Back in 2002 my business coach shared a very valuable poem with me.  Hearing people talk about their New Year resolutions made me recall this powerful poem.  To this date, I still do not know who the author is.  If you do know who the author is, please leave a comment or use my contact form to let me know. I suggest we forget about New Year resolutions and focus on moving in a fixed direction with assured confidence and consistency in order to accomplish our dreams, goals and desires.

You Have Got to Pay the Price

Every day I hear people saying,

“You’ve got to pay the price to be successful”.

I think, they’ve got it backward, you pay the price when you’re not successful.

You pay the price when you don’t accomplish things you are capable of accomplishing.

You pay the price when you don’t work hard.

You pay the price when you don’t push yourself to the limit.

You pay the price when you don’t develop the skills and talents God gave you.

You pay the price when you don’t make something more of yourself.

All you have to show for your lack of effort, is your ability to explain your poverty through a selection of canned, worn-out excuses.

Sure – you really paid the price.

When you want to improve yourself, to go beyond your current capabilities, it will take great effort, sustained hard work, and time.

Nothing in life is free, nothing worthwhile will come easy.

Everything comes with a price.  There are no shortcuts.

When you are able to look yourself in the eye, knowing you have accomplished your goals and fulfilled dreams you thought were impossible; you will be rewarded.

You Paid the Price.

- Author Unknown

Nearly 16 years later in my Aikido training, this poem resonates true for me.  Whatever your pursuits in 2011 will be, please consider paying the price to achieve them.  Please ensure that your focus and energy is aimed in the correct direction for you and you only.

I wish you a Powerful 2011 with great peace and prosperity!