This article ran in syndication a couple of years ago but I felt that in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King day, I would run post it on my blog. I hope you enjoy it!
In 2006 I had one of the most amazing experiences in my life. It was the release of my first book.
I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people from many walks of life all looking for the same thing – FREEDOM.
I myself am still searching for freedom, which I define as the ability to be able to do what I want, when I want, whenever I want.
As of today, I still have not totally achieved that freedom but I know that I am on my way.
Many people believe that once you become self employed that you suddenly become “free”.
Free from answering to someone else, free to live the type of lifestyle that you want to live and free to make as much money as your bank account can hold.
While it is true that these goals are obtainable from becoming your own boss, the truth is there is a higher price that you will have to pay to achieve these goals.
The real price of achieving your dreams is costly. Not in terms of money but in sacrifices.
If you think that by becoming self employed you will be able to buy a fancy car, a big home and take tons of vacations then you may be in for a rude awakening.
The reality is you will have to make some serious sacrifices to achieve those goals.
I remember while I was anxiously awaiting the release of my book, I got a call from my publisher telling me there was a printing delay and that there may be a chance that I would not have any books for my release party.
Well you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that you need books for a book release party.
So as I continued to work my normal 10-12 hour day taking care of my businesses, I found myself also having to spend countless more hours helping plan my book release, doing media interviews and taking care of my family.
The price for me during that time was sleep deprivation, stress and severe anxiety.
I found myself getting up at 5:30 am and not going to bed until 12:30 am and repeating that cycle daily every single day!
Even thought that was a rough time in my life I kept my eye on the prize because I knew in the end there was a reward waiting for me – and that reward was that I published my very first book.
One that I knew would help change people’s lives!
In my 15 + years as an entrepreneur, I have made many sacrifices – financial, emotional, mental (definitely mental) and physical.
All the while keeping my eyes focused on the rewards.
You have to be willing to pay the price to get what you want in life because if you have lived long enough, you already know that no one will give anything to you.
I am a firm believer that you are only limited to your own limitations.
Based on that belief, I set personal and professional goals as if there are no limits.
On this day I’m encourage you to challenge yourself to live your life in the same manner because in the end, as long as you have your eye focused on the prize, you will always achieve your dreams.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and if so I’d love to hear about it!
Please leave me a comment letting me know at least one tip that you plan to use immediately because you’re know it will make a difference in your business.
Have an amazing day!
Pam Lawhorne
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Your last paragraph is perfectly put. Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. I often hear people wistfully say that yeah, they are going to do what I do–someday. And to myself I think, good luck with that, if you only knew. Meanwhile, our dreams propel us to be the best at what we do and the response we get makes keeps us going.
Kari… Thanks for singing my song! ;o)
No one realizes the endless hours that I’ve put into my business. Or the sleepless nights. Or the missed social events. Etc, etc, etc.
People see the end result and think “he or she is an overnight success”… when in reality nothing happened that quick! They just missed all of the grunt work!
Entrepreneurship is certainly not for the faint at heart! It requires a lot of work and dedication so I am glad that you have been able to find a successful formula that allowed you to make your business work!
Beautiful site by the way! Looking now to see what I need!
Thanks for connecting Kari! Congrats on all of your success!
Pam
Hi Pam, I work with people to achieve their dreams and I totally agree that big goals and dreams can require quite a big sacrifice. The otherside of the question is what happens when you don’t go after your dream? Congrats on your book. Sandra
Hi Sandra!
Thanks so much! And I agree with your question. I think a lot of people don’t go after their dreams for various reasons and end up feeling stuck! Thanks for posing that question! I think it forces a lot of people to wake up!
BTW… I LOVE your site!
Pam
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