Do you have to sacrifice the old you to become the new, successful version of yourself? Absolutely. But will it be worth it? That depends. I’ve always believed the grass isn’t greener on the other side—it’s greener wherever you water it.
Growing up, I watched my mom make sacrifices. She gave up being the nurturing presence I needed her to be in order to work and keep a roof over our heads. Was it worth it? As her child, I’d say no. I felt so alone. She worked long hours, and when she wasn’t at work, she was too exhausted to give me the attention I craved. We never built that strong mother-daughter bond, and now, at almost 30 years old, we still don’t have much of a relationship.
At 15, I ended up in foster care with an older woman who was poor. She didn’t work and relied on government assistance, but she gave me the love I never got from my mom. She made things happen with what little she had, and eventually, she became my best friend. That’s why I say the question of sacrifice being “worth it” depends.
I’m too traumatized from my childhood to have children, so there’s nothing else for me to do but focus on becoming “successful.” It’s also easier for me to sacrifice the old version of myself because I’ve never been deeply attached to friendships or relationships. Trust issues have always made it hard for me to form close bonds, and I naturally distance myself when I feel someone’s energy doesn’t align with mine. Choosing independence allows me to focus fully on my goals without distractions.
Right now, I’m sacrificing the party girl. The wild, reckless, carefree version of me is taking a backseat. I’ve messed up a lot living that way, not caring about anything. But I know why I acted out. I was deeply depressed and didn’t believe I’d make it past 25. I was living like every day could be my last because I genuinely thought it would be. I risked my life in ways that, looking back, make me cringe.
But now, as I approach my 30s, I have hope. Don’t get me wrong, I still have depressive episodes, but I no longer feel like my life is a countdown to the end. I know I’m going to live a long life, and I want it to be a good one. That’s why I’m planning and working toward the lifestyle I want. And let’s be real—we all need to do that. Success doesn’t just fall into your lap; it’s built, one intentional decision at a time.
2025 is right around the corner, and I’ve already mapped out my goals. I’ve planned trips, created budgets, and set up savings plans. I’ve even built a daily schedule that I’m determined to stick to. One of my biggest challenges is consistency—I’ve never had a solid routine. That’s going to change. Starting in January, I’ll hit the gym at 4 AM to ensure I’m prioritizing my health. That means lights out by 9 PM, even though I’m used to staying up until midnight. Out with the old lifestyle, in with the new. So, I’ll ask you: What are you willing to sacrifice to live the life you want?