Great achievements are often the result of small sacrifices made consistently over time

The world we currently find ourselves in is filled with temptations that promise instant pleasure. Resisting them can feel as challenging as convincing a chronically discouraged soul to cheer up. One thing, however, is that you can only become the person you aspire to be if you let go of who you are now. The thought-provoking adage that you can’t eat your cake and have it simply reminds us that there is always a trade-off or some form of sacrifice when it comes to chasing and realizing your dreams. Sacrifice is an important variable in the equation of success, whether one is talking about academics, relationships, careers, spirituality, or others.

On December 31st each year, many people set super-fantastic goals or New Year’s resolutions, starting the year with great hope and excitement. While they often possess the ability to achieve these goals, research surprisingly reveals that about 90% of people begin to drift away from their resolutions within the first two months of the year. Through my interactions with several young people during student empowerment seminars on goal setting and time management, I’ve observed that the majority of individuals who set goals or resolutions understand the need for sacrifice—the effort, time, and discipline required to attain their dreams. However, in reality, many are either unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices or choose to follow the path of least resistance, making minimal efforts far below what is required. They attempt to negotiate with what is non-negotiable. True and fulfilling success practically demands commitment, discipline, and the courage to pay the full price. Without these, goals remain mere wishes

I vividly recall a time in my life when juggling my goals with daily distractions seemed like an unending struggle. Late-night movies seemed like the perfect way to unwind after a long day, but they left me drained and too tired to work on what truly mattered. Then one day, somewhere in June 2012, I stumbled upon a quote by John C. Maxwell: “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” Those words hit me hard. I realized my dreams weren’t slipping away because of a lack of time; they were slipping because of my unwillingness to sacrifice the comfort of watching movies for the inconveniences of thinking and writing. That night, I made a small but deliberate change as I swapped my TV time for 2 hours of writing. It wasn’t easy giving up the comfort of a good show, but I committed to writing just two pages every evening.

Fast forward eight months, and I had written and published two textbooks. One of them, Fundamental Economics for Senior High Schools in West Africa, a 750-page labor of love, became the most widely recommended textbook for senior high school students in Ghana. Tens of thousands have been published and sold. Encouraged by this success, I wrote and published four additional books in the next year and a half. For over two years, television had slowed down my journey to becoming a writer. But when I let go of that habit, the floodgates opened, and my goals became achievable. Looking back, the sacrifice wasn’t a loss; it was a gateway to a life I’d only dreamed of. I wish I knew this earlier; it would have saved me years of procrastination, and I’d be even further along my journey by now.

Today, many people are surrounded by “time robbers” like social media and instant entertainment. While these things make life fun in the short term, they often stand in the way of the long-term rewards tied to our goals. Remember, success isn’t about making massive changes overnight; it’s about making small, intentional shifts daily.

As you set your 2025 goals, remember, true and lasting success demands commitment, discipline, and the willingness to trade short-term comfort for long-term achievement. Remember, the journey may not be easy, but the rewards are always worth it. If you don’t sacrifice for your dreams, your dreams will become the sacrifice. Don’t give up what you want most for what you want now. Your future self is counting on you, so stay the course!

Remember, S.A.C.R.I.F.I.C.E. is your roadmap to your dream destination, which is not something that is handed out to you just because you have goals or dreams, and each letter in the word S.A.C.R.I.F.I.C.E. holds special meaning. Here’s your guide.

 S – Stay focused on your goals. Let nothing distract you from your purpose.
A – Accept the challenges along the way; they’re stepping stones to growth.
C – Commit to constant growth, learning, and evolving every single day.
R – Rise above setbacks. Each obstacle is a chance to prove your resilience.
I – Invest time and effort. Great things take dedication and consistency.
F – Follow through with perseverance—quitting is never an option.
I – Inspire others through your journey. Be the motivation someone needs.
C – Choose discipline over comfort. Success demands focus and hard work.
E – Enjoy the rewards of hard work. The results will be worth every effort.

S.A.C.R.I.F.I.C.E isn’t just a word; it’s the blueprint for converting dreams into reality. People don’t succeed in getting the things they want just because they merely wish for them. Each letter in S.A.C.R.I.F.I.C.E reminds us that greatness requires focus, resilience, and discipline. Your dream is within reach, so stay committed, embrace the process, and let the power of sacrifice guide you to extraordinary heights in 2025.

For more motivational stories and life lessons, visit www.ascopublications.com. I’d love to hear from you. Scroll down further after reading to share your thoughts in the comments! Help us spread inspiration by sharing this article with your friends on social media. Let’s grow together!

Seiba Issifu
Asco Publications Limited
Email: seiba@ascopublications.com | info@ascopublications.com | seibaissifu82@gmail.com
Phone: +1 614-741-3810 | +233 245-898-708