So far, we’ve discussed the three things it takes to pursue your dream. 1. Decide. 2. Commit. 3. Discipline. What’s next? Well, brace yourself. If I didn’t scare you off yesterday then I might today.

Number four is: sacrifice. I already see you cringing. I know, I know. No one wants to even hear that word: sacrifice. Today, we like easy, comfort, instant, drive-thrus. We don’t like to wait and we don’t want to have to give up anything. We like to eat our cake and have it too. Well, if you’re going to reach for a dream, sacrifice is demanded.

There will be things you have to give up. For me, when I first decided and committed to becoming a writer, I sacrificed a lot financially. A decent paying job for one. Teaching won’t make you rich, but it will pay the bills. Without that teaching job, I had to figure out a way that I could pay bills and live and eat. But I didn’t eat at fancy restaurants. I clipped coupons. I didn’t go shopping. Yep, and for me that was a HUGE sacrifice. I didn’t get to see my friends as much. Still don’t. I have deadlines. When my kids were little, other moms were calling their friends during naptime and catching up, but I was writing so I could meet deadlines. Neither is right or wrong. But chatting with friends would not have gotten a book written and my dream was writing. Olympic athletes give up a lot to reach for their dreams. They wake up early and work hard. Some go to school part time or homeschool. Therefore, they often give up Friday nights at football games and prom. They give up hanging out with friends and eating fattening desserts. So before making that decision and commitment, figure out what you are going to have to sacrifice.

What is your sacrifice? Is the payoff worth it?