Success and Sacrifice

Saw an interesting note on Apolo Ohno, the speedskater.  It speaks to how his father’s action made him a better person as he was made to think on his own.  The story is as follows in brief:

when he was a young man his father took him to an isolated cabin and left him there for a week by himself to "think about and figure out what he wanted from his life." Apolo now believes that his father’s actions laid the foundation for his incredible success.

Kirk’s blog is one of my favorite for things around finance and economy.  What is required for someone to succeed?  Kirk provides an interesting quote from a Texan, Nelson Hunt.

"First, you decide what you want specifically; and second, you decide if you’re willing to pay the price to make it happen, and then pay that price." – Nelson Bunker Hunt, Texas Oil Billionaire

Part of the problem with most folks – specifically the youth – is that they don’t know what they want from life.  Only when that first step is crossed, can you know what it will take to get there?  Paying the price for it is the most important step!  If getting something is so important that one can make any sacrifice.. then the success is certain – whether its sports or spiritual liberation.

What do you think?  Did you (or do you) know what you wanted?  How did you arrive at that "decision" and how did that experience help you?