If you’ve ever tried to build something new — a business, a side hustle, a new version of yourself — you know that motivation isn’t always automatic. Some days you’re fired up and ready to conquer the world… and some days you’re more like, “Let’s conquer this bag of chips and call it a day.”
That’s exactly why your WHY matters so much.
Not just any why. I’m talking about the deep, emotional, slightly uncomfortable-in-a-good-way kind of WHY that The Iceberg Effect talks about in Chapter 3.
The one that Dean Holland says must be strong enough to pull you through the tough days when logic says “quit,” but your heart says “keep going.”
So today, I’m revisiting my WHY. Not because it changed — but because it’s important enough to remember often.
And maybe, just maybe, it will help you uncover yours too. 😊
📍 Why I Started Affiliate Marketing (It Wasn’t Just for the Money)
Of course, I want to earn money. I’m building a business here, not just a hobby blog about sourdough starters and conspiracy theories about pigeons.
But if money was the only reason, I would’ve quit months ago.
I’m doing this because…
Freedom and flexibility: I want to build a life where I choose when and where I work — not one tied to traffic jams, bridge repairs, or someone else’s schedule.
Financial peace: Not just wealth, but stability. I want to pay off debts, travel, help my family, and live without the constant background noise of financial stress.
Growth and purpose: I want to challenge myself. I want to prove that with consistency and the right plan, success is possible — even for beginners like me.
Helping others: I’m not here just for myself. I want to share the shortcuts, tools, and mindset shifts I’ve found — especially with people like Alex (that’s my marketing avatar — and maybe it’s you too).
Well you know, all I want is to leave fully and do the things I couldn’t because money was putting the breaks. And I wish the same for the ones I love.
The clock is ticking and I want to do this before it’s too late.
💡 The Truth About Motivation in Affiliate Marketing
There are days when I feel on top of the world. And there are days when nothing works and I wonder,
“Why am I doing this again?”
That’s where having a powerful WHY changes everything.
It becomes your anchor. Your compass. Your fuel.
Because affiliate marketing success isn’t about being perfect. It’s about staying consistent, even when it’s hard.
This WHY is what pulls me through.
When Facebook ads feel like a gamble… when I get ghosted by the algorithm… when I question if anyone is reading my emails or blogs… I come back to this WHY.
And I ask myself:
“Would the version of me who already has the freedom I dream of give up today?”
Spoiler alert: they wouldn’t.
Chapter 3 of The Iceberg Effect doesn’t sugarcoat it:
If your WHY isn’t strong enough, the challenges will eat you alive. Or at the very least, your motivation will ghost you like a bad Tinder date.
But when your WHY is rock-solid? You become unstoppable. 🔥
Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.
✨ Your WHY = Your Affiliate Marketing Superpower
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Again, you don’t need to be perfect.
But if you’re serious about starting affiliate marketing and building a real business, take the time to define your WHY.
Ask yourself:
- What do I want to change in my life?
- Who do I want to impact?
- What kind of freedom am I craving?
- What would success feel like for me?
Write it down. Revisit it often.
Because on the hard days (and there will be hard days), your WHY is what keeps you moving forward.
🧊 If You Haven’t Read the Book Yet…
You’ll get what I’m talking about in Chapter 3. Dean Holland doesn’t waste time with fluff — he goes straight into what matters.
The Iceberg Effect is like a flashlight for affiliate marketing beginners.
And if you haven’t grabbed your free copy yet, you can get it here (yes, it’s really free — you just cover the shipping).
Revisiting my WHY today isn’t just about reflection. It’s about refueling. It’s a reminder that this journey is about more than business. It’s about legacy. Fulfillment. Growth.
And maybe even a little bit about proving the doubters wrong while doing a happy dance on top of my iceberg. 🕺
If you’ve been struggling to stay consistent… if you feel stuck or unsure… go back to your WHY.
Dust it off. Reconnect with it. You might just find the motivation you’ve been missing.
And if you’re still figuring it out? That’s okay too. Keep digging.
It’s there. Beneath the surface — just like the iceberg.
Affiliate marketing isn’t easy — but it’s worth it when your WHY makes you want to dance on top of the iceberg instead of sinking beneath it.
Hi Martin,
Such a powerful and important post! It’s definitely something we all need to be conscious of: why we are doing this and how we can become better at it!
Revisiting it on a regular basis is also something important; it keeps us aligned with our current situation; thanks for that important reminder.
Some days the hustle feels electric… and other days, it’s just me, a to-do list…
But this post reminded me why I started, too. Not just for income, but for impact. Freedom, peace, purpose—yes to all of it. And your reminder that our WHY needs to be strong enough to pull us through the algorithm slumps and self-doubt spirals? So spot on.
The question “Would the version of me who already has the freedom I dream of give up today?” hit like a cup of strong coffee and a pep talk from future me.
Thank you for this.