“Sweat plus sacrifice equals success” Charley Finley
If you want to reach high levels of fulfillment, sacrificing stuff is mandatory. Having the discipline and maturity to make sacrifices will enable you to do so much more with your time and energy, especially important things. I remember when I started college, I had to sacrifice certain friendships in order to use more of my time to study. I had to sacrifice a summer course in order to study abroad in Ghana West, Africa. I had to sacrifice social media in order to write this article. As a result of making sacrifices in my life, I have experienced way more than I would have ever imagined.
Sacrifices do not have to be physical, material things, but can be emotions or thinking habits too. Here is an example of an emotional sacrifice I made last year. In the summer of 2015, I went to Aramachay, Peru on a mission trip. But I had trouble way before I arrived to the country. I missed my initial flight there. I was a few minutes late due to heavy Atlanta traffic, and I guess not leaving Birmingham early enough. By the time I arrived at my gate inside the spacious Atlanta Airport, it was too late. My girlfriend and the group had already left for Lima, Peru. I sat on the other side of the window hurt, as I looked at the plane I was supposed to be sitting on depart.
I returned to Birmingham, Alabama that day debating whether or not I should follow through with this trip. My mind began to create excuses for me not to go. One excuse, which almost convinced me not to go, was that missing my flight was a divine sign from God showing me he did not want me there. But I was going to do work for him and his Kingdom, so I knew that if anything, God would be proud of me. In addition, I had raised a lot of money from personal donors who expected me to go on this trip and share my experiences when I returned. So I probably would have seemed suspicious if I did not go. I probably would have lost a few friends too.
I realized doubt and fear were holding me back from taking advantage of this opportunity. I feared the plane would crash, or I would make it and get robbed by some thugs. I even thought I would not communicate well enough in Spanish to reach the group in Hauncayo. When I realized I was becoming a slave to doubt and fear I immediately made up my mind that I was going to fly to Lima, Peru-- alone. I sacrificed my doubt of not being able to communicate clearly in Spanish, my doubt of not making it there safely, and I sacrificed the fear of being mugged by Peruvian thugs, by deciding to go on this trip alone. As a result, I flew out, landed safely in Lima, spoke Spanish well and eventually connected with my team in Huancayo, Peru.
Therefore, whatever physical thing or emotion is holding you back from achieving or experiencing more in your life, sacrifice it, fast. Or, you will miss out on something great, like I almost did with Peru. Making sacrifices and giving up things can help you reach the top faster than you can imagine. Pay attention to this story from John Maxwell's Developing the Leader within You. It gives you an idea of how far you can make it by giving up stuff that is holding you back.
At one point in history, a group of people were preparing for an ascent to the top of Mont Blanc in the Alps in France. On the evening before the climb, a French guide outlined the main prerequisite for success. He said, “To reach the top, you must carry only equipment necessary for climbing. You must leave behind all unnecessary accessories. It’s a difficult climb.” A young Englishman disagreed and the next morning showed up with a rather heavy, brightly colored blanket; some large pieces of cheese; a bottle of wine; a couple of cameras with several lenses hanging around his neck; and some bars of chocolate. The guide said, “You’ll never make it with that. You can only take the bare necessities to make the climb.” But strong-willed as he was, the Englishman set off on his own in front of the group to prove to them he could do it. The team then followed under the direction of the guide, each one carrying just the bare necessities. On the way up to the summit of Mont Blanc, they began to notice certain things someone had left along the way. First, they encountered a brightly colored blanket, then some pieces of cheese, a bottle of wine, camera equipment, and some chocolate bars. Finally, when they reached the top, they discovered the Englishman. Wisely, along the way he had jettisoned everything unnecessary.
Now, what will you sacrifice this year to achieve your goal(s)? A friend group, sleep, social media, etc?
