For the 2007 Women’s World Cup, Nike advertised the US Women’s National Team and their sacrifices.
These women together have missed out on 13 proms, 74 birthdays, 21 Thanksgivings, and 989 boyfriends. And they don’t regret it. They know why they give up these things. They know that game-changing slide tackles and goals and championships and having a second family and doing it all for each other are the rewards. They know how to put team above all else. They are the Greatest Team You’ve Never Heard Of.
That makes me reflect on my life and take a mental note of what it means to sacrifice for one’s aspirations. In life there is always an opportunity cost. There is no such thing as a free lunch. By that I mean to gain something you want, you must always give up something else. It’s a trade off.
The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer. – John Madden
If you want to be fit, you may have to trade an hour of sleep for an hour of running. What are you willing to give up to become better in an aspect of your life? Are you willing to trade television time for the gym? Are you willing to trade your chips and dip for abs? Are you willing to give up negativity for positive living?
The important thing is to focus on the rewards of making sacrifices, not the sacrifices themselves. The feeling of meeting your goal far outweighs the sacrifice or the suffering involved. At the end of the day, it won’t matter how much pain you were in pushing out the last round of thrusters. You will remember the great accomplishment of making that personal record (PR).
What do you want? What are you willing to sacrifice for it?
Get it.
