I have to say, this question is tricky. The first day I heard this question, I was like “What the heck?.” But the truth is that everything has a price, especially success. Some people pay the price of success with their time while some pay it with their relationship, some pay it with their creativity and knowledge while some choose to pay it with their own money.
Now, allow me to ask you again: “How will you pay yours?” With the time you usually spend watching the latest movie series? With your creativity? Or by not showing up at family events? By not building a proper relationship with yourself?
It's a tough decision but I hope you choose very wisely. Because at some point in life, one has to be brave enough to pay that price but not at the expense of the things that matter most in our life.
While some of us who have paid that price can relate with this. the main point is to pay it the right way, not just any way.
Are you paying for it with your time?
I once encountered someone who told me I have all the time I need to make a difference, and wasting it would get me nowhere. This person paid the price of success with his time, and all his advice pointed to one particular element—time.
Are you paying it with your creativity?
I also met someone who paid the price of her success with creativity. She said, “Be ready and wise enough to recognize the right opportunity when it comes your way.” My discussion with her was time-consuming, but it was worth it. She made me realize that opportunity can come at any time, even when you least expect it; even if you're a novice or experienced; it doesn't matter.
Are you paying it with your relationships?
The two people I mentioned above can boast about their success anywhere, anytime, and with anybody. While others who achieve success can't do the same. They probably sacrificed their relationships for success.
“Have you heard from them?” you may ask. Yes, I have, but our interaction is filled with heartache. Did they succeed in life? Yes, but the pain they carry is greater than their success. In some cases, they became detached—they don't care anymore. It's sad. Some even tried to repair the relationships they lost with the same money they sacrificed their relationships for.
What's the best way then?
In my careful observation, pay the price for your success wisely. Leverage your time, use your creativity, but don’t do it at the expense of others. In my quest for success, I have met more than a few people whose ideas and advice have changed how I see things. So, if you're on this same quest, don't lose heart. It doesn't matter how old you are or how much time you think you’ve wasted. What matters is, are you are willing to pay the price rightfully?
Thanks for reading, and always keep this in mind:
“Success is not all about money.”
Never settle for less—you deserve all the success in life. Live it, love it.
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