Here’s the thing…
You can have virtually anything you want, but you can’t have everything you want.
This simple line from Principles by Ray Dalio hits home one of the basic fundamentals of life.
Choosing a goal can mean rejecting your wants, needs and desires.
You can have anything you want if you’re willing to work for it. If you’re willing to be patient, to put in the time and to put in the resources to get there.
If you do this, then there’s a good chance you’ll get to the top of the mountain.
BUT.
This always comes at a cost. To get what you want most, you must sacrifice other things that could be important to you.
- If you want to train at 6am before work, you sacrifice a sleep in.
- If you want to build a business, you sacrifice daily coffee dates and ‘spare time’
- If you want to spend a day at a conference, you sacrifice a day at work.
- If you want to work late, you sacrifice a night with your friends or family.
- If you want to take a day off, you sacrifice a day working towards your goals.
- If you want to sit for 12 hours a day, you will sacrifice your mobility.
- If you want to enjoy a meal of junk food and alcohol, you sacrifice your health.
Sometimes this sacrifice may be worth it, other times it might not, but what you prioritise will ultimately determine where you end up.
Just remember, every time you say yes to something. You’re saying no to something else.
Make sure that these decisions serve future you, not just present you.
“You can have much more than what you need to be happy. Make your choice and get on with it”
