In life, just like in a supermarket, every single item has a price and a utility (satisfaction) connected to it. The price represents what the shopper must pay, while the utility is the pleasure or benefit derived from that item. Interestingly, prices vary, some cost more, some less but the rule of thumb remains the same: you must pay the full price of any item before claiming and enjoying it. The analogy is simple but profound: Life is a supermarket, and our dreams (goals) are the items on the shelves. Every goal has its own price (sacrifices) and prize (rewards) connected to it. The price of a dream is the time, effort, and sacrifices you must make, while the prize is the reward, be it material wealth, fame, or the fulfillment of achieving that dream. You must pay the price before you can enjoy the rewards of success.
Many people dream big, but the greatest obstacle lies in their unwillingness to pay the price. Success, no matter how you define it, requires sacrifice. Life does not allow you to gain something for nothing—this is the reality. Just as you cannot pick items from a supermarket without paying for them, you cannot enjoy the rewards of your dreams without first making the required sacrifices.
When I was a young boy in 2001, I dreamed of becoming the first university graduate in my village. To achieve this, I had to make several painful sacrifices. I studied late into the night, spent what little money I had on extra classes, and eventually spent two years away from my parents working as a pupil teacher to self-finance my education. During that time, I lived on the bare minimum: two shirts, one pair of trousers, and one pair of shoes. My neighbors and students mockingly called me “Mr. One Way” because of my limited wardrobe. To save money, I cut my food expenses drastically, becoming a “voluntary vegetarian.” These sacrifices were the price I had to pay for my dream. I endured hardships, ridicule, and discomfort, but in the end, I succeeded. I saved enough money to put myself through university without a single penny of outside support. My dream came true because I was willing to pay the price. Similarly, when I aspired to become a writer after university, I faced yet another price: I had to give up watching movies and spending time with friends. I spent countless hours writing instead. Many friends drifted away, not liking the “new me,” and my loneliness and stress grew. However, I knew from the beginning that these sacrifices were part of the dream. When I finally published my books, the reward was worth every effort. The same friends who had distanced themselves eventually reconnected and celebrated my success.
My dear reader, having a dream is not about convenience, it requires sacrifice. Nelson Mandela had a dream of ending racial discrimination and creating a free, democratic South Africa. For this, he paid dearly by spending 27 years in prison, away from his family. Through years of research and extensive reading of biographies, I have discovered that great achievers, no matter their field were not always extraordinary people. Most were just ordinary individuals with average intelligence who worked harder and longer than others, practiced self-discipline and denial, and overcame more difficulties than their peers.
The truth is, if you want to succeed in any area of life, whether it’s financial prosperity, marital success, career growth, or personal development, you must give up something you have now to gain something you want tomorrow. This is the principle of opportunity cost, which teaches us that we cannot “eat our cake and have it too.”
Over the past eight years, I have coached and counseled thousands of students. One question I often ask them is: “What are your dreams, and what are the prices and prizes of those dreams?” Surprisingly, many students are unable to answer. They can beautifully describe their dreams but have no idea what sacrifices those dreams demand. Through step-by-step exercises, I help them identify and pay the price required to achieve their goals. Their testimonies speak volumes about the effectiveness of this approach.
My dear reader, life is like a supermarket. Every beautiful item on the shelf, just like every dream, comes with its own price. You must be willing to pay the price now to enjoy the rewards later. If you aspire to greatness, understand this: You may have to sacrifice time, leisure, money, or relationships. You may need to leave your comfort zone and endure criticism. You must trade who you are today for who you want to become tomorrow. But remember, the rewards are always worth it.
You are standing in life’s supermarket, surrounded by opportunities. Your dreams are waiting for you to claim them, but each one comes with a price. The choice is yours: Will you pay the price now and enjoy the rewards later, or will you settle for comfort today at the expense of your future? Take action. Pay the price. Transform your dreams into reality.
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Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with me. I would love to hear from you.
Seiba Issifu
Contact: +233245898708 / +16147413810
Email: info@ascopublications.com
