WHAT DOES IT COST?

I was talking to a friend of mine about things we want to obtain. As we oftentimes look at the lives of others and sometimes desire the glamour that we see. We see their careers, homes, family, and material things they possess and make those things our aspirations. However, what we sometimes don’t consider is what those things cost.

Many times, I’ve looked at celebrities and how they live and felt I wanted their fame but not their lack of privacy. I wanted their lifestyle but I didn’t want to go on tour and be away from family and friends for extended periods. I desired their influence but not the ridicule and critique from the public. I wanted their wealth but didn't want the price that goes along with it.

That example is on a larger scale, so lets look at something closer to home. There are people that I know that have launched successful careers, have massive beautiful homes, always have the nicest cars, and some who are into physical fitness with amazing bodies. When I admire these people and want what they have, have I considered what it took to obtain those things? Am I willing to pay the price to achieve it? Am I willing to sacrifice what it cost? What I want is the result without the effort.

We must also consider the “why” behind not wanting to pay the price. If we are not willing to put forth the sacrifice or the effort, it’s probably because the path to their success doesn’t belong to us. What we should identify are our own passions so we are willing to pay the price of what that sacrifice, and effort may require. We can achieve the same desired outcome, but we need to make sure we are authentically who we are and using our own abilities, strengths, and passions to drive us. The price is heavier when you are trying to reproduce what you weren’t designed for or haven’t been prepared for.

Most of us want to be successful and what success looks like can be different from person to person. However, when you are looking at someone else's success and aspire to have what they have, sit back and ask yourself, “What does it cost?”