over again.

Of course I deserve success :-)
When I have learn my skills and every single part of my business :-)
Thank you Eric, I really like the way you put things.

determine to finish the race

Very true Eric. The ones who work hard will reap the benefits. Thanks for your messages.

Man your shows are always so right on time! A lot of ppl start out playing tennis, basketball, football, or whatever...but a small percentage of them go pro. There is something different about them...it's their effort over a period of time. The same has to be said for this industry or any other business...consistent effort over a period of time begins the separation process of amateurs and pros.

Success comes from hard work and those who put effort in network marketing deserve success. Anybody doing this business thinking they will get lucky, they are in the wrong place.

How true. Need the fire in the belly.

"put in time, put in effort ,got good coaches, developed a good strong mental attitude and just go for it...Nike? Or just plain good solid advice? excellent message Eric...

To become successful in Network Marketing you must turn professional. Amateurs don't get paid professionals do!

Love that - - how true!

Love that Chris! So true...

i love tennis!!!

Professionalism.....Mentally fight to the last point........dont give up at the first sign of opposition or resistance...... never a truer word said !

Thanks Eric for what you're doing for this profession by taking it into the public arenas like the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian Open. I hope you got to see the Fed Express do his thing.

You are absolutely right, it is all mental. Wallace D. Wattles said something to the effect of ....the hardest task for man to do is control his focus.... I agree, it is so easy to fall into stinkin' thinkin'!

You WILL achieve success if you work harder on yourself than you do your business.

Interesting. I just read something about research conducted to show the difference between #1 and #2 tennis players and everyone else in the matches.

What the study showed was #1 tennis player had the ability to quickly relax and recover at a higher rate than the other professionals.

Relaxation and Recovery is just as important as hustle. You can get more done faster in less time.

Thank you Justin for sharing and it is so true!

Ha where did my face go?

Yo deserve what you get as a consecuence of what you do. Success is a consecuence of desire, action and confidence. Proffesionals act. Amateurs just wish.

We can't expect to create something meaningful without working hard to become a professional. Thanks for providing a huge tool through this website.

Rick M

Hard work, don't give up, always work to become better & better--no lottery mentality--and be coachable!
Good points. Thanks for the training reminders. Enjoy the game!

It takes work to be a professional...but it is worth it! We do have a better way.

Educate...Educate....Educate yourself everyday!

Time, effort, development and the decision to just do what it takes. Thanks Eric

Like you said... Pro's are pro's because they are better at what they do, due to the work that they have done (both mentally and physically). If everyone in the world was just as good at it as the pro's the pro wouldn't be a pro... They would be called average...

The pro's of 50 years ago (at that level of 50 years ago) in our profession may not be considered pro's by today's levels of the pro's. Simply put the pro's are pro's because they do "their thing" better than most others regardless of what the level of the average.

Like the Tenis Pro's or any other Pro they have trainners. We have you, thanks for all you do.

It's a business -- similar to tennis we need to practice in order to perfect our business.
Here is my score card
Mentor - check
Coaching staff - check
Winning attitude - check
Consistent commitment - needs improvement

It amazes me how many people are so eager and excited to get started then get their first couple of no's and give up. Sometimes after 1 week! Not willing to put in what it takes and never quit. When I hear the word try, a red flag goes up because if they are just going to try it gives them a great way to bail, well I tried! Thanks Eric enjoy the tennis! Lori

How true you are Lori. "Try" tells me there is no real commitment or laser focus.

Don't give up. Keep working at it. Commit to it. Always put your focus toward it.

Amateur effort =Amateur results. As we all know there is more than just effort involved here but these are some of the issues that Eric is addressing for us all.

My question is" When the effort is there + all the other necessary ingredients what is the 1 thing that makes the difference? Is it natural inborn natural ability? I would love the answer to this.

It is very sad to see so many quit without polishing their skills.

As in any profession you must put in the time and effort in order to succeed. You want to win then you put your best foot forward to obtain your goal or goals.

Winston Churchill said, "It is never possible to guarantee success; it is only possible to deserve it".
NM success occurs as a result of hard work and a conscious decision to stay on task until we succeed.

of course, we have to work hard and never give up!!

Hola Eric,People need to become a professional, If we have a professional attitude, we´re gonna have a prefessional check. By Juan Carlos Graduño in Black Tie event, Agel World 2009.

Saludos.
Daniel y Natali,Querétaro,México....

To be successful in our profession of network marketing we have to put in the time and effort, develop good skills and we can't give up!

Imagine the success you want - plan for the success you want - then diligently and consistently work towards, and believe in, your success! Very soon you will be a NMPRO!

Success from luck won't last.
Designed success is a skill, deserved & long lasting.

people see them on the playing field, but don't see the hours of focus and practice. We can all become professionals! In our biz by the way...not in tennis. haha

The majority of folks do not see what a professional goes through to stay on top of their game. They just see the "rewards". It does not make the news that so and so got up at 5 in the morning and practiced and practiced till sun set just to perfect a swing. The media just say how much they earned or will be earning on their multi million dollar contract. It takes a lot to be a pro in any profession.

great point - don't expect to play like an amateur and get paid like a pro..

Deciding to be a professional makes all the difference. Thats why I love this site because it teaches you how to become a professional.

I agree you with 100%. People see professionals and think to themselves "wow they do so easy" They don't realize that they worked there butt off,behind the scenes! In our industry it means, making those phone calls,going through the rejections,attending those events,being coachable ,getting out of your comfort zone, being consistent and persistent.

Yes, many people give up way too soon, luckily for me, I'm too stubborn to give up and I do feel like a network marketing professional, but it took time

I will put in the effort, I will be a Pro.

Eric...you are correct! At the first sign of defeat, most people in network marketing run the other way with their head between their knees. The ones that succeed move on to find the victories, even if they are small.

I am working hard to become a network maketing professional

B"H
Only professional people can survive in this field!

As in any business, you have to make mistakes and learn. Not everything is in the books. As long as you stay focused on your goals, open shop everyday and love what you do, good things will happen.

Nice word picture and visual of what we must focus on. Getting better every day and lots of hard work.

Very good reminder of what it really takes and challenges me to keep working on stepping up daily. thanks Eric

The best things in life are the things that you have gone out and earned.

Work hard to be a professional; just like any other job; but with endless gratifications....let`s do it!

I want to go pro, need more self discipline and organization.

Yes, I deserve success!!!

The Truth is allways painful! There are many sacrifices to do before success, but we have fantastic future if we really want.

I would have to say I do not 'deserve' to be very successful at this point. But that is changing. I will deserve it. And this is the year.

I watched that match on TV.... and you were there.... how cool is that?
Great episode. I think it's easy to forget what "professional" actually means. When we think about professional athletes and what they go through to get to and maintain that "professional" status, it's a great reminder for us to understand what being a "professional" is all about!
It's one thing to CALL ourselves a Network Marketing Professional, and another thing to BE one!
Thanks Eric.

Putting the time in, making an effort to move your business forward and great coaching. All a recipe for success. I'm so glad you're my coach Eric. I'm on my way!

I have a hard time with that "deserving" part. Working on it. In my Definite Main Purpose Statement, I have put that I have the skills, the confidence and the ability to take action and that I DESERVE the lifestyle of my dreams as a result of the actions that I take.

I deserve to be paid. In the beginning the effort getting off the ground is a long hard struggle, similar to putting a 747 into the air off the runway. Once the enterprise is airborne, full throttle is suggested to get over the trees and to get to cruising altitude. That brief period is the most difficult and pays the most dividends.

The other part I have noticed is I expect to be paid. Amateurs do get paid but cannot expect it and it always occurs like a gift or good fortune bordering on luck. If I am not operating in a way where I expect to be paid for my efforts I have to look at what is missing.

If you have something worthwhile to do. Work hard at it. Put the time in. It is the only way.

So True, if we give up at the first sign of trouble, we are not being professional in our approach to our business, thanks Eric for helping keep me on the center line and knowing that their will be bumps along the way!!

commitment=doing whats needs to be done when the excitement of when you first started is gone. Those tennis players and million dollar earners have commitment. My commitment is going to kill me or make me achieve my goals. I am shooting for the latter. LOL

I guess that is the big question. Anyone that is doing the work and strives to get better, deserves the success. Those that choose to sit back and expect things to happen for them, will probably never see the results they desire.

what else is there to say.....

Professionals get paid... amateurs don't

The PROfessionals spend thousands of hours working on the BASICS, in order to perform at a high level. And they are always striving to learn and grow, to improve their results.

Hi Erice

Thanks Again , You make my day every time i listen to you.

We need that Attitude of never give up and just keep on going till the end
and them we will become pro's , you are a great leader to follow .

Great comparison!
Luck has nothing to do with success. Being a professional does.
Thanks a million.
Brigitta

excellent points on what it takes to be a professional...success requires the effort.

I couldn't agree more. If you look at all the top money earners in network marketing they all have well over 10,000 hours of time invested in the profession. There are NO short cuts.

What are you willing to do to have a life of time freedom and financial security?

Time, effort, good coaches... we are lucky to have YOU!

Yes like the previous episode professionals in any arena do not want an easy route....they get better!

Hi Eric! As usual, you're so right. Put in the effort, focus on the worthy and THEN you get success. Thank you! / Linda, Sweden

Hi Eric,

long time since I posted a comment. First had to deal with a virus and than almost fell back into just lurking. Happy to be back in the community.
QOTD: Many people want to become a NM or sports pro because of the obvious benefits, but don't want to give up some of their pathologic habits so they remain amateurs. thanks for helping me see that.
From Belgium, this is Jeroen Lingier

Great comparison. The similarities are undeniable.

Simple, yet powerful message.
Thanks, Eric.

I agree 100%. The sportsmen at the top of their game are the ones that were out practicing when their friends were out partying. The MLMers at the top of their profession are the ones who were out presenting the business when their friends were at home watching the idiot box.

You gotta do what it takes if you want to enjoy the results.

Eric ... Ditto - with what Bryan_in_ KC said below
EFFORT OUT = RESULTS IN

Also thank you quintaser - his comments below - for including that web site from Fortune Magazine

Great success analogy. Seems that the formula for success is pretty consistent in all things. Time, commitment, skills, belief, and persistence.

Couldn't agree more and couldn't say it better so I won't even try!

Dan MacCormick, several weeks ago talked about a Fortune´s Magazine article called "What it takes to be great?. I want to share the link for those of you who haven´t read it yet, it´s clear, it´s fantastic. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_...

From Puebla Mexico, I am Sergio Quintana, MLM Pro

Thanks Eric!

It's the same thing we tell our kids. "Practice makes perfect." It's the effort we put into almost anything we do. If we want to succeed, we have to work hard, be committed and be consistent. Weather it's work, sports, a musical instrument or marriage. How can we expect to succeed if we don't put forth the effort.

Well said !

Professional don't depend on luck but effort and hardwork.

Professionals get paid... amateurs don't

kind of like a hobby

I need to get the ball rolling. But I know I can commit to constant improvement and treating this like a profession. This excites me, to know that I have control over my future.

Effort + Hope + Belief = Success

Perfect show for today. I had a "defining moment" last night after I asked two members of my team if they could make the commitment to be prepared for our next meeting. I was nervous to ask them for what seems like a very small thing. I never heard back and I realized last night that I deserve to work with people that are on board. Today is the first day of my NEW business!

Denise Cox
Denver, CO

Great piece. Like the short snippets. Agree about working hard and having a good coach.

I remember I played soccer every day from Monday to Sunday between 17 and 22 years especially and almost every day before 17. I played very good soccer. I made many gols and had good recognition. However ... NEVER MAKE MONEY. WHY? because I was an amateur. It was not a BUSINESS.

When I began in mlm I was going through the process of understanding the profession. Today I see Eric's analogy to sport is perfectly valid. If We are professional in MLM can make money. Otherwise it will be very difficult.

Now, in the MLM have a great advantage. We may be professionals 10 to 15 hours a week and this business can be great in 5 years.

A special greeting from Cali Colombia

-GJ

OK, Good, Excellent. You decide.

Follow the leaders, get out of your comfort zone, understand this business inside out and then become a professional.

Regards
Peter Ragg

Champs in any field exhibit two common traits..Commitment and Consistency.

Chumps in any field also exhibit two common traits..Compliants and Complacency

Champ or Chump...we all decide

Thanks Eric for the continual reminders that we are on a journey that we have to work at on a daily basis to become a Networkmarketing Pro.

Maybe not yet, but I am working on it, and I know I will, 1-3-5-7 !

Reminds me of the book Outliers by Malcom Gladwell and his belief in the 10k- Hour Rule. I'm committed to going pro and finding success no matter how many hours it takes.

I know that I really really want success. But I have to kick myself in the butt and get moving. Jim Rohn taught that it's about the law of averages. If I talk to 10 and get one, then I know what I need to do to get 8. I either need to talk to 80 or improve my average, which would mean improving myself.

I think we try to make our industry sound too easy when we present the opportunity. Again, after 9 years, I learned to tell it "straight" and I am seeing more success than I ever have.

Dear Eric,
I got you. yes, we do need to work harder, harder then in other industries. Whoever thinks this is a lottery, you buy the ticket and that's it, BIG mistake.
Thank you for reminding us this.
And yes, we have a better way.

You are so right - we must put in the time and effort, get good coaching, fight, fight to the end, do not give up at the first "no"; develop our skills; most importantly - decide mentally to stay in the game!!!

I am not as active as I could be, Do I deserve success? YES.
Thank you for your time Eric

I've played and enjoyed watching tennis since I was 12. So I appreciate your tennis analogy.

"Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you
to recognize a mistake when you make it again."

Commit and stay consistent with your plan. Self reliance is a must. Don't expect others to carry the workload.

Stay constant and steady, be teachable and put the time in without looking back. Stay focused on my vision and dream for a better future...and ignore the dreamstealers, for they will not change. I am putting in the time and I am working hard....I deserve success.

Thank you Eric!!

Wowww it is incredible the Open Tenis place, is our decision to became a network marker profession I am agree with you Eric and thanks a lot for all your shows, it is unbelievable all that I learn during this days
Have a great day
LAURA LOPEZ
Monterrey Nuevo Leon Mexico

The word Professional certainly conjures up many facets to every industry. This resonates particularly for me as I like to think of myself as a sportsperson but never as a professional because of the amazing undertaking to become the best in the business. I better rethink the message you send everyday about being a networking professional ... and more importantly the work it takes. 1-3-5-7!

I ABSOLUTELY DESERVE SUCCESS!

Alex Tita,
Here as promised.

Great analogy Eric! And yes, I wish I were there instead of the Northeast right now!

I have decided to go pro and am putting in my time now so I will deserve my success when I achieve it. In the meantime I put one foot in front of the other and walk confidently in the direction of my dreams.