Sacrifice doesn't have to hurt

So a bit of context here because I'm sort of dropping this article out of the blue.

I began a writing experiment in January 2022 - for a variety of reasons - that I'm happy to say I've mostly been keeping up with. One of the things I'm meant to do with this new habit, is "synthesize" my daily writings at the end of each week.

The idea is to look back, reflect, find common a thread or theme, and write something worth sharing.

The sharing part is still new for me - heck, the whole experiment is still new for me. So this is my first "share" of the experiment. I've no idea where it will go, who it's meant for, or what will come of it. But honestly, (putting my perfectionistic tendencies aside) that's fine by me.

So here we go.

Synthesis share number 1 - writing experiment week 5:

So often, we associate associate self-discipline with sacrifice. And I guess in a way, everything requires sacrifices. But sacrifice doesn't have to be bad.

This week I noticed that when I'm more rested, I'm more thoughtful, more intentional, and less "in my feelings".

Which makes the case for focusing in on the topic of sacrifice, because I've always had issues going to sleep... let me explain.

Since I was little, I've always had a hard time going to sleep. When I'd finally go to bed, it used to take me hours to fall asleep and I'd feel, almost guilty for going to bed. As if, I was giving up on the day and I hadn't gotten enough done.

(Once during "nap time" in pre-school, I was literally so bored laying on the floor NOT sleeping that I decided it would be a good idea to see if a woodchip next to me would fit in my nose. It did. And I couldn't get it out. But that's another story!)

Fast forward to now, and I can see that I'm a nicer, more productive, more considerate person when rested. Makes sense right?

Plus, I feel better! (Whoa, what a concept!)

When I'm rested, I'm an all around much better version of myself. And when you put it that way, I'm almost eager to go to bed so that I can start tomorrow fresh, energized, and organized.

From that perspective, it doesn't feel like I'm giving up on the day at all. More so like I'm already prepping for the next one.

I don't need to live by someone else's standards or definition of "success" (aka the hustle culture).

Instead, by "sacrificing" a late night, I'm investing in myself and my own mental health and wellbeing. So it doesn't feel so much like a sacrifice from that perspective.

But here's the cool part!

The ripple effect

I've learned that when someone invests in theirself (aka self-care) it makes my job dealing with that person so much easier. Whether that's in my job as an employee, a leader, a friend, a husband... it doesn't matter.

So by taking care of myself, I know that in a way, I'm also taking care of others.

Who would've thought that prioritizing your own mental health could be how you help someone else with theirs!

(Maybe it's just me, but feels like I could be scripting the rough draft here for the sequel to Inception ??)

Sacrifice, sucks?

But the main lesson here is simply to rethink your relationship with the words "sacrifice" and "self-discipline".

People might tell you that you they suck, but they're necessary.

And I'm just saying that from a different perspective, people are only half right.

I guess it's up to you to decide which half you think that is.