In this universe, nothing comes free. You have to pay a price for everything. You cannot avoid paying the price in life. However you can choose how and when the price is paid, and based on that you get your reward.
Your best choice is to pay the price before you get the reward. You pay the price by utilising your time with disciplined, purposeful thoughts, feeling and activity; you will be rewarded with the outcome of your activity.
In doing so, both the price you pay and the reward you receive are beneficial. Being productive is enjoyable and fulfilling, and the fruits of your labour can improve your life for years or decades.
When you are not ready to pay the price, you spend a lot of time putting forth no effort, and the price you pay is to have your life filled with regret for all that wasted time.
The price you end up paying later, unhappiness, poverty or regret, is a terrible burden, one you’ll have great trouble getting rid of.
Be eager always to pay the price before you obtain the reward. By doing so you’re sure to make your life much happier and the reward much greater.
