Truth #1: No one can “give” you, or me, a successful business.

There is a disturbing lack of responsibility in our society. I have seen whining, self-pitying people on TV, blaming their parents, society, employers, God and everyone else for their pitiful situation. Everyone but themselves.

The most startling example I have ever seen was a promo for some afternoon talk show. The announcer mentioned a prostitute who had a “message for America”. The camera cut to a cheap, hard-looking bleached blonde who pointed her finger at the camera and said “YOU OWE ME”.

I don't owe her anything, and neither do you. She has as much opportunity as anyone else to create a successful and happy life.

The bottom line is that our success is up to us. We can buy an ebook or take a course, and it can make money for us. But the magic isn't in the information, it's in us ... or not.

The internet is awash in “We do all the work, you just cash your check” garbage. But, that's what it is ... garbage.

Which leads me to the next truth.

Truth #2: It ain't easy, folks!

I constantly read people expressing dissatisfaction with their jobs, and they say, “Oh, well, I'll go start my own business”. Just like that. As though it's that easy.

It isn't. If you want easy, work for somebody else. When I quit teaching, I thought the same way. I can tell you from first-hand experience that building my own successful business is the hardest work I have ever done! You can work long, brutal hours, every day of the week, for months or even years – and not make any money at all. Or even worse, go into debt!

I'm not saying that it WILL be that way. I'm just saying the possibility exists. The uncertainty level is high.

And unfortunately, we live in a culture that doesn't support being an entrepreneur. When I decided to start working for myself, I was shocked to discover how many skills I was lacking! I knew almost nothing about selling and marketing, budgeting, writing a business plan, time management, and dozens more things. If I had truly realized how ignorant and unprepared I was, I might not have had the courage to begin.

And the idea that we can buy a book or two, and become successful business people overnight, is nothing but self delusion.

Truth #3: building a business will cost some money.

I read in Entrepreneur magazine that the average franchise cost $87,000. That's just the right to do business with Company X. That sum doesn't include rent, utilities, stock, employees, and all the other expenses that come with a retail business.

When I was working in real estate years ago, I received a phone call from an “investor” who asked me a lot of questions about how he could buy investment property. I suggested that he join our local Real Estate Investors Association where he could get some in-depth training. He blithely told me that he couldn't afford the $65 annual membership fee. Yet, he was planning on buying half a dozen properties and renting them out. Talk about Fantasy Land!

The internet is definitely cheaper. But, the cruel hard truth is that anyone can create some sort of website, and consider themselves internet entrepreneurs – but that doesn't mean they're making any money! The internet – and auctions – are a BUSINESS. Success requires skill, discipline and some money.

If you have bought into any of these three myths, don't despair. I have believed all three of them, to one degree or another. They're not fatal. But, they do involve telling ourselves the truth and facing reality. And that reality is:

1. Success is up to YOU
2. Success requires discipline and hard work
3. Success WILL cost some money

Can you succeed? Yes!

Is it a sure thing? No.

Do you have a better chance than most? Absolutely.