Just keep going, no matter what happens.

I was 12 years old, still innocent, not really sure what I was doing with my life. I saw something shiny, I went for it.

I went to the swimming pool with my Dad in Florida (on holiday, I'm from the grey UK) and it was absolutely packed. At least 200 kids running around, all with parents, staff, you get the idea. My Dad went off to get a drink I went swimming, except I couldn't find him. His seat was empty, nobody had seen him walking around.

After 3 hours of being alone in a very loud, foreign land, I was taken in by the security of the hotel for a few hours. My Dad turned up with tears in his eyes, he had no idea what happened.

Fast forward a few weeks. I go to school and pass out from an anxiety attack. What the hell? I quite literally dropped to the floor because it was too loud. By being lost, I'd developed social anxiety, great stuff.

Over the next few months, I struggled. Very upsetting and stressful (for a 12 year old, being social is all you have. Playing football, seeing friends etc) and I could barely cope. I took to the internet because I physically couldn't be outside where it was loud.

At the age of 12, and given a few months, I set up my first business. I connected local businesses to online eCommerce sites, blogs, you name it, and sold advertising space. Very little work from me, but after 2 years of doing this, I sold the business for $40,000 at the age of 14.

I still had social anxiety, I had around 4 friends, but my god I fell in love with IM.

Over the next 5 years until today, my anxiety isn't as bad. I still have small episodes, but I'm actually glad I got lost in the crowd. It forced me to find something else to do, and I fell in love with IM.

In 6 months, I'm going to uni to do a business degree. I've managed 2 businesses externally, owned 3, and I'm currently setting one up now which is a very long term project.

No matter what happens. No matter where your life leads you, if you give up, you've lost. Never stop trying. You'll miss every opportunity you never take.

I hope this helps a few of you who may be close to giving up. Whenever I have a low day, no income, no opt-ins, I think back to that day where I set up my business. Just keep yourself motivated, if it feels like you're at rock bottom, it can only get better.

No matter where you work, which niche, I wish you all the best of luck.

Jamie.