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Stop Hauling Buckets: The Entrepreneurial Mindset Shift That Will Change Your Life

Thursday, June 05, 2025

Have you ever felt like you're trading hours for dollars and still barely getting ahead? Like you're working harder than ever, but the freedom you dreamed of keeps slipping further away?

I’ve been there.

Years ago, I came across a story that hit me like a ton of bricks. It was about a woman who hauled buckets of water every day to her village. She worked hard, and when she needed more money, she hauled more buckets. But no matter how hard she worked, the cycle never ended. Then she had a realization: what if she used her time to build a pipeline instead? One that would flow water constantly—without her having to carry it every day. So she did. And everything changed.

That story became a metaphor for my life.

It’s the difference between hustling for short-term income and building long-term residual income. Between constantly starting over... and finally creating something that lasts.

​Let’s talk about what that means—and how you can start your own pipeline today.

Why Most Side Hustles Keep You Stuck

There’s no shortage of "side hustle" advice out there.

Start an Etsy shop. Drive for Uber. Do freelance gigs. Sell stuff online. It all sounds good... until you realize you’re still trading your time for money.

You’re still hauling buckets.

The problem with most side hustles is they don’t scale. They depend on you. You do the work, you get paid. You stop, the money stops.

What you want is a passive income model—something that continues to grow and pay you even when you’re not actively working. That’s what real entrepreneurs understand. And that’s why I chose to build a business with dōTERRA.

Building a Pipeline: The Power of Residual Income

Residual income is when you do the work once, and continue getting paid for it over and over again. It’s what happens when you build a system that keeps producing—even when you're not present.

That’s what dōTERRA allows you to create. It’s more than a side hustle—it’s a business in a box that gives you the chance to earn recurring commissions, create time freedom, and truly build a lifestyle that aligns with your goals.

Let’s break it down:

  • You get to work from home (or anywhere)
  • You choose your own schedule
  • You earn based on value you help create—not just hours worked
  • You help people with their health and wellness

And unlike most opportunities out there, dōTERRA offers something rare: a customer retention rate of 65%. That’s unheard of in most industries. It means people love the products, use them consistently, and come back for more.

That’s the foundation of real passive income.

The Real Numbers: How Much Can You Make?

Let’s be real. Most people wonder, "Can I actually make money doing this?" The answer is yes—if you treat it like a business.

Here are some real benchmarks (average annual income based on rank):*

  • Elite: $4,380/year - pay for your product
  • Premier: $10,536/year - cover your car payment and then some
  • Silver: $28,205/year — a strong side hustle with meaningful income
  • Gold: $59,500/year — replaces or supplements a full-time job
  • Platinum: $115,512/year — gives you margin and momentum
  • Diamond: $204,796/year — creates real time and financial freedom
  • Blue Diamond: $465,556/year — builds wealth with leadership
  • Presidential Diamond: $1,295,857/year — legacy income

And it scales from there. It’s not about overnight success—it’s about building something smart and sustainable.

I’m not promising a get-rich-quick scheme. But I can promise you this: if you’re consistent, coachable, and connected to a bigger mission, the rewards are real.

*Numbers do not reflect percent of distributors in each rank. Results are not typical. Personal earnings, including first-time rank earnings, may be significantly less. See Opportunity and Earnings Disclosure

The Entrepreneur's Blueprint: How to Get Started

So how do you build your pipeline?

At dōTERRA, we follow a simple, repeatable system called PIPES:

1. Prepare
Use the products. Learn what they do. Make a list of people you care about who could benefit from them.

2. Invite
Reach out. Share samples. Get people curious. Lead with service—not sales.

3. Present
Share the message. You don’t need to be an expert—we give you tools, scripts, and presentations that do the heavy lifting.

4. Enroll
Help people get started. As customers. As partners. As friends.

5. Support
Stick with them. Cheer them on. Help them get results and grow.

This is how we build freedom. It’s how we build teams. And it’s how we create duplication so your pipeline keeps flowing.

You're Not Building Alone: Mentorship, Coaching & Tools That Set You Apart

One of the biggest advantages you’ll have on our team is the support system. We don’t throw you in the deep end and expect you to figure it out. From day one, you’re surrounded by mentors who have built this business from scratch and know exactly how to help you do the same.

You’ll have access to personal coaching from me and other experienced leaders who will guide you through each phase of building—whether you're doing it online, offline, or a mix of both. We host regular training calls, provide accountability, and walk with you step-by-step.

​But here’s where it gets even better: you’ll also be equipped with our exclusive business-building app that simplifies everything. It gives you access to:

  • Prospecting and follow-up tools
  • Scripts and shareable resources
  • Onboarding systems for new customers and builders
  • Pre-built funnels and training modules

This app lets you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re sending a quick text, following up with a customer, or running a wellness class, it’s all in one place. You can build from your phone at a coffee shop, or present a class in your living room.

We’ve taken the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on what matters—connecting with people and helping them live better.

When you join us, you get more than a business opportunity. You get mentorship, community, accountability, and the tools you need to succeed in the real world.

Why dōTERRA Works: Real Impact. Real Products.

Here’s the thing: I was a customer for over a decade before I ever joined the business side.

The products changed our family’s life—helping with energy, immune support, sleep, pain relief, and stress. And when I realized I could turn that experience into a business that helps others and provides residual income for our family? I couldn’t say no.

dōTERRA is a $2 billion company. We’re part of a $4.2 trillion wellness industry. The products are pure, effective, and ethically sourced. When you build a business here, you're part of something with heart and purpose—not just profit.

We’re not just selling oils. We’re helping people create healthier lives and build brighter futures.

Final Thought: You Deserve More Than Buckets

If you’ve ever thought:

  • “I want more time with my family.”
  • “I need a side hustle that actually pays off.”
  • “I’m ready to stop starting over.”

Then this is your sign.

It’s time to build your pipeline.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step.

👉 Ready to learn more about how you can make money from home, create residual income, and become the entrepreneur of your dreams?

**Start here: **www.JeffHeggie.com/leader


​Let’s build something that lasts.

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Jeff Heggie

Success Coach

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