If a total stranger came up to you and said: "I've got a map", what would you think?

Would you be intrigued or would you think he was nuts? What if he added: "It's a map to a gold mine." Would that get you interested?

What if he said: "I'll sell you the map."

There are many unknown quantities in the above scenario. In other words, there are a number of things that you need to know about the man and his map. Here are some considerations:

• who is this man?
• does he have credibility?
• why is he offering you his map?
• does the mine still contain gold?
• who else has he offered his map to?

These are just some questions you might ask about the man, his map and the gold mine.

But let's assume that the man, the map and his gold mine are genuine. What else would you need to know?

• where is the mine located?
• how difficult will it be to extract the gold?

Let's also assume that the mine is able to be accessed and the extraction process is not cost prohibitive. When you have ascertained that everything is genuine, what would be your next question?

• how much does the map cost?

Let's now assume that the map is affordable. Just for instance let us say that the map will cost you $20,000. If you knew you could mine the gold, recoup your money and start making a profit, would you pay the man his $20,000 asking price?

In the back of your mind is there a little voice saying "where's the catch?" Of course there is. However, let's also assume that there is no catch. What would be the only thing holding you back from taking advantage of this fantastic offer?

There is only one part of the equation missing. It's you. Can you make the process work? What do you need to do to mine the gold?

What do you need to know about yourself? If you had the map, could you do anything with it? Would you do anything with it? Would you be prepared to pay the man for his map? Would you be prepared to part with the $20,000 for the map? Is the price too high for you? What if it was $10,000, or $5,000 or $2,500?

On the other hand, would you deny yourself the opportunity because you were concerned that you were giving the man money for just a piece of paper with a few lines and directions on it.

The question I really want you to think about is this - how much are you prepared to pay in time, money and effort for information that can enable you to improve your life?

Studying subjects such as motivation, self esteem and personal development could be just the map you need to find your very own gold mine.

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About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary's email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website where you can receive his "Zenspirational Thoughts" plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book "The Power of Choice."