Last week I read an interesting post on a blog written by a lady named Jacqueline Gates titled The Price Is Right ~ But Will You Pay It? First, that’s the first time I’ve ever typed a squiggly line, and I didn’t even know I had that key until I went looking for it. Second, it’s an interesting article that also has an interesting, if long, video complimenting it.
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If you don’t go check it out, the basic premise is that everything is attainable if you’re willing to pay the price for it. She talks about weight loss, being monetarily successful and something else that’s slipping my mind. In her view, we all have the capability to do and be these things if we’re willing to do what it takes to get there. The question now is twofold; one, do we believe it and is it really true?
Y’all know me; I’m of two minds. One, I believe that anyone can achieve anything if they can get beyond circumstances, whatever those circumstances are. Two, I believe there are some things that are unattainable, not because one doesn’t work hard enough for them but because, well, they’re just unattainable. In my comment on her post I mentioned that no matter how hard I work, even if I do the same thing 24/7, at this point in my life I won’t ever be the starting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. But in my past… okay, let me have that pipe dream for a moment. 🙂
Based on my beliefs, question number one has limits to it. I used to be a pretty good piano player but I haven’t played in years now. If I started to practice every day for at least 20 hours, I might be able to get back to where I was. However, I couldn’t reach the level of Rubenstein even when I was playing between 6 – 8 hours a day in the past; would that really be attainable now, no matter how much I practiced? Sorry Charlie (who remembers old tuna commercials?), but it’s just not going to happen. But can I be pretty good, maybe even better than I was before? Sure.
So, not only are there limits, but there are modifications we might have to deal with. Can we all be rich? Absolutely. Can we all be Oprah rich; ain’t gonna happen. Do we need to be Oprah rich to be happy and content? Nope. Is it still a nice goal to shoot for, as long as we’re still realistic about our overall dreams? Yes.
Okay, on to question two, and I think I’ve already answered it. If it’s not always attainable, and thus not believable, then it’s obviously not true. At least not across the board. Let’s look at blogging, my favorite subject here, and talk about it a little bit.
Can any one of us be really successful at blogging? Since there’s lots of criteria, sure. But let’s look at two criteria in particular. One, can we all make money with our blogs; two, can we all get our blogs ranking high wherever we want them to rank high? Let’s take these in order.
We can all make money with our blogs. I’ve made money with this blog and my other two blogs as well. Have I made “big” money; that’s a much different question. I don’t think I’ve made $100 total with my blogs in the full existence I’ve had them, and one of my blogs is more than 5 years old. Actually, let me take that back; I haven’t made $200, since I did make some money when I accepted text ads early in 2009. I haven’t made any thing significant, though. Could I? Truthfully I don’t know. Since there are a few folks who’ve made it I could say “yes”, but since that number is less than the number of millionaires in the United States (which is actually a much higher number than you’d believe), I’d have to say probably not. Doesn’t mean I won’t try, but it’s highly unlikely.
So, number one says “no”. What about number two? This is one where I believe Ms. Gates rule on “price” is spot on. With this one I really do believe everyone can be really successful if they’re ready to pay the price. Ah, but what is that price?
Two weeks ago my blog finally cracked the magical 100,000 number on Alexa. I believe it cracked that figure because of the sweat equity I was putting into it. I’ve written a post a day for about a month; I even had two posts a day two weeks ago, though that second post was more about marketing. Tomorrow’s post will be my 900th post in just under 3 years. And I’ve visited lots of blogs and commented, shared, retweeted their posts and my posts, and really worked the community. In essence, I’ve been willing to pay the price to get to this number, and all without page rank (y’all don’t really want me to go there again, right?).
However, I know everyone can’t afford to do this. I work from home, so I have more freedom to diversify my work and my blogging. Not everyone can do this, so I have a small advantage. But this is where paying the price differs. I give up vacation time and time to just sit and watch a lot of TV or play video games for this. I might be missing something, but I don’t know. But y’all do, and if you enjoy doing what you do, then you’re not missing a thing. You’re paying the price in a different way; that’s okay.
In conclusion, we all pay the price for whatever we have. We can decide to pay the price for other things or continue paying the price and getting what we have. But paying the price for something else doesn’t necessarily equate into ultimate success. Yes, you’ll be more than you were, and that’s great. But trying to be more than what’s possible will leave you depressed. Do the best you can, achieve the best you can, and be happy with that. Now, get in there and blog!
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Hi Mitch
Interesting topic. I agree with you. I could attempt to study things that the geeks can do almost in their sleep and because of how my brain is wired; would never get it lol
Nor could I paint a picture like Monet or Van Gough. However, the things I can do I will do the best I can. And number 2 can I be successful with my blog by putting in the hours (many) persevering through the bumps in the road and staying patient as it isn’t instant wealth, I would say yes.
May take some time, but it will happen. As long as I keep on keeping on. And I intend to do that. It is interesting what we will pay the price for isn’t it?! We all see success differently and to me, doing what I’m doing now doesn’t seem so much like work, as I am enjoying it so much. Meeting some truly amazing people who selflessly cheer me on and help me on my way….to success 🙂
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia Perth Australia
Pat, you’re just so fast with your replies; I love it! 🙂
I pretty much know that her point was, or at least should have been to be the best you can be, and I would never disagree with that statement. But paying the price doesn’t always get it done, and based on numbers, it obviously doesn’t get it done most of the time either.
Mitch, I have to disagree with you.
You have to figure out what the price is first.
People think that once they put in a lot of time and energy they are “paying the price”.
It is not just about self-denial.
It is about doing what is necessary and what it takes.
If you really haven’t made more than $200 with the traffic you seem to be getting it’s only because you possibly don’t really care about making more money from your sites.
There is no way that would happen to me.
Now, most people do not succeed simply because they give up to soon. They focus on the wrong things and expect great results.
Success is there only for those who will achieve what they want or die trying.
Interesting point of view, JeanPaul. Of course you disagree with only a portion of what I’ve said and kind of disregarded the rest. If I may…
One, I’m not dependent upon online money for my income. If I were and I wasn’t getting it done, your statement might be correct. I don’t think I talk all that much about making money online with this blog; that’s really not my focus.
Still, no matter what the price is that I’m willing to give, I’m still never going to be a better piano player than Andre Watts, I’m still not going to be dunking any more basketballs at my age, and I don’t think NASA will be calling me up and asking me to go on the next space flight, wherever that might be. There are some things that being willing to pay the price just isn’t going to get it done. And it wouldn’t matter how necessary I felt any of that stuff was.
I also disagree that most people give up too soon, although that’s a common misconception. I tend to believe that most people give up because they haven’t quite figured out how to get to their goal, no matter what it is. I don’t think that’s folks who aren’t willing to pay the price; they just might be using the wrong currency.
I thank you for your point of view, though; it’s good to see how someone else might think of it.
I will say this – I have one definition of giving up to soon: “Giving up before you achieve your goal”.
I understand that sometimes you may want to change direction – that’s not giving up – that’s being smart.
The fact remains that most people dream and wish. They are not ready to “pay the price”.
And they give up because they underestimated what it would actually take to get the result they want.
They haven’t figured out how?
Well, in this day and age that’s a really flimsy excuse. I mean, the internet gives you access to all the information you need.
It doesn’t matter why people give up, the fact is that they do. Those who persevere achieve results.
And that’s because they won’t stop until they get what they want.
Jean Paul, I’ll agree with some of what you said and disagree with some of it. At this point it doesn’t really matter all that much I figure for most of it. I might disagree that just because one finds information that they’ll automatically know what to do with that information; after all, I can read 100 missives about forensic debt analysis and still not understand what it means. But I will agree that people who persevere will achieve results.
An excellent post on a subject we all can relate to. I do set lofty goals. I’m of a mind if I can dream it, I can do it. Ah, and there’s the catch…they are my dreams which I put a deadline to and thus create a goal. Do I reach each goal in time? No, but I learn along the way and then tweak the goal.
I do agree about one thing, going for an impossible goal or ideal will end up being frustrating and depressing.
BTW, I miss your piano playing. 🙂
Thanks; it has been a long while since you’ve heard me. Then again, at this point it’s been a long time since I’ve heard me as well. lol
Greetings, Sir Mitch
I just adore that my blog post inspired this brilliant piece and I thank you humbly for the tag.
We obviously think alike in that “almost” everything is attainable if we set our minds to it and do the work. (I say almost because, at a smidgen over 5′ and too far past 40, I’m as likely to become a supermodel as you are to play for the Lakers lol)
But my main point was that there are so many people out there who whine about not achieving their goals but their not prepared to pay the price for it.
Take blogging for example. You just cracked the 100,000 Alexa ranking by sheer hard work and dogged persistence (congrats on that, btw) but there are innumerable bloggers out there who will complain loudly about their lack of traffic, but still rather watch TV than do a post a night.
And don’t get me started on weightloss! As I said in my video, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m obviously not prepared to pay the price (exercise, calorie control, chocolate deprivation) so therefore should stop whinging about it and just celebrate my curvaceous goddess-iness!
Anyway, sir, I’m utterly delighted to have met you, and intend to visit often.
I shall have the kettle on for tea and you can play the piano for me.
PS Shared this on Facebook too. Do you not use syndication buttons?
Thanks for stopping by, Jacqueline, and for the inspiration for this post. I knew what you meant, but I had to put my own spin on it. Sometimes people think in absolutes and miss the subtleties of things; that’s why I think so many people misinterpreted the intention The Secret. So, the subject was definitely worth talking about, and I hope it brought you some visitors as well.
I figure I might as well answer the question you asked in the follow up comment as well. I have that big subscription icon to the right for RSS here, and below the article I have that “like” button for Facebook, and at the top of the post I have the retweet button. For me, that pretty much covers things, since I really don’t belong to anything else.
Sir? Oh, please, do not feet the beast. 😉
It’s too late; I’m puffing at the honor! lol
LOL this goddess dubs all Enlightened Men as Sir. Champions of the Age of Enlightenment, Self-Accountability and All Things Goddess-worthy!
We’re much more willing to ‘pay the price’ when we appreciate we’re doing something of value. Thanks Mitch.
Thanks for your comment, James. You’re right, I think we’ve all found something worth paying the price for.
Good discussion Mitch. I especially related to the “sometimes drive and desire are not quite enough” aspect. I used to think that I could do ANYTHING I set my mind to, and most of the time I could… if I was willing to pay the price. But now-a-days I have been finding that there are some things I should not even attempt or I’ll end up in the HOSPITAL! But… maybe that’s just part of the “price” huh?
Oh yeah Allan, you get it. lol It was about 2 years ago that I finally came to grips with the reality that there are things I just can’t do anymore, and luckily I figured it out before I hurt myself… barely. I think that’s what wives are for.
Great discussion. I think what separates the successful form the un-successful is identifying goals and understanding what is reasonably attainable through hard work.
Good point, John. It’s definitely not about limiting oneself as much as identifying what most probably isn’t going to happen, no matter what you do. Hopefully we can all be successful if we’re realistic with ourselves.
Isn’t she a gem Mitch? About the Lakers, I reckon it is possible to play for them. First you have to make enough money blogging to buy them and once you’ve achieved that you simply put yourself in the team. You may not win much but at least you’ll be playing for the Lakers. 😉
Actually, owners aren’t allowed to play in the NBA; remember, that’s why Michael Jordan had to sell his stake in the basketball team he was a part owner of. But that wouldn’t really be earning my way onto the team if it was legal, now would it? lol
Hell, that’s not right! What’s the point of having all that money if you can’t buy your way into a team? 😀
Didn’t know that about Jordon, I’m an Aussie remember, and one that isn’t into basketball at that.
Sure it would, you worked your butt off to buy them remember 😉
So you stayed up really late once to watch women’s tennis and don’t like basketball? Am I going to have to ask for someone to review your “man” card? lol And, remember that I know which match you watched so don’t try to pull that “attractive sheilas” line on me; I know better.
Sometimes you take what you can get mate and even a slightly unattractive shiela looks a hell of a lot better than some jock 😉
Dude, you’re married and I’ve seen pictures of your family, so you know I’m not buying that one. lol
I never ask the price. If I want it, I will pay, but then I expect delivery according to quote.
I guess that’s why my husband does all the grocery shopping!
🙂
Althea, you’re so bad! My wife and I eat different foods, so we each do our own shopping. Still, I’m not quite sure that’s what paying the price was relating to. lol
Paying the price for our goals is definitely one of the things we should do, no matter what we are doing. You and Jacqueline got good points going, Mitch. If people are not willing to pay the price of reaching our objectives, then they should not be complaining about the lack of results. But, if they do pay the price, I bet, they would be really happy to see some results, no matter how small…I know I am.
Thanks Wes. You know, I equate it to trying to learn how to make money online. I’m not great at it, but I’ve put time into it, and I’ve gone from making $10 a year to making, well, way more than that now per month. Sure, I want more, but I’m really happy at what I am making.
Hmmm.. Well, I think everything has it’s price it’s just that it all depends on us if we’re willing to pay for it or just let it slip by. Everything has its own consequences be it positive or negative. It’s up to us to balance everything in order to attain the results that we want to have. Nice discussion Mitch, great read.
Thank you Kelli (actually, I might not have that name correct, which is why I’ve changed your user name). It is up to each of us to determine how much we’re willing to give up or try to do for our objectives.
There seems to be a discussion here related to paying the price. Anyway, I do agree that things come in price and our objectives in getting the best we can could simply be associated with a price. But then, the result would be ideal in times, As for me, I keep on posting my personal blogs in some free blog sites and let me say that I had spent my time, effort and money for that. Hence, I am earning from this habit of mine as well as enjoying it.
First, I had to change your name as well per my comment policy.
Second, I thank you for your comment here. You bring up a very good point, that being that the objectives don’t always have to be professional to get something out of them. I hadn’t really thought about that until reading this.
I hate to admit, but you are absolutely right Mitch, not everything can be achieve with believes! Nor with hard work, or motivation. Sometimes it requires a bit of luck and talent. Its like reading a book, how to make $5000 a day sleeping. Of course this is not possible and can’t happened overnight, or for years. I was also a piano player and I was good, even just took less than 2 years of lessons. I didn’t touch my keyboard for years, I lost the technique, but I got the feeling that I can play even better and actually I am better that before, because I enjoy it, but this doesn’t make me Richard Claiderman! I am in only business for a decade and I am not rich and probably I will never be, but honestly I don’t really care as I like to do what I am doing.
Thanks for sharing Carl, and a fellow piano player to boot. I know I’m not close to what I was and probably never will be again. And I’m not rich yet either, but I’m still planning on getting there in some fashion. I’ve paid some interesting prices, but there are others I know I haven’t paid nor will pay because they’re against what I believe in.
I used to believe that anyone could accomplish anything if they put their mind to it, but as I’ve learned, talent and natural abilities definitely do come into play. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it, but I think setting unrealistic goals sometimes is what disappoints and then the sport, activity, whatever is given up for good. My philosophy is that you don’t have to be the best at something, you should just do it the best you can. There’s too many variables in life.
I’m so impressed with your 100,000 Alexa rank! My goal is to crack one million. hahahahaha!
You’re almost there, Jessica! 🙂 As to the rest, there is this thing about natural ability that we all need to recognize. But the person with the natural ability has to recognize it as well, because we’ve all heard of people who have let their gifts go because they took them for granted. We all have to figure out the difference between a realistic goal, even if it’s somewhat audacious, and a pipe dream.
I like that ~ you don’t have to be the best, but be the best you can!
Mitch – I couldn’t agree with you more. Some things in this life are just unattainable no matter how hard you try and no matter if you’re willing to pay the price or not.
However, I feel if you reach for something that might be bigger than yourself can be a good thing. Because if you really work towards it but you don’t reach it, you won’t come up too short and you will probably still achieve something great in life during the process.
But it’s like you said, don’t let it depress and stress you out. Just be happy with all that you’ve accomplished as long as you know you gave it your best.
Great stuff John. I tell people I’m shooting for Oprah money, but we all know that’s not going to happen. But if I got to within 1% of Oprah money in the bank, I wouldn’t complain one bit, and I’d know it was because I was striving for something greater than I have now.
I agree with Jessica and some of your other commenters. Where did we come up with this silly idea that anyone can do anything? I love seeing what other people can do, especially when it causes me to think, “Wow. I could never have done that!” It has nothing to do with my self-esteem; it’s about recognizing and appreciating the accomplishments of others. I’m glad there are people out there who can write music, play the piano, paint, dance, create computer software, and design buildings and bridges — because I never could.
Congratulations, Mitch!
Thanks Charles. Actually, where we came up with it was 80’s TV, when that was always the statement people made. Even in The Secret it said that anyone can do anything, but people missed some of the qualifiers that were inserted there. That’s the problem; most people miss the qualifiers, and thus when full success isn’t achieved, they feel cheated and bitter. But sometimes it’s retrospection, true retrospection, where folks realize “hey, I am better off than I was”.
In my experience, the MAJORITY of people don’t stick it out beyond a few weeks (Maybe a few months) in most ventures if they don’t see results.
This includes MLM, blogging, and any other income generating activities online.
You’re probably right, Carolee, but I’m of two minds. One, people shouldn’t even think about getting into something if they’re not really committed to it. And two, if you are trying something new, many times you know pretty early if it’s for you or not, and if you’re going to bail then bail early. But once you’ve invested some time into something, then at least see it through until you can make a truly informed decision.