The “Real” Price Of Achieving Your Dreams…

In July of 2006 I had one of the most amazing experiences in my life. It was the release of my first book. I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people from many walks of life all looking for the same thing – FREEDOM!

I myself am still searching for freedom, which I define as the ability to be able to do what I want, when I want, whenever I want. As of today, I still have not achieved that freedom but I know that I am on my way. Many people believe that once you become self employed that you suddenly become “free”. Free from answering to someone else, free to live the type of lifestyle that you want to live, and free to make as much money as your bank account can hold. While it is true that these goals are obtainable from becoming your own boss, the truth is there is a higher price that you will have to pay to achieve these goals. The real price of achieving your dreams is costly. Not in terms of money but in sacrifices.

If you think that by becoming self employed you will be able to buy a fancy car, a big home and take tons of vacations then you may be in for a rude awakening. The reality is you will have to make some serious sacrifices to achieve those goals.

Last week as I anxiously awaited the release of my book, I got a call from my publisher telling me there was a printing delay and that there may be a chance that I would not have any books for my release party. Well you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that you need books for a book release party. So as I continued to work my normal 10-12 hour day taking care of my businesses, I found myself also having to spend countless more hours helping to plan a book release, doing media interviews and taking care of my family.

The price for me last week was sleep deprivation, something I am still paying for today! I found myself getting up at 5:30 am and not going to bed until 12:30 am and repeating the cycle daily. Even thought it was a rough week, I kept my eye on the prize because I knew in the end there was a reward waiting for me. My reward was that I was publishing my first book; a book I knew would help in changing people’s life!

In my ten years or so as an entrepreneur, I have made many sacrifices - financial, emotional, mental (definitely mental) and physical. All the while keeping my eyes focused on the rewards. You have to be willing to pay the price to get what you want in life because if you have lived long enough, you already know that no one will give anything to you. I am a firm believer that you are only limited to your own limitations. Based on that belief, I set personal and professional goals as if there are no limits. I encourage you to live your life the same way because in the end, as long as you have your eye focused on the prize, you will always achieve your dreams.

I look forward to helping you strive to reach your goals and dreams. It is my hope that the information I've provided will help you to get there!

To Your Health, Wealth & Happiness!

Pam Lawhorne

Pam Lawhorne is a serial entrepreneur, small business expert and creative marketing consultant, who provides advice, guidance, and encouragement to aspiring CEO's around the nation in her popular seminars and publications. She is the Chief Empowerment Officer of Empower U, Incorporated, a training and consulting firm that specializes in interactive workshops, seminars and coaching programs.

Ms. Lawhorne is the author of “From Minimum Wage To Getting Paid! - How To Become A Successful Entrepreneur With No Money, Education Or Experience!" and she is also a syndicated columnist who writes articles on empowerment, entrepreneurship, personal development, creative marketing and real estate investing. Her articles appear nationally in newspapers, magazines, and on numerous business websites and on-line publications. For additional information please visit her website: www.PamLawhorne.com.

The above article is copyright 2003-2008 by Pam Lawhorne. Permission to repost is freely granted so long as the text is not altered in any way, and the copyright and links are included.