You ever try to yank a grape off the vine before it's ripe? Yeah, it’s sour as heck, and your grandma will side-eye you for wasting it. That’s me … trying to rush my business like I’m on a deadline from the produce department. Let me tell you a little story about my grandpa, a vineyard, and how I finally stopped drowning my dreams in overthinking… Thank you, Kim Ward, for reminding me of this memory.
Don’t Harvest Before You Plant: Vineyard Wisdom from Little Me to Grown-Up Everyday Entrepreneur Me
When I was little, summers meant one thing: dirt under my nails and grape juice on my face. I was the barefoot queen of my grandpa’s vineyard, ruling the rows like they were my personal playground. While other kids were at water parks, I was out there dodging bees and pretending the irrigation hose was a jump rope.
But while I was being an absolute menace in overalls, Grandpa was doing the same thing he’d done every year since dinosaurs roamed California:
✔️ Plant in spring
✔️ Water through summer
✔️ Weed, weed, and weed some more
✔️ Harvest in the fall—and only in the fall
Never once did he panic and say, “You know what? Let’s just skip the watering and get to the good part.” Nope. The man respected the process. And somehow, every year, those grape vines showed up right on time. No drama. No burnout. Just sweet, juicy success.
Fast Forward to Me, the Grown-Up 🙄
So you’d think I’d have inherited that whole patience and process gene, right?
LOL NOPE.
Somewhere between adulthood, motherhood, and the “I’m gonna build an online business and retire on a beach” phase, I lost my ever-loving mind.
Instead of acting like the everyday entrepreneur I wanted to be, I found myself:
🌱 Overwatering (read: obsessively tweaking my affiliate marketing funnels like it was going to triple my income overnight magically)
🌱 Weeding too early (a.k.a. deleting good ideas because they weren’t “perfect” enough)
🌱 Trying to harvest success like it was a clearance sale at TJ Maxx … fast, frantic, and probably a mistake
And let’s be honest… I wasn’t just tired, I was fried. Burnt out. Questioning all my personal growth goals for business over a cold cup of coffee and a half-written to-do list.
Then It Hit Me Like a Tractor Full of Grape Vines 🚜
“Girl. You’re overcomplicating it.”
Building success in affiliate marketing (or any business) isn't about frantic moves or overnight wins. It’s about steady, intentional growth.
The seed doesn’t scream “hurry up!”
Water doesn’t check its stats.
And the grapes? They sure as heck don’t pop out just because you scheduled a Facebook Live.
If you want real, lasting results as an everyday entrepreneur, you've got to respect the process.
Here's the Real Tea 🍵
You don’t need to hustle yourself into oblivion.
Everything doesn't need to be done yesterday.
But, you do need a system. A rhythm. A season.
Grandpa didn’t wing it. He had a plan.
So now, I have one too … both for life and for my affiliate marketing business.
➡️ Plant the idea
➡️ Water it with consistent action
➡️ Weed out distractions (and those fake “hacks”)
➡️ And WAIT … because real growth, real income, and real impact take time.
From Little Dirt-Stained Me to Present-Day, Dream-Chasing Me…
Here’s what I know now:
The everyday entrepreneur isn’t built on random hustle or wishful thinking. She’s built on consistent, simple habits and solid personal growth tips applied over time.
And you? You’re right where you need to be.
Messy. Motivated. Maybe a little muddy.
But filled to the brim with potential.
If you want to hit your personal growth goals for business, and grow something real, you have to honor the season you’re in.
💡 Ready to work smarter, not harder?
Grab my free guide Simple Marketing Tools for the Everyday Entrepreneur, packed with the affiliate marketing tools and strategies that finally helped me trust the process (without losing my mind in the meantime).
👉 Click here to download it now: Simple Marketing Tools
Let’s grow this thing the right way, one beautiful, messy step at a time. 🍇
#PersonalGrowthTips #EverydayEntrepreneur #AffiliateMarketing #PersonalGrowthGoalsForBusiness
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."