Ready, Fire, Aim…

I’m going to be honest. I don’t mind public speaking. I’m not one of those people who gets physically sick at the thought of talking in front of a group. I can stand up, speak clearly, and even enjoy it. But here’s the truth I rarely say out loud. Public speaking is still a challenge.

Not because I can’t do it. But because it demands something from you. It demands focus. It demands preparation. It demands presence. (And it demands you don’t say “um” so many times that people start counting them like they’re watching golf.)

And one time in particular, I had a speaking opportunity that reminded me of that fact. It wasn’t a casual “say a few words” moment. It mattered. The kind of situation where you’re not just filling time, you’re trying to leave people better than you found them. So, I prepared. Not in some dramatic, Hollywood kind of way. I went over what I wanted to say in my head. I practiced the opening. I even pictured myself going through it smoothly. (You know, like in my head where I’m calm, brilliant, funny, and nobody’s chewing ice loudly in the front row.)

Then the day came. And right before I stepped up, I felt that familiar feeling show up. Not fear. Pressure! That internal voice that says, “Don’t mess this up.” “Get it right.” “Make it count.” (And also: “Please don’t trip walking up there. Please don’t trip walking up there. Ohh, and is my zipper zipped up?”)

And in that moment, I realized something. Even when you don’t fear something, it can still challenge you. And that challenge can either sharpen you or shake you.

So I did what I’ve learned to do when something matters. I went back to the TARGET. Not perfection. Not applause. Not trying to sound like I’m on a TED Talk.

The target was simple. Deliver value. Be real. Make it useful. So, I slowed down. I focused on the purpose of why I was speaking. I stayed in the moment. I didn’t rush. I didn’t try to be fancy. And I didn’t try to tell the one joke I wasn’t sure about (I, unfortunately, told one that was worse 🤪).

And you know what? It went well. Not because it was flawless, but because it was intentional. And afterward, walking away from it, I thought, “That right there is what it looks like to hit the target.” Because it is not always about being perfect. It’s about aiming at what matters.

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

Because a lot of people are building their business the same way they try to speak when they’re under pressure. They rush. They try to sound perfect. They chase approval. They aim for results without clarity.

And they miss the target. So, let’s talk about how to actually aim.

Hitting the Target in Business

1) Know Where You’re Standing. Before you set big goals, ask, “Where am I right now in my skills, time, and season of life?” Because goals don’t work when they don’t match reality.

2) Get Clear on Your Why. Why this goal? Why now? More income? More freedom? More purpose? If the “why” isn’t strong, the effort won’t last.

3) Make a Promise You Don’t Break. At some point you have to decide, “I’m not quitting on myself this time.” Because a promise gives your goal backbone. And also prevents you from doing what a lot of us do. Start strong Monday, disappear by Thursday, reappear the next Monday like nothing happened.

4) Picture the Payoff. What does life look like if you hit this goal? Visualize it clearly, because motivation comes and goes but vision pulls you forward.

5) Ask Better Questions. Instead of panicking, ask, “What’s the next right step? Who has already done this? What do I need to learn?” Questions keep you moving. Meanwhile panic keeps you shopping for another course you don’t need.

6) Look at problems or challenges in a different way. Problems are not proof you’re failing. They’re proof you’re in the game. Every problem you solve makes you stronger.

7) Build a Plan That Makes Sense. A real plan doesn’t have to be complicated. But it has to exist. A target. A timeline. Weekly actions. Daily habits. That’s how you aim.

8) Watch Your Attitude. Sometimes your current attitude becomes the obstacle. Impatience, pride, frustration, comparison can take you out quicker than lack of skill.

9) Count the Cost. This goal will cost something. Time. Effort. Learning. Saying no to distractions. The question is, “is the cost worth the reward?” Because if the goal is freedom, but you’re not willing to occasionally give up Netflix and late-night scrolling, you might have a conflict.

10) Don’t Do It Alone. Sometimes YOU need to admit YOU need help. And that’s not weakness. That’s wisdom. Coaching, community, mentors, accountability keep you on target when life tries to pull you off course. You know what “doing it alone” looks like? It looks like yelling at your laptop like it’s going to suddenly start respecting you.

Hitting the target isn’t about being fearless or perfect. It’s about being intentional. If you aim with clarity, commit with discipline, and keep showing up, you’ll get there.

You don’t need to be flawless. You don’t need to be “ready.” You don’t need to have everything figured out. What you need is one target and the courage to aim at it consistently. Because most people don’t miss their goals due to lack of talent. They miss because they’re aiming at everything. Every trend, every tool, every idea, every opinion, every shiny new promise. And they never stay locked in long enough to hit anything.

What target are you aiming at right now? And are you aiming or just hoping?

If you’re ready to build your business with clarity instead of chaos, that’s exactly why I recommend Internet Profits Academy. It’s a one stop shop that brings structure to the madness. Planning, Coaching, Community, and Tools all in one place. Not 47 random strategies. Not endless guessing. Not “try this, no try this, wait do this…” until you’re mentally exhausted.

Stay focused, my friend.

Now, I need to stay focused! Because nothing humbles a man faster than a “simple” home project that turns into three trips to the store and one apology to his wife.

 “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” — Zig Ziglar

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” — Tony Robbins

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

I don’t miss targets. I just explore alternative outcomes. 🤪

 I said, “This will be a quick fix.” My wife heard, “This will take all weekend.” 😉

 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.