Most of us, consciously or unconsciously, at some point realize that being successful in any area of life requires us to say "no" to something. If you want great grades in high school to increase your college scholarship potential, you have to sacrifice time having fun with friends so you can study. If you want to be in great shape or even just good health, you have to sacrifice time to exercise and give up "eating all the things." If you want to increase your influence on a large scale, you have to sacrifice to help others.

"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something." Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is common sense - I'm probably not saying anything you haven't heard before. But, when was the last time you consciously thought about where you are in your life or career and what is preventing you from getting where you want to go? If you want to reach your potential in life personally or professionally, there are a few things about Sacrifice and Success you need to know:

There is a Success Gap

You know where you are now, personally or professionally. And, with some thought, you can determine where you want to go personally and professionally. The space in between is the Success Gap - the gap between the reality of today and the potential of tomorrow. Crossing that gap is going to require sacrifice, intentional effort, and discipline.

Sacrifice is Ongoing

It's not going to be a one time deal. Success isn't a destination you reach, it's a journey you travel. And, you never get "There" because when you get "There" you realize there is another "There."

The Price Gets Higher As You Go Up

John C. Maxwell said, "You have to give up to go up." And, that's true, but you also have to continue to give up in order to continue going up. Think about about this like climbing a mountain: many people begin the journey, few are willing to continue all the way to the top because it gets harder and more difficult the higher you climb. Only a few reach the summit because getting there requires so much energy, time, effort, training, preparation, discipline, willingness to detour around obstacles, and sheer fortitude.

So, ask yourself two important questions as we wind 2018 down and prepare for 2019: Where do you want to go? And; what do you need to let go of to get there?

Click here to listen to Ria's podcast and learn more about Success Starting With Sacrifice!

Like many, Ria faced adversity in life. Ria was sexually abused by her father from age 12 - 19, forced to play the role of his wife, and even shared with other men. Desperate to escape, she left home at 19 without a job, a car, or even a high school diploma. 

Today, Ria is a motivational leadership speaker, TEDx Speaker, and author of 11 books, including Leadership Gems for Women. Ria’s background includes more than 10 years in administrative healthcare with several years in leadership and management including working as the Director of Compliance for a large healthcare organization. Ria is a certified leadership speaker and trainer. 

Ria shares powerful leadership principles and tools of transformation from her journey to equip and empower women, helping them maximize their potential in life and leadership and become the woman God created them to be.