Lloyd Sikeba
Success is like climbing a mountain, the view from the top is breathtaking, but the ascent demands sacrifice. Each step taken demands considerable effort, discipline, and resilience to endure the pain, confront challenges, and navigate harsh environments.
Success, much like conquering a mountain, requires meticulous preparation, where the mindset plays an important role in affirming the ability to reach great heights.
Whether aspiring for personal or professional greatness, the pursuit entails sacrifices. Every extraordinary achievement comes at a cost. Understanding the value of time as a sacrifice is paramount in the journey towards greatness. Success often demands a significant investment of time, requiring individuals to sacrifice leisure activities, social events, and even sleep to focus on work or personal development.
The ancient Greek concepts of time, Chronos and Kairos, provide insightful perspectives on this sacrifice.
Chronos “refers to time as we usually mean it: a sequence of equal parts.” We all have the same 24 hours, what we do with them all depends on the choices we take. Meanwhile, Kairos underlines the significance of specific moments that are more influential than others.
Reaching the top of your mountain require everything in you to STEP UP & STAND OUT during your Chronos phase. Consider Usain Bolt, celebrated worldwide for breaking records – his success is visible, but the unnoticed Chronos moments of daily rigorous training contributed to his achievements.
Consistent daily efforts become the sacrifices that pave the way for extraordinary accomplishments. Time is of the essence, and what one does daily determines the sacrifices made for that essential record in life.
The pursuit of greatness requires embracing the sacrifices that accompany it. Surrounding oneself with those who have successfully navigated similar paths is essential, necessitating a departure from the comfort zone. Comfort, as a friend wisely pointed out, can be a warning sign – an indication of vulnerability.
To succeed, one must stand up, as there is no time for relaxation. You are the main character in your life’s film; do not script your expiration.
Achieving success often involves spending less time with friends and family during periods of intense focus and hard work. It demands maximum concentration, emphasizing that the exterior cannot be soft if the interior is not strong.
Success also demands humility and a willingness to learn from failure. This may require setting aside one’s ego, admitting mistakes, and adopting a continuous learning mindset.
The pursuit of success may strain personal relationships, a common challenge as individuals navigate the demands of professional goals.
It’s crucial to note that not everyone makes the same sacrifices, and the level of sacrifice varies based on individual choices and circumstances.
Success is a personal and subjective concept, and the sacrifices made along the way are unique to each person’s journey. Additionally, finding a balance between pursuing success and maintaining overall well-being is crucial for sustainable and fulfilling achievements.
* Lloyd Sikeba is a motivational and professional speaker, writer, effective coach and men/boy child advocate.