A Spark for Change: Paying the Price

sparkforchange rotator5Hope everyone's weekend has been great! I have been racking my brain for a topic for today. It just came to me, so I quickly fired up my computer and am going to try to adequately convey my feelings on the idea of to get what you want, you have to pay the price.

For many, life would be wonderful if everything we wanted was placed before us as soon as we wanted it; however, I think there is something to be said for the journey that we take to achieve what we want most. We learn so much about ourselves during the time we spend pushing ourselves and finding out what our limits are. Often times, what we are capable of is much more than we had originally thought.

I will have to use my sports analogies for this blog, as it makes it much easier for me to explain, but this can translate to any facet of life. Every team in Indiana says on the first day of the season, or at least they should, "We want to go to the state championship." There is nothing wrong with wanting the ultimate prize in high school sports. Many want it; only two get it. What's the difference? Two teams paid the price. I once heard a quote that said, "To get to a place you've never been, you have to do things you have never done." We must work hard in order to achieve success. There is no substitute for hard work.

If I were a player and wanted to get to the state championship, I have to realize that when I am on the court playing or practicing, I cannot let up. I have to push myself every second. I have to give even when I think I have nothing left to give. People often find ways to cut corners in life, never knowing their full potential. However, when people push themselves as hard as they can be it in sports, work, school, etc, the bar they can reach is much higher than originally perceived.

So many of us do not reach our "state championship" because we pause to feel sorry for ourselves or to complain about how hard we are working. The moment we stop to complain or take a break, someone has passed us. There are people out there who want something so badly that they are willing to pay the price, and if you aren't willing to pay the same price, you have to expect to be passed. You must go and seize what you want, even if it is difficult to obtain. Sure times are going to be hard, and you'll be exhausted, but always keep in mind the incredible feeling you will have when what you have dreamed of is finally in your grasp.

My advice is to pay the price. Go out and do things you never have done to get what you've never had. Life is so short and filled with too many "what ifs" or "I should haves." When you're saying that, it is too late. Push yourself; believe in yourself. One of my goals is to coach in a state championship game. I don't care how long it takes me, I will pay the price to reach that goal.

Go do good things,

EP