Willing to pay the price

In the great book "Chicken Soup for The Soul" by Canfield and Hansen, there is one story that sticks out to me the most. Its called "willing to pay the price". It's the true story about a man named Le Van Vu, who faced disappointment and distress, countless times in his life, as he attempts to gain financial security. It is the only story I remember from the book, and for a time I printed it out and carried it around in my wallet, as it is such an effective and compact motivational story about gaining wealth.

Le Van Vu had success within his grasp many times, but fate always seemed to conspire against him. At one point, he came close to committing suicide after losing all of his money again. When, after numerous setbacks, the lead character of the story has the chance to work his way towards owning a small bakery in America, he takes on the opportunity. He had to live very thriftily at this time, and had to live inside the bakery with his wife, as he couldn't afford to rent another place, and washed in the bathrooms of the local shopping mall. He saved every penny he earned, and was finally able to put down a deposit on the bakery. He eventually became a millionaire. I always think of this when I have to make hard, long, constant sacrifices to achieve a financial goal.

Attaining financial security and freedom is not an overnight process. No matter how many books I read, money I earn, investments I make, or people I associate with, making money still takes a long time. Even the game of Monopoly is actually quite a long game. Even millionaires I know, did not do it overnight, some taking over 15-20 years to reach their current level of financial security. They will have encountered setbacks I cannot even imagine. I have to keep reminding myself that this time is the price I have to pay to achieve my goals.

My current level of wealth, mentally, spiritually, and financially, is far more than I ever thought it would be before I became a moneyseeker. Although I'm not a millionaire, getting to where I am now has still required years of sacrifice, effort, and learning. To go further will require even more sacrifice, effort, and learning. I need to continue to be willing to pay the price.

Read the story of "Willing to Pay The Price"