Truth: the behind-the-scenes you don’t “see”

As an awkward kid with no dress sense, athletic abilities, or natural charisma, I had one skill that gave me confidence: My ability to perform flawlessly during piano competitions. (Of course it was one of those stereotypical Asian kid things.) But HOW I developed this ability is a story worth telling. Because it did not come naturally. In fact, during my first performance, I completely blanked about 3 minutes in, had to restart twice, and eventually gave up without completing the piece. Afterwards, I felt so embarrassed that I promised myself I would do whatever it took to never have to feel that way again. So before my next competition, I did the one thing I could think of to make sure I would not, guaranteed , blank on a note again. I practiced again and again… While making myself forget in as many places, and as often, as I could. Because then, I could find the note I’d forgotten and figure out a way to remember that specific note. So that even if my muscle memory gave out in that place again, I’d be able to call upon my actual memory and keep on going. Doing this was not easy. 
 In fact, it was MISERABLE. But was it worth it? Well… I never blanked during a performance again. No matter how nervous I got, how intimidating the crowd felt, or how long and complicated a piece was. So that’s a HECK YES from little LZ. This is the behind-the-scenes you don’t “see” For example, back in those days, people—mostly the parents of my competitors—would often come up to me after a performance and tell me: “Wow, not a single mistake! You’re lucky it’s so easy for you - you must have such a good memory!” I’d just smile and thank them. Because if they only knew. Even though I didn’t realize it back then, this is apparently a common “secret” top performers share: Making something harder for yourself than it has to be during practice, so it’s easy for you to deliver a flawless result when it really “matters.” Like [Jerry Senfield]( in preparing for his stand-up routines, [martial arts]( in general, and [Kobe Bryant]( as he trained himself to become the best basketball player of all time. Also like what goes into building a 7-figure business that’s “easy”... now . But what few will admit to all the “hard” stuff that it takes for things to be “easy”... * I tested hundreds of iterations for my marketing campaigns and sales funnels * I practiced writing sales pages, emails, and posts—for myself and my clients—every day, for over eight years * I studied traffic generation, copywriting, marketing, psychology, community, and sales. Like it was my PhD. For years. (I’m talking about studying masters like Kennedy, Ogilvy, Barnum, Disney) * I spent four years perfecting my first flagship product—going through seven massive overhauls before finding the right sequence, content, and teaching style that resonated best with clients * I worked in-depth with 100+ private clients on their products, marketing campaigns, and sales assets to ensure that I could consistently deliver results no matter the business, model, or industry But the funny thing is? I used to cry that things were so much harder for me than anyone else. Literally…cry. Because it felt so unfair! But now I know — from experience, and having this same conversation with my own clients who now ask me why things are so much easier for ME! — that I just couldn’t see their “hard” behind-the-scenes either. Sharing this today because there’s a lot of talk about things being “easy” in our world…and how you must be doing something wrong if it’s not. No, my friend. There’s nothing wrong. And you’re not missing anything either. As I alway say, an online business is simple…but not easy. So I’ve got some counterintuitive advice for you today… Embrace the hard. In fact, seek it. It’s just a rite of passage. Plus, it’s how you’ll end up building the “easiest,” best business anyways. 
 Luisa Zhou PS - If you’re ready to grow your business, here are the ways I can help… If you’re ready to build a business that replaces your 9-to-5: [The 4-Step Formula I Used to Build My Coaching Business and Replace My Salary BEFORE I Left my 9-5]( If you’re ready to grow your business while working less: [Successfully create & sell your own online course for true financial freedom]( And, if you’re at 6-figures ready to scale to multiple 6- or 7-: [Go from Hustling Coach/Course Creator to 7-Figure Business Owner]( If you no longer wish to receive these emails, click here to [unsubscribe]( Zhou Ventures, Inc. 459 Columbus Ave #4049 New York, NY 10024