Everyone Wants Success, But at What Cost?
We love a good success story. We admire the people who “made it” – the entrepreneurs, the executives, the athletes and musicians, the influencers, the people who took risks and won big. Those who, against all the odds stacked against them – overcame. But behind these inspiring stories and highlight reels, there’s a reality few people talk about: success, no matter how you define it, comes with serious trade-offs.
If you have ever felt torn between financial security and chasing your dreams – between ambition and peace of mind – chasing goals no one else invests in – between following expectations and paving your own path, you are not alone. The road to success isn’t a straight path. Instead, it is a constant balancing act between sacrifice, guts, grit and staying true to yourself.
Let’s look at a few examples of tough trade offs no one talks about.
1. Success: The “Secure Job” vs. Your True Calling
You land a ‘good job’. The kind your parents are proud of, the kind that pays the bills, the kind that makes you feel like you have made it – at least, on paper. Yet, deep down, a small voice keeps asking: “Is this really it? Is this what I want?”
The Trade Off: Stability vs. Fulfillment. A stable job gives you security, but it may steal your joy. On the other hand, pursuing your passion gives you purpose, but it might mean struggling financially, feeling lost, or constantly wondering if you made a mistake.
Related Post: The Truth About Comfort Zones and Why You Shouldn’t Dwell There
The Reality: You may sit at your desk, day after day, watching the clock tick or lay awake at nights wondering if this is how life is supposed to be. Or, you may chase your passion, living paycheck to paycheck, questioning if your dream is even worth it.
Tip: Not a lot of people can manage the thought or even the reality of choosing one over the other. And who says that’s what should be done? Maybe you don’t quit your job tomorrow – but maybe you start something on the side – you incorporate one or the other. Just make sure your calling, your passion, your joy and light, isn’t taken out of the equation – at least, not on purpose.
Inspiration: Dr James Thomas (Jamaican) – Doctor and Footballer.
What’s your passion?
What’s the expectation of you?
What are you doing about it?
2. Leaving vs. Staying: The “Grass is Greener” Dilemma
Maybe you dream of leaving your job, your hometown, your country, your comfort zone. Maybe you look at others who made it elsewhere and think, maybe I should go too. However, leaving isn’t just packing a bag. It’s leaving behind familiar faces, familiar places, familiar customs, as well as the version of yourself that existed there.
Related Post: Here’s How Your Environment Kills Your Growth
The Trade Off: Opportunity vs. Belonging. If you stay, you might feel like you’re missing out on bigger opportunities. But if you leave, you might spend years feeling like a stranger, longing for the sense of belonging you left behind.
The Reality: One foot here and the other foot there- doesn’t make for good standing. Whether you stay or go, make the most of where you are. You won’t know if the grass is actually greener until you go experience it. And even then, you can water it if it isn’t. Many people get an instant panic, just at the thought of leaving familiarity behind, even when it doesn’t involve crossing terrestrial borders. T
heir fear conditions them to stay. But for those who can lean into the thought – and eventually action leaving from where ever, they are powerful people. Truth is – If you can’t change your mind – what can you change?
Inspiration: Dr Nigel Clarke (Jamaican) Former Finance Minister of Jamaica – Takes up Position as Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC
3. Hustle Culture vs. Mental Heath
You wake up early. You go hard. You push yourself past exhaustion because this is what it takes to succeed. No breaks. No sleep. No excuses. You like to look busy. He/se is always here/there. You thrive on that. You strive to live up to it. Even when your ligaments, short breaths, and rest deprived cardiovascular system are screaming.
Hustle culture tells us: Work now, rest later. But what if later never comes?
The Trade Off: Success vs Sanity. Hustling non stop may bring financial security for some. But it breaks many in the process. Slowing down isn’t such a bad thing. It protects you well being. The thing is – it may mean, missed opportunities, watching others get ahead and feeling like you are falling behind.
The Reality: It’s a pity, the moment you realize you don’t even enjoy your success because you are too burnt out to feel it. The anxiety that creeps in at night – the guilt you feel when you try to take a break – the exhaustion that follows everywhere. Have you ever tried solving a problem when you are tired? You don’t get very far. However, the moment you rest and feel rejuvenated – it’s almost as if it were the simplest problem ever – and the best solution too!
Tip: Work smarter, not harder. Success should build you, not break you.
Inspiration: ” I tell my athletes and my patients that sleep is the most important thing in the world, but tonight’s sleep is irrelevant,” Dr. Winter says. Don’t beat yourself up if you have some rough nights or weeks. That’s normal. What shouldn’t be normal is cheating your sleep every night and expecting victory in every game.” – These Elite Athletes Say Sleep Is Their Secret Weapon
4. Success: Your Dream Life vs Other People’s Expectation
You get the degree. You take the job. You hit all the milestones society says you should. And yet…something feels off. You wonder if you are living for you, or the approval of others.
The Trade Off: Validation vs. Authenticity. Choosing the “expected” path brings praise, stability and social acceptance. But it may also mean suppressing your real dreams. Choosing your own path means freedom – but also criticism, loneliness and fear of failure.
The Reality: The People will raise their eyebrows when/if you tell them your real dreams. Some persons may be disappointed and stop cheering you along. You may fear disappointing anyone at all – except yourself – Cowardice? Gallantry?
Tip: Block out the noise. Live as best as possible. Doing and being the best that you can. Clarify your vision from those that are someone else’s. Above all, focus on your authentic definition of success.
Inspiration: Your future self is counting on you. That passion of yours can be traded off – but it can also be implemented!
What are You Willing to Trade for Success?
Success isn’t just about gaining – a massive part of success is about what you are willing to give up. Stability, belonging, rest, validation, comfort – every decision comes with a price.
What do you want?
What sacrifices are you willing to live with?
Success stories don’t just come from wins, and having everything fall into your lap.
Related Post: The Law of Trade Offs
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about reaching the top. It’s the process of getting there. All the stumbles and trade offs. It’s also about recognizing yourself when you arrive.
