Success and greatness are achievable, attainable and possible for anyone who desires it strongly. However, the important question is, are you ready to pay the price of success?
It took me three years of writing, re-writing, learning, un-learning and re-learning to write and publish my first book, titled, “Maximise Your Life” in December 2010. Every month within this period, I spent more than half of my monthly allowance to buy books and tapes, attend seminars, research and travel.
I can vividly remember that in August 2009, I spent all my money on a seminar at the expense of celebrating my birthday. Most times, I had to travel once or twice a week to meet great, experienced and successful individuals to tap from their God-given knowledge and learn from their success stories. I sacrificed frivolities for a better life and an expensive lifestyle for a rich knowledge bank.
But here was what happened after. Three months after I published and launched “Maximize Your Life”, I became an inspiration to many people. The media were anxious to know my story; television stations, radio stations and tabloids shared my efforts to inspire their audience.
Another valuable gain I enjoyed was the calibre of people from all walks of life that became my friends or mentors. From the managing director of a multi-billion naira company to the security guard, a lot of people were touched by the message of my book. From revered pastors to well-respected imams, religious leaders agreed with the gospel of the publication. From emeritus professors to secondary school students, diverse people were challenged and inspired by the content of my book. They became my friends, advisors, mentors or protégés.
I enjoy easy access to men and women of high net worth, captains of industries, business magnates, technocrats par excellence, religious leaders, as well as ambitious boys and girls who aspire to become super achievers. I visited a Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology of a particular state in Southwest, Nigeria in April, 2014. The secretary said guests could not see him because he was very busy. I picked up my phone and called him. In the blink of an eye, he instructed the secretary to let me in and that was how I was able to see him. These are some of the numerous gains you will experience if you are ready to pay the price of success.
The life struggle of former South African president, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, lucidly illustrates that there is always a price to pay and that the higher the price, the greater the reward. Mandela was an African icon, a global leader, and a vital force in the fight against injustice, and the struggle for human rights and racial equality. He was the most significant African leader and won the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize and many accolades in his lifetime.
But success did not come on a platter of gold; it came to him at a solemn sacrifice and huge price. Mandela spent 27 years within prison walls. He was transferred from one prison to the other in South Africa.
During his days in prison he was given various options for freedom which he rejected. He personified the struggle of his people and led the fight against apartheid with extraordinary resilience and grit. He sacrificed his private life and youth for his people. The result of his unflinching sacrifice is a progressive South Africa, where the blacks are not inferior to the whites. And the whites are not superior to the blacks. Indeed, there is always a price to pay for greatness.
President Mandela paid the price of success and persevered through the tough times. In his book, “Long Walk to Freedom”, he said, “I have walked the long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds out that there are many more hills to come. I have taken a moment to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back at the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.” If you are ready to always pay the price of success the world will continuously pay your prize.
It is worthy of note to say at this juncture, that it is not every one of your achievements you have to struggle for. However, it is a truism that the most rewarding victories of your life will most likely come with a lot of sacrifices and pains. Merriment, fulfillments, greatness, joy, success and profound ecstasy are the final products for those who pay their dues and go through the pains stage of turning their dreams to realities and becoming high achievers.
Again, are you ready to pay the price of success? If yes, nothing and no one can stop you from achieving your ideal life.
ACTION PLAN: Be realistic about what sacrifices you need to pay in order to achieve your goals, vision and objectives. Then, go after your dream.
AFFIRMATION: I persevere during tough times. I am blessed and highly favoured.
Sesan Kareem is the Founder/CEO of HubCare Health, www.hubcarehealth.com and the Principal Consultant of Sesan Kareem Institute, www.sesankareem.con.ng
