I wish I’d been ready for the high highs and low lows …

(Today’s guest post is from Bryan Allain, the founder of Killer Tribes, a business he started two years ago that helps bloggers and creatives build communities around the things that move them. He still has a day job, but he’s well on his way to becoming a Quitter.)

I’ve had the conversation in my head at least 500 times before.

I tell my boss that I’m leaving the company, and once he’s over the initial shock he asks me which competitor I’m going to work for. “None of them,” I say proudly, “I’ll be working on my business full time.” Then I walk back to my tiny cubicle, scream “I’m a Quitter!” like William Wallace, and sprint out to my car stripping off my khakis and collared shirt on the way until I’m driving home wearing nothing but underwear and a huge smile.

Will it actually happen like that? I hope to find out soon. I’m not a Quitter yet, but after years of hustling I’m getting close. I asked Jon if I could write a quick guest post about the things I’ve learned along the way in hopes of helping you on your journey, so here goes.

3 Things I’ve Learned About Being A Quitter

1. You Have to Prepare for High Highs and Low Lows

I wish I could say I took every setback in stride, but over the past couple of years I’ve had more exhausted, tearful evenings than I’d like to admit. Being a Quitter means putting yourself out there time and time again, often with mixed results that leave you feeling like you want to give up on your goal and be a professional hobo. Be prepared for these and it will be that much easier for you and your dream to survive them.

The flip side to surviving the low points is the sheer joy you can get from the victories. Making an important connection, selling your first product, or achieving a new milestone can give you the emotional energy to get through anything. But just like the low points, you have to learn to take these in stride too. Celebrate the highs, ride out the lows, and try to enjoy the journey wherever it takes you. And don’t become a professional hobo.

2. It’s More of a Direction than a Destination

Becoming a Quitter is a journey, and the path to get there is littered with roadblocks and detours. The trick to not letting these stop you in your tracks is to keep moving in the right direction, even if you have to change course slightly. When Quitters get too fixated on a specific destination, it’s easy to get derailed and paralyzed thinking that the only road that will take you there is now blocked off.

Think of it this way: you’re not looking for a specific address of a beachfront property, you’re looking for the shore. Determine in your mind that you’re gonna keep heading west until you hit water, even if that means taking roads that weren’t on your original set of directions. Know what direction you’re headed in and never stop moving.

3. People Will Want to Be a Part of Your Story

Believe it or not, most people want you to succeed. It’s hard to resist being a part of the story when it involves someone chasing a dream, so make sure you tell them the “why” behind the “what” when you ask for favors, sell products, and launch events. I guarantee you’ll discover the same thing I did: people love being a part of a good story.

I found this out when I launched The Killer Tribes Conference back in March. Whether it was signing speakers or selling tickets, people were excited to be a part of this milestone in my Quitter journey. Jon himself even agreed to record a video with me beforehand since he was out of town that day. Thanks to everyone’s willingness to be a part the conference was a huge success.

In fact, the audio from Killer Tribes went on sale last week and it’s discounted 40% through the end of the day tomorrow (July 24, 2012). There are 9 inspiring talks from the conference (including Jon’s) plus a bonus package featuring more of Jon and 3 other exclusive interviews. If part of your Quitter journey involves building a tribe I can’t think of a better package of resources to equip and inspire you.

Download (or get more info) on the Killer Tribes Audio Packages: Killer Tribes 2012 Audio

I hope these 3 lessons inspire you to press on and find the success you are dreaming of. Nothing would make me happier than knowing I played even a tiny part in your Quitter story. Keep working hard, stay full of faith, and know that we’re counting on you to pursue the dreams inside of you!

(Unless your dream is to become a hobo, in which case you’re on your own.)

Bryan

Question:
Have you had any high highs or low lows along your own adventure?