Include This In Your Future To Win

We're bombarded with images and videos of people "winning." We see posts of:

-the dream job

-the perfect family

-the endless vacations

But the truth is...

... actual growth in your

-finances,

-relationships

-your very sense of self 

require intentional sacrifices.

It's tempting to think that those who seem to have it together found some secret, but there's always a trade-off behind the scenes.

It's Evident

Think back to your teenage years. Remember those carefree days of sleeping in and endless video games? Fast forward to adulthood, and now there's a schedule to keep and responsibilities to fulfill. Sacrifice? Yes. It paves the way for a sense of accomplishment and a career I'm passionate about.

The same goes for relationships. Marriage isn't always a walk in the park. Sometimes, you need to put down the phone (you know who you are), communicate openly, and work through challenges. Sacrifice? Again, yes. But the reward is a deep, trusting bond built on mutual effort.

Friendships demand sacrifice, too. Opening yourself up to new people and being vulnerable can be scary steps. You sacrifice safety. But the payoff? Meaningful connections that enrich your life.

As Christians, the concept of sacrifice isn't foreign. Denying fleeting desires for a greater purpose is a theme interwoven through the words in scripture. Like Abraham at the altar, we lay our 'Isaacs' down for faith in something greater.

For parents, the sacrifices are constant. Managing your frustration and prioritizing your child's needs over your own. Sacrifice.

The Inner Critic

"You say you don't want to give things up." What you are looking to achieve requires sacrifice. What will you put on the table to get the future you want?

 If the answer is nothing, stay comfortable complaining.

"Successful people don't sacrifice; they just find workarounds." Those gurus selling shortcuts? They're profiting off your desire to avoid hard work. Success leaves a trail of sweat and missed parties—the choice is yours to do it or remain where you are.

"If I'm constantly sacrificing, I'll never be happy." Here's the fix: Sacrifice isn't forever. Sacrifices are the temporary dues you pay for the outcome you're pursuing. The sacrifices that truly matter get you closer to a life where you need fewer sacrifices overall.

Big Benefit

Sacrifice isn't about giving up. It's about unlocking a life of greater purpose and meaning. You choose to prioritize your goals and values, the things you let go of open the door to something much better, a future aligned with what matters most.

The More/Less Approach

More:

• Identifying your "why": What greater goals motivate your sacrifices? (financial freedom, future for your family, etc.)

• Embracing delayed gratification: Link the short-term sacrifice to your long-term vision.

• Building a support network: Surround yourself with people who understand your commitment to growth.

• Celebrating milestones: Acknowledge the wins, big and small, fueled by your sacrifices.

• Investing in your future self: See education, skill-building, and even paying down debt as investments, not deprivations.

Less:

• Viewing sacrifice as punishment: Shift the mindset from loss to intentional choice.

• Confusing sacrifice with deprivation: Mindfully chosen sacrifice differs from simply doing without.

• Dwelling on the temporary discomfort: Focus on the long-term reward.

• Comparing your journey to others': Your path of growth through sacrifice is uniquely yours.

• Giving up on your goals: True sacrifice means staying committed to what matters most.

Big Idea

Sacrifice isn't punishment; it's the upfront investment needed to become your best self. Stop dreaming of an easy path and embrace the choices that will bring you true, lasting fulfillment.

My questions to you:

What do you desire in the future? What are you willing to sacrifice for it?