Here’s a technique I personally use whenever I am facing a big obstacle that won’t go away no matter how hard I try. It has helped me through the most difficult times in my life and gave me the enthusiasm to go on and on.
So I decided to share it with you today. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me…
I bring my hand in front of me and open two of my fingers - the index and the middle finger.
Then I look at my index finger and imagine it is the ultimate lifestyle that I have always dreamed about: wealth, happiness, my dream house, traveling around the world, and so on. I visualize my perfect life in details for a minute and feel like I’m already living there.
Then I look at my middle finger and imagine it is the mediocre life that I’ll have if I give up now and do what others are doing: making not much money, living in Iran forever, getting married and staying at home to cook and take care of my children (like most women do here), no travel, no exciting life, nothing.
Again I visualize this life in full details for a minute to really feel how boring and terrible my life would be in that case.
Now it’s time to make the biggest choice of my life…
I open my eyes and look at my two fingers and ask myself this simple question:
“You can get either one you choose. It’s just a matter of decision and is all up to you. So WHICH one do you choose Ladan?”
Then it’s all clear to me. Because I know I can never in a hundred years live that ordinary, boring life. So not a tiniest bit of “give up” option remains.
Try this technique the next time the thought of giving up crosses your mind. You’ll be amazed about the motivation it will give you.
Buy Ladan a Drink! 
March 22nd, 2007 at 2:08 pm
hi Ladan,
I come from the philippines and i am very much inspired by your story. It’s incredible. I share the same problem with you when it comes to accepting payments from other countries. Paypal only allows us to send not to receive money from abroad. How were you able to accept credit cards and paypal into your country…Pls help..Thank you.
March 22nd, 2007 at 2:42 pm
hello Ladan,
having read your story from Ewen Chia it is simply amazing. Currently, I’m living in Indonesia so I can understand the boundaries of online marketing in our countries.
It’s funny we have a same age.
Thank you for never give up. Wish you all the best for your online success;)
March 22nd, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Hi Ladan,
What an easy & inspiring way to persevere…
You rock and you are an inspiration to many…
Sincerely,
Edward Santosh
March 22nd, 2007 at 9:38 pm
From a US citizen - I couldn’t even imagine how hard life must be trying to get where you want to go from your position.
I wish you the best and hope you keep on keeping on!
March 24th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Ladan Lashkari (You have a very beautiful name!),
Greetings from India!
I am truly inspired by your method. I have a bad habit of procrastinating. Now on, i will use the method you suggested, and will keep you posted the changes i make in my life towards better.
Thanks!
April 19th, 2007 at 4:24 am
Ladan, you’re just wonderful; you’ve strengthened my resolve never to give up under any circumstance. In fact I have been passing through the crucible so to say in the last 3+years. The principle of never giving up has helped to assail. I have now decided to face the future with equaninmity and you’re to contributo to my success story. Thanks a lot.
Ojo O
April 19th, 2007 at 6:52 am
That’s great to hear, Ojo.
Wish you much success!
Ladan
May 14th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
I’ve been reading a bit on your blog, and I must say, your Easy Fun technique of performing a Visualization Exercise is simply fantastic! Its simple, easy, and helps you visualize with a focal point being your fingers. Well Done for teaching us this technique. Your blog’s great too. Will be reading you often, for I believe there’s a lot more talent in you waiting to be shared with the like of us. TQ