How do you treat you website, affiliate marketing venture or for that matter, any business that you start? Do you treat it as if it were a wicked step child, draining your resources and time with very little if any return? Or, do you treat it as your favorite son, investing time, effort and energy consistently over time to reap the largest possible return?

I have read a few articles recently about many of the “Making Money” blogs and sites which have gone under – the vast majority of these sites never make it to their 6 month milestone. I believe most folks who begin these sites have delusions of grandeur, believe they will make $10,000 per month in their first quarter.

Here are four simple, yet powerful concepts which can help you get the most from any venture you begin.

1. Set goals and create action plans to reach those goals.

One of the largest challenges most people face is that they are either too goal orientated or too action orientated – both are good, but tied together – they are the key to unlock fortunes!If you set a goal, create an action plan with specific milestones to reach the goal, that way you will have a clear roadmap to get where you are going.

2. Make yourself publicly accountable for success

Get involved with a social network that you trust, or create a “Brain Trust” or a group of advisors and share your goals and roadmaps with them. Give them permission to encourage you to keep progressing along your chosen path.

3. Find what motivates you and KEEP TRACK

Is it money? Is it clients? Is it prestige? Is it security? Whatever you choose as your motivation, it must be traceable with real measurable results. If you do not know how you are progressing, who will?

4. Be consistent over a 90 day run

Finally, remember, even though we are in a marathon and not a sprint, a 90 day run with a small break at the end is a great way to reinvigorate your passion for whatever venture you are attempting.

Sprint for your goals using your roadmap and milestones for guidance in 90 day bursts – then, at the end, take 5 days to re-evaluate your goals and roadmap while taking a much deserved breather.

If you run in 90 day bursts with a small break in between, you will be much more able to maintain a good work/life balance along with other benefits which will make themselves apparent as time goes on.

Let me know how you do – Best of success!