When the “Why” is big enough, the “How” will appear. This is an important secret I learned early.You don't have to know how you're going to create the life you want; you just have to know why you want it.Your “Why” has to come from your heart, though, or it won't be sustainable.

Knowing your “Why,” your motivating reason, is essential to your success.Whether in a traditional business, home-based business, or internet marketing business, knowing your motivating reason will keep you going when times get tough.It will help you hang in there when you inevitably start to doubt yourself or when others say, “What are you doing?”

The boys from the Internet Millionaire Boys Club (my affectionate term for the twenty-somethings leading the internet marketing seminars) have mastered this one.Each has his own personal reason that has led to his success.For one it's his family, another grew up poor and never wants to go back there, and for several it's about winning.They play by the game, “He who dies with the most toys – wins.”

I've found that the toys are nice, but not a big enough reason.There's no doubt about it as women we like nice things, but there are other things that are as important if not more so – family, quality of life, balance, relationships, and giving back. Really, when you think about it, we want it all and why not!

What were my "Whys" when I first started?

Well, I wanted the security of being free from all credit card debt with more money coming in than going out each month.I wanted a system that generated enough income whether I worked or not (it's nice making money while you're at the beach). I wanted to use my talent to the best of my ability.I wanted to show my teenage son you could do anything you wanted if the reason was important enough.

I wanted the freedom to do pretty much what I wanted; with whom, when and where I wanted.I wanted the satisfaction of saying "Yeah, I did it!"Finally, and this came later on, I wanted to make a difference.I wanted to share with other women that they had the power to build a business and create the lifestyle they may have only dreamed about until now.Believe me, there's something very satisfying deep down knowing that I have built a successful woman-owned business.

So, how about you? What are your "Whys"? Remember, from the heart.