What are you willing to risk to climb to the top?

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:40:00 GMT

       Fame, fortune and power. What are you seeking and what price are you willing to pay to achieve one or all? Are they worth sacrificing friendships, or a relationship? Are they true products of being successful in America? A conversation came up about the recent sex scandals of U.S. politicians and high rate of divorces among celebrities. Mix in the corporate grudges plotting Ceo against Ceo and you have a enough trash to headline any magazine for a month. The big question is if it is worth it or not.
       Talking to several friends I have found that some want to become successful and would even like to be noted for their efforts. On the other hand, some friends are quite comfortable being an average day individual and could care less about fame or power. So I proposed to those seeking fame and fortune, what would they be willing to sacrifice to reach the top? Were they willing to sacrifice their friendships to a point of stepping on coworkers to reach a promotion? One out of 5 said yes.
       I next asked if they were willing to end their relationship, even if they were married, if they found out that success would require them to move, and their partner or wife refused to move. 3 out of 5 said yes. I was amazed that a job is more important than a marriage. The last question I asked was if they would leave their family, assuming they had children. Not one said they would leave their children for fame, fortune, or power.
      I wonder if a large poll was carried out across the country, if similar results would hold true? Are American desires to be successful and famous creating a divide in the family bonds and friendships? Or do some people in their quest to excel inadvertently misconstrue their original feelings? Let’s pretend you won 1 million dollars. Would you change who you are, or would you still be the original you? I think a majority of people would be more than satisfied the rest of their lives with 1 million dollars, and would try to enjoy life to the fullest. But, I also think that a small percentage of people would think that they could not be satisfied with the money, and would immediately start trying to think of ways to get even more money. Maybe to a point of being scammed by someone, or taking costly risks.
      Having a million dollars would be nice, but having good friends, a close family, and a strong and lasting relationship is not worth being alone at the top. So I propose to you: What does the statement “having it all” mean to you?

Consider This!

What are you willing to risk to climb to the top?