It Magically Happens……

Do activities just magically happen at your home like mine? Do you get an idea and try to speak it into existence without really thinking about how that idea will get accomplished? If you’re anything like me, you drive your people crazy by blurting out an idea thinking it just happens. Let me explain what I mean.

Just the other day, I had this brilliant idea and told my wife, “Hey, we should have a holiday party at our home and invite many of our friends and our family over to celebrate this year.” I thought it was a great idea and expected my wife to say, “YAY, Fantastic! Let’s do it.” Instead, she looked at me for about 30 seconds and then said, “sure, I suppose we can make that happen.” She seemed open to the idea and generally happy about it, but I was shocked she was not as excited as I expected.

A little while later I approached her and asked if she really didn’t want to have a party.  She explained she was happy to have a holiday party and was looking forward to it. She then proceeded to ask me if I knew what actually needed to happen to plan a party like what I had in mind.

That’s when I made the mistake and said, “Sure, we pick a date, invite people and get ready host the best party of this season.” She shook her head and proceeded to tell me how clueless I really was when it came to planning an event like this.

She told me that in addition to picking a date, we needed to make sure that our friends and family were available, how many people were coming and how many people were bringing children, a menu needed to be planned and we needed to determine if there were nutritional requirements that needed to be accommodated, the house would need to be cleaned and decorated, we would need to make sure that we had adequate places for people to sit and eat and socialize, a decision would need to be made if there was an activity or game that we needed to plan, a budget and shopping list needed to be finalized, we needed to set time aside for the food shopping and food preparation, and about 30 other things that needed to occur if we were to make this a successful event.

Then I made my second mistake and said, “You worry too much, it’ll be great, you’ll see!” I wish you could have seen the look she gave me. No, it’s probably better that you didn’t see the face she made.

My feeble mind thought I could present the idea to have a party without knowing all that needed to go in the planning the event.

After I thought about it a little bit, I was reminded of an idea that she had about 15 years ago when she said, “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if our daughter had a playhouse in the backyard? Can you build, one possibly by Saturday?”

I remember telling her that that was a great idea but a lot of things needed to happen before simply putting together a playhouse in the next few days.

We needed to decide which part of the yard to put the playhouse, I needed to level that area and for a foundation, I needed to come up with a set of plans, determining what the playhouse would look like and decide how extensive it would be, I needed to secure lumber and other materials, I needed to make sure I had the proper tools ready, I needed to see if any of my other children were available to help me build the structure, and I proceeded to tell her about 30 other things that needed to occur if we were to make this the playhouse she envisioned for our daughter.

The long story made short, we built a great playhouse, just not in a few days. And now that I have a better understanding of what it takes to throw a great holiday party, I’m a little bit more realistic.  Just thinking at this event, I realize that I can’t speak things into existence.

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

Just like planning a holiday party or building a backyard playhouse, launching a successful online business requires more than just a spark of inspiration and a hopeful declaration. A good idea is the starting point. But turning that idea into a thriving business requires thoughtful planning, clear strategy, and a little bit of (no, a lot of bit of) patience. There’s a world of difference between wanting something to happen and laying the foundation to make it happen.

We often see people online sharing their success stories and hear phrases like, “Just believe and it’ll come true!” Or “Speak your vision out loud and let it manifest!” While positive thinking absolutely has its place, there’s a critical missing piece to that approach and that is actionable strategy. Without it, even the best idea won’t make it past the excitement phase. Being intentional about what you’re building is just as important as having the passion to build it.

Over the next few blog posts, I’ll be breaking down what it really takes to start an online business from the internal work like mindset and motivation, to the external needs like tools and systems. Whether you’re just flirting with the idea of becoming your own boss, or you’ve already chosen your business model and are ready to launch. What you learn in the planning phase can save you time, stress, and money down the road.

Here are five critical reasons why the planning process is essential before diving into your online business:

1. Clarity Creates Momentum – When you clearly define your goals, target audience, and offerings, you take vague dreams and turn them into actionable steps.
2. Prevents Wasted Time and Money – Without a solid plan, you’re more likely to invest in the wrong tools, strategies, or even the wrong niche.
3. Sets Realistic Expectations – Planning gives you a bird’s-eye view of what’s involved, helping you anticipate obstacles instead of being blindsided.
4. Builds Confidence – When you see the path laid out in front of you, you go from “I hope this works” to “I know what’s coming next.”
5. Transforms an Idea Into a System – Smart planning helps you build a business you can scale, automate, and grow. Not just something that eats up your time.

Just like the party and the playhouse, you don’t want your business to turn into a project you thought would take a few days but may actually take a few years. The planning creates a blueprint. And the blueprint becomes the structure. And the structure is what makes your business more than a fleeting idea.

So, stay tuned! In the coming posts, I’ll be diving deeper into:

• The essential mindset you need to start an online venture…
• The tools and platforms that support online growth…
• And the practical steps to go from idea to income.

If you’re ready to build something real and avoid the “oops, didn’t see that coming” moments, keep checking back in.

Are you ready to stop wishing and start building? Let me know in the comments if you’re ready to plan your business the right way. And if you know someone else who needs this message, share it forward. Let’s turn your “someday” into a solid plan that starts today.

I’m off to see if there’s something I can do to help my wife plan for my great idea (without getting in her way 😉).

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

Why did the cupcake go to the party alone? Because it couldn’t find its “batter” half.

Why did the screw get promoted? It really knew how to hold things together.

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

 

**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more.  And please continue following my blog.  My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.