My life has changed drastically in the last three years. If there’s such a thing as a mid-life crisis I believe I just experienced it… more importantly, I hope I’m on the other side of it! Nearing the end of 2021, I made the decision to close my business and walk away from private practice, I closed my doors in January of 2022, and spent the remainder of 2022 and much of 2023 healing from the previous 15 years.
When I walked away from my previous profession, I didn’t have a clue what I would do next and truth be told, I wasn’t in any rush to find out. I was exceptionally fortunate to be in a position where my husband’s income was enough to support us while I figured out my next step. My husband and I have been together for more than two decades so he has had a front row seat to my journey and he was more than supportive of me taking whatever time I needed to decompress and reset. It was truly a blessing.
Although I didn’t know what I wanted next for my life, I felt certain of two things:
- I have a lot of passion still inside of me and I know in my heart-of-hearts that it would be a shame if I couldn’t find something else for my life that allowed me to use my talents, skills, and experience to help humanity.
- I also knew I no longer wanted to provide physical patient care. My days of seeing patients are done and I’m very much at peace with that.
So in walks 2023 with its cocky lil’ attitude and makes a declaration that enough is enough. About halfway into the year I am introduced to the idea of doing something online, which then leads me to the idea of affiliate marketing. Skipping a few insignificant details for the sake of the story, shortly thereafter I decided to pay for a basic course to learn about affiliate marketing.
I completed the course but I was yearning for more knowledge. At this point, I was highly intrigued by the idea of affiliate marketing and I was jumping in feet-first. I decided to join the coaching program, Internet Profits Accelerator, which includes mentorship and coaching along with more detailed training.
I say all this to bring you to the point of this blog post: I am so incredibly grateful I found this program, and as a result, all that has come along with it, none of which I ever expected.
With the coaching program comes the opportunity to join a private Facebook group with the other vetted members. This community, consisting of other affiliate marketers in training and the coaches and mentors, ultimately grew to be like a family. There are dozens, maybe hundreds, of people in this community, all on a journey to creating their online business, just like me. Our backgrounds didn’t matter. We all had unique stories that we ended up learning about each other over time. The interesting part is that we grew to discover we had so much in common with each other, regardless of the fact we were stationed all over the world. So many of us were looking for something better for our lives after experiencing harsh situations or careers. Never in my life would I have thought I’d grow to love this new family I have acquired from a coaching program! These new peers of mine, not only are they colleagues, they’ve become trusted friends.
I can truthfully say that I don’t think I would have continued on this journey without the support of the IPA coaching and community. I imagine I would have either become distracted or frustrated along the way and went on to something else. This is easy to do when you’re left unsupported and the community around you is disengaged. This isn’t to say I haven’t become frustrated at times in this process, but not once have I ever considered quitting. Instead, I turned to my community and my leaders for support. Not once have I ever felt unsupported and the community was never been disengaged. Eventually I move through my frustration and I’m on to the next task.
As a side note, a few of us members of the coaching program branched off and created a Mastermind group. This is only furthering my accountability and ultimately, enhancing our progress. I am now regularly joined closely with other motivated and gifted individuals who have the same lofty goals as myself. Not that I needed more support, but here we are… my cup runneth over.
The IPA program has kept me engaged, focused, and has maintained my excitement for well over several months now, which is no easy feat! The last time I was this excited was when I started my first business, when I had passion oozing out of my ears. Over these last three years, I was convinced I wouldn’t be passionate about another career ever again, not after what I had just endured. For this reason alone, I will be forever grateful for this experience.
The success of the IPA community is a testament to the leader of the group, Dean Holland. You’ve likely heard me mention his name before since he’s the successful marketer who started the Internet Profits business and the IPA coaching. He’s the author of the book that I sent off for, the book that initially launched me into this world. A business is only as strong as it’s leader and Dean has hired a phenomenal group of people around him to help in his mission of helping people. He is closely involved in assisting and coaching the entire community. I’m not sure I have ever witnessed a more caring and humble mentor and I’ve certainly never experienced someone more invested in the success of his students than Dean. I’m not one to be impressed easily, I’m what you would call a “hard sell,” but this program, it’s leader, and it’s members have won me over.
I was reminiscing this past week about the last 6 months and how God placed this opportunity in my path, all because of this lil’ free book I sent off for. I would have never in a million years thought that book would lead to this. The next chapter of my life is currently being authored, right now, as we speak, but I am so very confident that I am gaining the tools and resources to continue this journey all the way until the end. I will be forever grateful to Dean, his company, and his training for, dare I say it, giving me my life back and bringing back my passion.
I may have signed up for a coaching program, but I ended up being a part of something that is so much bigger… something that has quickly changed my life, and instilling new passions in me I never knew I had.
And for this, I am grateful.
I love this “moment of gratitude” post. The IPA community, the program and leadership sits very well with me also. I can totally relate with the passion for a prior career – then having the wondering if I will ever have that passion again. I too will be having some tough moments in the next few months but I’ll be holding onto what I can with Internet Profits and the entire cohort. My naysayers are suggesting just the opposite.
I join you in your gratefulness!
Robert Klein recently posted…Truth Be Known
Robert, glad to have you join me on the ‘gratitude train.’ There’s always room! I’m so glad to hear my story resonated with you as well.
Congratulations on your tough decision to leave your former occupation and make a life changing decision to succeed in your online business! Being thankful is important, but showing gratitude by action is priceless. It sounds like you are figuring things out with your business at your own pace and that is so important to remain in the right mindset! Thank you for the post to remind all of us that gratitude is a necessary ingredient for success!
Thank you Ernie! The pleasure is ALL mine! 🙂
What a Beautiful and Honest post! I agree that I have never been a part of a Group that has been more supportive than Internet Profits. From its Creator, Dean Holland – through his coaches – through his support team – the Facebook community down to the individuals like you. I am AMAZED and THANKFUL on a daily basis. Outside of the Bible, Dean’s free book, The Iceberg Effect, comes in second when it comes influencing my life and the road ahead! Thank you for posting!
David, I’m so happy to read that your experience with InternetProfits has been just as impactful as mine. I’m beyond grateful to have been able to get to know you and your amazing story!
Hi Lauren,
Your blog really touched me today. I recently lost a very good friend – my age – and the one thing that always came back to my mind was how grateful I was for the things I currently had.
My health, my life – those around me. All those things make me a better person.
Thank you for reminding us that being grateful is so so so important.
Wishing you all the best!
Marc, thank you for sharing but more importantly, I am sorry for your loss. I know its challenging to be grateful when circumstances around you can make you feel otherwise. I’m glad you found something beneficial in my post, this makes my heart smile.
Lauren, what a great post! Gratitude takes us to a wonderful place in life. It sound like to me, that you are willing to lay down everything to follow your calling that God has placed on your life. You can be successful at something God never called you to and miss your Eternal purpose. Does that make sense? You should be excited, just as you are saying, that you were so willing to make changes and work toward being the best you can be. We only have one life to live and we MUST use every talent and gift God gave us.
You are an encouragement. I appreciate your Gratitude expression.
Singing in the Reign,
john
Beautifully said, John. Thank you for the kind words and the encouragement. And yes, what you said makes perfect sense, thank you!
Wow, what a journey these past few years have been. I love your attitude. Gratitude is a very powerful mindset, and I am so inspired by your strength to shift careers and explore opportunities that spark your interests and drive. I feel the same; we are so lucky to be part of Internet Profit Accelerators; this team is remarkable, and the community is next level. Like you, I am so grateful!!!!!
Well said, Alison! Thank you for the kind words! Beyond appreciated!
It’s funny how I find other people who are on this similar journey what we choose to write about is synchronized!
I am also thankful for the community as I feel supported.
This is a great ‘mantra’ to start each day of having gratitude.
I think I will borrow it.
Eleanor Hope recently posted…Feel The Fear And Push Through
Eleanor.. borrow away! I look forward to reading it!
Lauren, what a great blog. Your feelings and passion really come through about what you were doing before and why are you not doing it now and what you are doing now. And the word you use this grateful. So many people are never grateful for what they have, and always unhappy or upset. When you come across something like we have and the way doors open and how it becomes easier to do and with the right people we cannot but be grateful. I received so much help and good advice from you. You’re already helping people so thank you. All the best, thanks, Atif
Oh, Atif, Thank you for the kind words! I truly value your input and I appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. I completely agree with you: it’s very hard NOT to be grateful. We do have a lot to be thankful for.
Hello Lauren,
As you pointed out, I believe that all of us who joined Internet Profit did so without fully anticipating the wonderful experience of being part of such a supportive community. The dedication of the people here to our growth, as well as the sense of camaraderie within the community itself, is truly remarkable. It’s inspiring to witness how we assist one another, and I firmly believe this is a testament to the blessings we receive. Thank you for the timely reminder to express gratitude for the opportunities, even when they may not appear as such at first glance. I extend my sincerest wishes for your continued success on your journey.
Best regards,
Ezequiel Wells
Thank you Ezequiel. You took the words right out of my mouth: it’s truly been inspiring to see the transformations in our group. So much so that I myself am so excited and motivated to share it with others.
I couple years ago I was listening to a podcast and they were talking about midlife crises; just about everyone goes through it, and how it affects us. That’s when I realized, oh that’s why I feel like I do. But it was reassuring to find out it’s just a normal part of life, and most people just start feeling better again.
It also helps to have a community or a few of them, and it is pretty amazing how Dean has created a real community of people who are working together for mutual success.
It’s definitely reassuring to know that you’re not alone, for sure. And just as you said: it has helped tremendously to have gained so much from this community.. And yes, truly amazing.
You know there is this Chinese saying, “If old things don’t go, new things will never come”.
I think this perfectly describe your situation. It wasn’t easy to let go of something that you have been doing for 15 years.
But if you did not do that, you probably wouldn’t have found your new passion in affiliate marketing.
So that is definitely worth being grateful for. I wish you every success for your new venture.
Alan Lim recently posted…How to Get 30% to 80% Open Rate With Your Email Subscribers
Wow, Alan… just wow. Thank you for this. As hard as it was to see it while you’re in the middle of it, I do 100% agree with you… you have to make room for the new by letting go of the old. I never quite looked at it like that, but it makes perfect sense now. Thank you for pointing that out, truly. Thank you for the kind words.
Lauren, Such a wonderful heartfelt post 😊 🙏
I admire you for deciding to close your business and take time out to decompress and reset.
I loved reading how supportive your husband was and that he was able to continue financially taking care of things, a true blessing indeed.
While you didn’t necessarily know what you would do next you did know that you still had so much to offer this world and you knew whatever it was to be it would not include physical patient care.
How wonderful that you found Affiliate Marketing, although I believe it showed itself when the time was right for you because it was meant for you 😊
Being part of the Internet Profits Family too I can honestly say the support and mentorship we receive from Dean and his whole team is second to none I have ever experienced that is for sure and like you. feel very fortunate to be part of Dean’s vision.
I share your gratitude for the wonderful like-minded people I have met on my journey like yourself Lauren 😊, who all share and support one another as we navigate our way building our businesses.
I often think how amazing it would be if we could all come together for a week sometime, meet in person and spend time getting to know one another even more.
Thank you for all that you shared in your post. It has been a wonderful read 🤓 and I sit right beside you with the same feelings of gratitude for this whole experience in my life.
Karen, thank you SO MUCH for the kind words! Your support truly makes all the difference. I absolutely believe like you said that affiliate marketing showed itself when the time was right… and I also would love the opportunity to meet all of our ‘family’ in person one of these days!
Lauren, I’m so glad you’ve found a new passion in your life!
The group at Internet Profits not only teaches us how to be successful at affiliate marketing but also supports us along the way. And the community of partners is an extraordinary group.
Of course, this all comes from Dean’s heart to help others be successful online. He attracts those like himself 🙂
Glad to know you!
Nakina, I’m so glad to get to know you, too! A supportive community makes ALL the difference!
Like you, I couldn’t have achieved all that without having mentorship from Dean. And I would say also provided the support from the community, the IPA progression with all the daily coaching sessions, the gold nuggets lives on Facebook, and all the wonderful skills we learn that build up our progress. We need to have passions in life this makes it all more exciting, and of course, gratitude for all that we receive I returns.
Martin
Very well said, Martin! I’m glad to hear that we have had the same positive experience with a mentorship program.
Hi Lauren, Your words remind me that I am so proud of making the decision to partake in this training and to be part of this marvellous community. Let’s keep supporting each other.
Andy
Andy Jacobs recently posted…Planting Your Link Tree
Absolutely, Andy!
Hi Lauren
Totally in agreement with your post. The importance of a supportive community is very important for those of is following an online journey. It can be a very lonely place with no
-one close to share thoughts on your business. Also gratitude, very important to be grateful. I use a daily journal/planner which has a gratitude corner, Something I am grateful for today. It focuses the mind on appreciating what you have
Steve Moore recently posted…Weekly Video Diary of My Exploits in the Affiliate Marketing Niche – 27 February 2024
Thank you Steve, I appreciate you sharing your personal gratitude practices. I completely agree: sometimes an online journey can be lonely, but a support system makes all the difference.
LAUREN,
I have to agree, the IPA community is a family and provides great support and encouragement. Through both the online and offline struggles they have been their to support me and my wife.
I would encourage anyone readying this to ask Lauren how to become a part of the the community.
Have and awesome day!
P.S. would be interested in the mastermind group.
CJ
Thank you for the support CJ! I am happy to hear you have had the same experience with the IP community as I have. It has certainly been a worthwhile experience.
Hey Lauren, I can relate to your story the big difference was I was fired without any other income. I also took courses in this thing called affiliate marketing because I hated product launching and I do not have a built-in email list. Anyway, I am curious what’s your affiliate marketing niche, and how many products have you been approved for?
James, I’m focusing on two different niche’s: the first being training and making money online (i.e. affiliate marketing) as well as health and wellness.