Here’s a question for you:
Why do millions of people own exercise machines, which they used for a week and then packed away somewhere, never to be used again?
The answer is simple, yet it contains a valuable lesson.
The reason people bought those machines, is because the ‘perfect’ people in the TV commercials advertising them, promised 6-pack abs in weeks with just 3 minutes of fun exercise a day. Why did the marketing team behind that machine promise those amazing results in just 180 seconds a day? Because they know that the average person wants results without the pain. They want the washboard abs, just so long as they can still eat crap and avoid exercise for the remaining 23 hours and 57 minutes of each day.
In business, I see examples every day of people who want the results, without paying the price. However, as my mentor, the late great Jim Rohn used to say; “for every promise, there’s a price to pay.” In other words, if we want a particular end result, we need to take the actions required to get that result first. We need to pay the price in advance.
- Want marketing that works, so that your business thrives in 2010? Stop relying on generic, free advice to grow your business.
- Want better cash flow? Hire a better accountant.
- Want people to spread great word of mouth publicity about your business? Make your business worth talking about.
This really is nothing more than common sense – yet the failure to apply it is putting people out of business, every hour of every day.
Chris Brogan – Paying the price in advance
As I watched Chris Brogan speaking at LeWeb yesterday, I recalled a chat we had a few weeks ago. I commented how he seemed to spend so much time travelling, away from his home and his beautiful family. His reply was perfect. He said that it was hard, but that he had an end game! Chris is paying the price for success in advance, just like every successful person I know. By doing what’s required today, Chris plants the seeds that will provide the harvest he has planned for tomorrow.
If there’s something, which someone wants from their business in 2010, that was missing in 2009; they have a decision to make. They can either decide to start paying the price for success or they can continue to count the cost of failure.
Photo credit: Billfromesm
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Wow, cool article.
I loved how you explained with the weight-lose-machines example.. haha, nice !
Glad you found it useful Enk.
This is so true Jim, and is something we see time and time again. In business, there is no such thing as a quick fix or an easy way to become wealthy.
A further lesson is that you need to do the right exercises to get “the abs you want”. I also see many small business owners working really hard for little reward. Generally, that’s because they are concentrating on the wrong “exercises” for their business. Specific advice in the areas that really matter would help them greatly improve their chances of success.
Hi Stuart – Thanks for the comment.
It’s way too easy to work hard doing the wrong things – really well. Very frustrating too – yet with the correct advice, from a proven professional, it need never happen.
It is funny you bring this up in regards to le web cause Mike at TC always talks about how Europeans need to work longer hours…not take a 3 hour lunch break.. I strongly disagree with that because the excuse of not being there doesn’t fly for a child. Look at how poor parenting has become in this world. If your plan means your not there to be a farther the sacrifice is too much.. I do a lot of videos on youtube and I always get emails from young kids who are completely messed up because their parents don’t care enough to be around. I am sorry but one of the real tragedies of the North American culture is how we are so willing to sacrifice time with our family for the all mighty dollar.. in your world that might be justified.. but as a child whose farther was away from home trying to make money.. well lets just say I haven’t talked to my dad in 7 years and I won’t go to his funeral when he dies…
I designed my business, so that I get to start each day playing with my son for around an hour, before I start work. I built a home office, here on the farm where I live especially so I could be here for him, always.
Different people have different priorities, at different times in their lives. For most people though, family comes first. That’s what it’s all about – right?
Price Chopper advertisement, as seen (every year..) on July 4 in Albany, NY. PC underwrites the fireworks show. Still a great picture choice for describing the cost of success.
Thanks Jeff – I never knew that. I just liked the picture and, as you say, it went well with the post.
Hi Jim,
The LAW of SACRIFICE is one of the great principles of LIFE and it is applicable in every aspect of our lives. You summarized it quite well in your last paragraph! It’s really about the choices we make and being willing to follow through on them. Those who have a tolerance for discomfort will be the WINNERS!
It’s very true that the easier you go on life, Danielle, the harder life goes on you. The same is true in reverse – those willing to take the touch decisions and back them up with action find life far, far easier.
Thanks for the comment.
Jim you continue to inspire me. This is a great reminder and a very strong one. I often face this battle, of wanting things but not preparing myself for the process to get there.
It ties to the fear of sacrifice, and not being able to get to where you want to be because of the journey it takes to get there.
It’s not easy to overcome that fear… That’s why in a community of brilliant people, only a few truly flourish.
It’s not easy to make that leap, and it never will be. But those who find success in accomplishing their goals, are the ones who leap first.
David
Community Manager, Scribnia.com
As you say David, it’s not easy to take the harder route through business and life (at least not at first – it does become easy with repetition.)
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by the blog sir.