Dare To Live Without Limits Week of 10/4/2021

Today’s sacrifice could bring tomorrow’s success

Results don't occur by themselves. Life isn't like the lottery. You can't buy a ticket and then sit back and hope to win. In the real world, it's up to you to do what it takes to achieve the outcome you want. Sacrifice always precedes success. Unfortunately, the concept of sacrifice has a negative connotation for many people.
As such, it's not unusual to hear a person declare "I'm not willing to make the sacrifice" or "The sacrifice is too great." The variety of excuses is virtually endless. Sometimes it seems as if people put more effort into concocting excuses than would be required to reach their goals.
Sacrifice is synonymous with effort. Effort is worthwhile because it leads to results. Since effort is beneficial, sacrifice is good. Sacrifice involves giving. Only by giving will you receive. Rather than shying away from sacrifice, embrace it as the opportunity it is. It's a chance to begin the journey to reach your destination.
Sacrifice has many manifestations. In general, sacrifice entails exchanging one thing to realize something else. Sacrifice isn't a loss; it's a gain. You trade a combination of time, energy, or money for that which is of greater importance or value.
A single parent may work two jobs to support his kids. He gives up his time to keep them comfortable. He puts his children's needs ahead of his own. In return he gets the satisfaction that his kids are happy and well cared for.
A college student may work full time while going to school. She gives up any social life in exchange for the opportunity to get an education that will serve her for a lifetime. She exchanges short-term fun and entertainment for long term benefits.
A small business owner works 10 hours a day, six to seven days a week, building her business. She sacrifices all her free time to develop her dream. She asks her family and friends for understanding. She realizes that once her business is successful, opportunities will emerge that would have otherwise been unavailable.
A young couple scrimps and saves to accumulate enough money for a down payment on a house. They cut back on or eliminate all discretionary spending. To accelerate their savings, each spouse works a part time job in addition to their full time employment. Without their sacrifice, they would never be able to own their own home.
A budding high school athlete wants to be good enough to play sports in college. He practices daily, utilizing every minute of his spare time. He sacrifices time with his friends. He misses parties and dating. He realizes that if he doesn't do what it takes today he may well miss out on future opportunities.
A son, whose mother has died, takes his father into his home. He and his family sacrifice a lot of privacy and independence to care for him. But he has the satisfaction of giving something back to his father in return for all of his sacrifices.
The examples of sacrifice are endless. The people in the above illustrations were willing to sacrifice in the short term for long term gain. The desire for instant gratification is the enemy of sacrifice.
If you require instant gratification and are unwilling to give up anything to reach a goal, you will never have the satisfaction of accomplishment. It doesn't matter what you are trying to achieve. If you won't go the distance, you will never experience the rewards.
Sacrifice isn't paying a price; it's enjoying having an opportunity. You should consider it a joy to be able to make a sacrifice. Without sacrifice, there is no growth or gain.
Be willing to sacrifice today for long term achievement tomorrow.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2021 Bryan Golden