Isn’t it funny that the toughest of all tasks is described by just one word, like FOCUS, Faith, Belief.

We get easily distracted, lose faith and belief when the tough gets going. We blame the environment and everything else we can We tend to change direction and promise to come back when things get better but never really did because by then, priorities have changed as the variables change.

Sly stayed focus, has faith in what he wanted to achieve despite the setbacks and was not tempted by the money to sell his script even at desperate times. It takes a lot of conviction to stay focused on your goal. I salute him for that.

I totally empathize with your situation about being nagged to get a real job as I faced that similar situation many years back although I relented and got a degree (to please my parents) despite not liking what I was doing. However,I did not get a ‘proper’ job after graduation and did ‘stuff’ that I was passionate in but did not pay such as theatre and the arts.

That is why Internet Marketing is the ideal ‘job’ for me as it allows me the freedom to pursue my passion.

Anyone who has overcome adversity is an inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing.

I never expected to write such a long post…guess I just got carried away.

Emrick – Great list you got there.

Christine – “Models as a motivating factor” – I look up to people who have already achieved what I want, and study what they’ve done, their products (if any) and basically just get involved with everything they do. I model success, not copy or duplicate.

Yes, some people are naturally driven to get what they want without “modelling success”. But I think that we all have our own unique gifts and it’s there to serve a purpose.

When all the negativity surrounds you, would you give up and join those who are being negative about you? Would you tell them “Yea, maybe you’re right..maybe this isn’t for me” — Or is your burning desire strong enough to fight off any negativity so you can prove them wrong and get what you want?

Stallone INSPIRED ME because of that part when his wife told him to get a job. I felt like I was in the same boat – I was currently studying, stacking boxes as a job, and parents telling me to go to University so I can get a “real job”.

I didn’t listen to them. In fact, I did the complete OPPOSITE. I dropped out of college and pursued my Internet marketing career. As of today, my mum still bugs me about getting a “real job”, even though I work on my business full-time now.

So who can you turn to who’ll keep you positive and focused with your “burning desire”?

For me, like I shared, are people like Stallone, my mastermind group (one of them who’s been there for me since the start is Frank Bauer, from http://www.FrankBauer.name)…hmm who else – Mike Filsaime for creating something so powerful that turned me around from an ordinary “John Smith”, to an overnight success.

And of course, my subscribers. Without you guys and gals, I wouldn’t have the drive and momentum to continue doing this. I think I would still be stacking boxes at the grocery store.

In the Internet marketing field, I’m in the list building and relationship building business, so that’s one thing I highly focus on. I hate bombarding subscribers with offers without adding any value.

There’s already hundreds of others sending you blatant ads and offers, most likely, and I just don’t want to be another one of them.

I know people who send out offers seven times a week and making a lot. I’m happy that they’re happy, but it’s not my way of doing business. If I see a product/service that’s of value, that’s when I’d recommend it to you. I fully review the product before letting you know.

Anyway, I just feel really blessed and grateful. Nothing makes me feel better than to help you others!

Aurelius Tjin

Jeff – That’s very nice of you to catergorize me in your inspirational models. Thank you

Sally, Yes. Stallone might not look like the person who you’d admire, because not many people knew his story. In fact, not many people know most successful people’s story – what they’ve been through, their struggle, their failures etc.

Aurelius Tjin

I tend to think that if you want something very much you’ll do it, and you won’t need inspirational models because you’re already unstoppable.

And if people actually do need inspirational models, then how important are the goals they’re going for? Would they be better off finding things that are more meaningful for them?

Thanks for a great blog Aurelius. You have a wonderful attitude and the information and products you provide are first class.

I have been inspired by many people; among them, my Granpa (who touched everyone, and was loved by many), Gandhi, Mohamed Ali, Lance Armstrong, and all the different people who ,despite of their limitations, or sickness, made a positive mark in humanity .eg, Christopher Reeves, Michael J Fox. …and by movies, such as, A beautiful Mind, Lean on Me, Remember the Titans, The Peaceful Warrior, Rocky (yes), Seven Years in Tibet… I am inspired by anyone who shows me he/she overcame obstacles to reach their dream. I am amazed at the number of people who are unsung heroes. I am inspired by Generosity , unconditional Love (=love of humanity), sharing, giving, caring, and all the wonderful qualities we have in us. You are an inspiration, Aurelius, look at your accomplishment already.

When you are truly passionate about something and have a burning desire to attain that, remeber that it is already yours. It may not have manifested in the physical realm yet because that takes a bit more time and some effort on your part.

It’s almost as is the Universe wants to test those who are truly serious from those who are merely joking.

The Stallone story is really inspirational and reminds us once and again to never, ever give up.

You inspire me to get things going and never give up, you always quote “you don’t have to get it right, just get it going” and I have applied this in everything I do.

I would never have believed Sly Stallone could inspire anyone let alone you!

But it just goes to show that inspiration can found in the most unusual people and places!

Sally