As I was flipping through the sports highlights on Sunday evening, I ran across an interview with Michael Campbell, the winner of the 2005 US Open Golf Championship. In this interview, Campbell was speaking about the years of adversity he underwent in the quest for his first major title; the long hours at the driving range and the practice tee. Yet, through the tears, he was able to muster a big smile and say, "It was worth it."

Now, I must say that I'm not normally in the habit of talking back to the television set. Yet, in this case, I made an exemption and murmured an "Amen, Brother!"

Campbell is absolutely right. Success is worth it; regardless of the price you must pay for it. In fact, the greater the price, the more your success is worth. As Baltasar Gracian once said, "What costs little is of little worth." Over the years, I've learned this lesson firsthand.

My early success as an entrepreneur meant little to me (perhaps, that's why I was willing to throw it away so quickly). It just came too easily. Yet, as I've expended blood, sweat and tears to build DASH Systems, LLC. and get my infomercial on the air, I've appreciated every little success. In fact, when the last piece of the puzzle came into place recently, I had a feeling of elation that can't be put into words. Why? Because of all of the work that went into making it happen.

Well, I can promise you that you will feel the same sense of pride and satisfaction when you accomplish your big goal. All of the sleepless nights will be worth it. All of the sacrifices - financial and otherwise - will be worth it. All of the ridicule you received at the hands of friends and loved ones as you pursued your "crazy" dream will be worth it.

It's Worth It (Part II)

Of course, this assumes that you keep going until you reach your goal. And sadly, most people don't. They get an idea for a play they'd like to write or a business they'd like to start or cause they'd like to advance, but they never follow through. Or worse, they start but then quit when the first obstacle is placed in their path.

In my opinion, this happens because these well- meaning people fail to see that success will be worth it. They fail to see that writing an award-winning play is worth the late nights and the string of rejection letters it entails. They fail to see that starting a successful business is worth the financial sacrifice and the insecurity of not knowing if you can meet payroll. They fail to see that their cause is worth humbling themselves to ask for donations from strangers and very often, being under-appreciated by the very people they're trying to help.

Yet, you and I know that success is worth it. Think back for a moment to the greatest success of your life. Was it hard? I bet it was. Did you have to face your fears? I bet you did. Were the odds stacked against you and there were times when even you didn't think you could do it? I bet there were. Yet, in the end, when you had risen above all of the obstacles and reached your goal, was it worth it? I bet it was.

Therefore, as you attempt to buy that next house or make that next sale or recruit that next member to your organization, keep in mind that the thrill of victory is far greater than any agony you will have to endure to achieve it. In short, keep in mind that it's worth it.