4.2 Sacrifice

Sacrifice is the act of giving up something of value for the sake, or hope, of achieving something greater.

In the context of personal wellness, sacrifice represents a voluntary and deliberate choice to forgo immediate self-gratification or ease, in exchange for choices that contribute to long-term well-being. Rather than being purely a loss, true sacrifice reflects commitment, discipline, and alignment with core values, transforming it into a powerful tool for meaningful change, resilience and the pursuit of optimal being.

Making sacrifices is no easy task. Consider the following quote from Jordan Peterson:

History of Sacrifice

Throughout human history, sacrifice has been routinely practiced. From ancient rituals intended to appease deities to community-based sacrifices of time and resources for the common good, these acts reflect a deep-rooted recognition that meaningful progress, change and transformation often require giving something up.

Ancient Civilizations

Many early societies, such as the Aztecs, ancient Egyptians, and Mesopotamians, viewed sacrifice as essential for pleasing gods and ensuring good harvests, health, or victory in war.

Religious Contexts

Sacrifice, whether symbolic or literal, is a recurring theme across major world religions.

In Christianity, for example, sacrifice is central to Lent, a period of reflection and self-denial that commemorates Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. During this time, believers often give up certain comforts or engage in acts of charity, symbolizing a form of personal sacrifice.

Similarly, in Hinduism, sacrifice takes the form of yajnas, ritual offerings such as ghee, grains, or even animals into a sacred fire as an offering to the gods, reinforcing the reciprocal relationship between humans and the divine. Over time, the concept of sacrifice evolved beyond physical offerings to include acts of devotion, self-discipline, and the renunciation of personal desires. This is reiterated in the Bhagavad Gita, which teaches that true sacrifice is not merely external but involves dedicating one’s actions to a higher purpose, fostering spiritual growth, and transcending the ego (The Bhagavad Gita, 2007).

Modern Expressions

Sacrifice is evident in many aspects of everyday life. Parents taking on extra jobs to provide their children with better educational opportunities, activists dedicating their time and energy to social causes, and individuals modifying their diets to improve their health all exemplify this principle. In each case, the sacrifice is made with the hope of achieving something greater for themselves in the future.

A Prerequisite to Pursuing Wellness

Personal growth is a byproduct of the genuine pursuit of wellness. To grow, you must choose to let go of habits, comforts, or distractions that no longer serve you. Whether it’s sacrificing convenience to establish an exercise routine or giving up certain pleasures to create space for self-improvement, voluntary and purposeful sacrifice plays a crucial role in developing new skills or character traits necessary to cultivate optimal being.

Types of Sacrifice

When done correctly, sacrifice can be a powerful tool for growth, resilience, and meaningful living. However, not all sacrifices lead to constructive outcomes. Consider the following:

True Sacrifice

True or proper sacrifice is intentional, value-driven, and aligned with a greater purpose or goal. It involves giving up something of perceived value for a cause, relationship, or objective that aligns with an individual’s core values and priorities. The act of true sacrifice is inherently fulfilling, even if the benefits do not show up immediately. Consider the following characteristics:

• Purposeful and Value-Aligned: The sacrifice directly supports a meaningful goal or relationship, such as giving up leisure time to improve a skill or support a loved one.
• Voluntary and Intentional: The individual makes the choice willingly, without coercion or manipulation.
• Outcome-Driven: The sacrifice mainly contributes to long-term growth, well-being, or collective benefit.
• Intrinsic Satisfaction: Regardless of the external outcomes, the act of sacrificing aligns with personal principles, creating an internal sense of fulfillment.

False Sacrifice

False sacrifice is misaligned, coerced, or performed with unrealistic expectations of return. It often stems from a misunderstanding of what matters most or from an attempt to control outcomes beyond one’s influence. This frequently leads to feelings of resentment, frustration, or unappreciation. Consider the following characteristics:

• Misaligned with Values: The action is disconnected from the individual’s core principles or priorities, such as neglecting family time to pursue material success at all costs.
• Transactional or Coerced: The action is performed with the expectation of a guaranteed return or under pressure, rather than being freely chosen.
• Ineffective or Misguided: The action does not contribute meaningfully to the intended goal, often leading to wasted time or effort.
• Feelings of Resentment: When the expected return is not received, the individual may feel bitterness or a sense of injustice.

What Should One Sacrifice?

Sacrifice can be applied across all eight dimensions of wellness. Consider the following sacrifices, along with insights from well-known authors.

Comfort for Growth

Growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone, the mental and physical space where you feel safe, at ease, and in control. It consists of familiar routines, predictable challenges, and minimal stress. While it provides security and stability, staying in this zone for too long can lead to stagnation, thus preventing you from optimizing your being. In Can’t Hurt Me, David Goggins emphasizes the power of pushing beyond perceived limits to unlock true potential (Goggins, 2018). Meanwhile, in Atomic Habits, James Clear highlights the importance of small, consistent actions to continually expand your comfort zone (Clear, 2018).

Distractions for Focus

The modern world is filled with distractions that are designed to steal time and attention. To achieve meaningful progress towards optimal being, one must sacrifice low-value activities (e.g., social media, endless notifications, and passive entertainment) and cultivate deeper focus. In Deep Work, Cal Newport writes about “deep work,” which represents one’s ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. He argues that this is crucial for achieving a peak level (Newport, 2016). Meanwhile, in The War of Art, Steven Pressfield warns that “the enemy is not lack of preparation, it’s not the difficulty of the project… The enemy is resistance,” spotlighting the internal barriers that prevent us from doing our best work (Pressfield, 2002).

Fear for Opportunity

Fear often holds us back from pursuing opportunities, whether in relationships, career moves, or personal aspirations. Sacrificing fear means choosing boldness and action over hesitation. In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown emphasizes the courage it takes to be vulnerable, noting that vulnerability is not a weakness but a measure of profound strength (Brown, 2012). Meanwhile, in The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins underscores the importance of taking immediate action—counting down from five and then moving forward before fear paralyzes you (Robbins, 2017).

Negativity for Resilience

Negativity is draining and self-destructive, keeping you stuck in a cycle of complaining, blaming, or feeling powerless. Sacrificing negativity means choosing optimism, problem-solving, and mental toughness instead. In Learned Optimism, Martin Seligman emphasizes the power of reframing setbacks, arguing that an optimistic explanatory style can profoundly impact resilience and well-being (Seligman, 1990). In Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl illustrates how finding purpose and meaning, even in dire circumstances, can transform challenges into catalysts for growth (Frankl, 2006).

Ego for Humility

It is not just pride but ego that can hold us back; our need to be right, to avoid vulnerability, or to maintain a certain image. Embracing humility allows for deeper connections, personal growth, and more authentic communication. In Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday argues that unchecked ego stifles learning and progression, emphasizing that true greatness requires humility and self-awareness (Holiday, 2016). Jim Collins, in Good to Great, highlights that the most effective leaders exhibit a blend of personal humility and intense professional will, showcasing how ego-free leadership drives long-term success (Collins, 2001).