I recently got asked the best question I've ever heard…

I'd just finished telling my coach and mentor, Todd Herman, that: 

1. I've started to work on my debut book.
2. I want it to impact the lives of many, many people.

It was at that moment that Todd asked me the question:

“What are you willing to sacrifice?”

I'll share my list of sacrifices soon. But first, let me tell you why this question hit me so hard.

We're human beings, not machines. Which means we only have so much time and energy each day. Fighting this is like fighting gravity. We rarely consider the tradeoffs that come with chasing excellence.

The truth is, pursuing big goals becomes a matter of resource allocation.

SUPERHUMAN SCORING

In every edition of System Sunday, I assess the featured system across three superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, and maintenance.

Unlike your typical review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.

Impact (9.5/10)

I believe you can have it all in life, but not all at once.

Life has rhythms—seasons—and when we set off on quests, they require certain sacrifices. Creating conditions for excellence means being ruthless about eliminating distractions.

So here's what I've decided to sacrifice:

• Sensationalized news
• Foods that drain me of energy
• Social media for entertainment
• Travel (which I love, but not right now)
• Netflix (except documentaries for research)
• Business opportunities outside current commitments

Now that you've seen my choices, let me share a framework to help you make yours (if you so choose).

Setup (8.5/10)

Here are 3 simple steps to clarify your path:

1. Get clear on what you want.
2. Assess the cost—what sacrifices are needed in time, energy, and finances?
3. Decide if you’re willing to pay it.

Making these sacrifices is a personal decision. We often want what others have but not what they did to get it. Whatever you decide, it’s worth approaching with intention.

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Maintenance (6.5/10)

Todd gave me invaluable advice: have a heart-to-heart with friends and family about these sacrifices. As a recovering people-pleaser, saying no is particularly hard for me.

I’ll do Thanksgiving with my parents this year, but I won't be able to travel for the end-of-year holidays (to meet a deadline). I’ll be sad, but what helps is seeing this as a finite period. It creates psychological safety knowing this isn't forever mode, just for-now mode.

BRINGING IT HOME

“Self-discipline is when your highest desires rule your lesser desires, not through resistance, but through loving action grounded in understanding and compassion.” —David Deida

I think about that quote often. If some degree of suffering in life is inevitable, we might as well suffer for a worthy cause.

My friends, as we begin to round out 2024 and think about what would make 2025 truly special, I ask you: What are you willing to sacrifice?

All systems go,

P.S. In case you need a little extra motivation…