Monday, 01 July 2019 / Published in Career Advice, Inspiration, Self-empowerment

What Did it Cost You?

(Photo by Lindsay B. Garvin)

Recently my friend Shawn was having a conversation with his dad about one of the many awards he received, and his dad asked him, “What did it cost you?” My friend was stunned and started to reflect on the question. Before he could respond, his dad went on to say that it cost him at least $85 dollars to attend the award ceremony. As my friend went on to reflect, he realized that he has paid a big price for this award: time away from family, bad health and lots of stress. He wonders if his success has cost him too much.

Success is something that everyone craves. We often compare ourselves to others or envy others without considering the costs. For example, we may look at celebrities and see their big houses and fancy cars, bright lights and nicely airbrushed photo ops. That may look appealing on the surface. However, when you peel back the layers, you will experience the 360 view. You will see the long days and nights with very little sleep and the loneliness and isolation associated with fame. Further, you will observe their paranoia because they don’t know if people like them for who they really are or just for what they can do for them.

I am all for success and everyone living their best lives. Nevertheless, it is always important to understand the cost of your success making sure that it is worth the sacrifice. It is also important that we define success for ourselves and not compare ourselves to others, as we never know what price the person we envy must pay. It may be a price that you cannot afford.

Take time today to reflect on what success means to you and as you reflect, make sure that you add up the costs! Can you afford it? This is only a question that you can answer!

Make today great!

Remember Greatness Awaits You!