The Illusion of Sacrifices
I was originally scheduled to compete on November 26th, but about 10 days out, I found out I wasn’t on the fight card. No big deal—they offered me a fight on December 10th instead, and I accepted without a second thought.
Then, on Monday morning, I got a call from my coach: “You’re fighting on the 26th after all.” Turns out my training partner got pulled from the card for skipping too many sessions, so they needed someone to step in.
Fast forward to fight night: first-round finish. It was a mismatch, sure, but still one of those classic “only in Thailand” moments.
That experience got me thinking about sacrifices. People throw this word around all the time without really understanding it. Whenever they talk about it, it all seems so vague.
The Sacrifice Flex
“Sacrifices” have become a badge of honor. It’s trendy to post about them, but what does it really mean? Most of the time, it’s just a way to say you’re skipping “fun” things—whatever those are supposed to be.
The truth is, what’s considered fun is often just what society tells us is fun: partying, drinking, binge-watching Netflix. So when people preach about sacrifices, they’re really saying, “I skipped what you enjoy because I’m grinding harder than you.” It’s performative. Instagram fluff.
But let’s dig deeper. Beyond the vague bragging, what’s the logic here? Is it really about sacrifice, or is it just a more glamorous way of saying, “I made a choice”? Maybe even a choice they didn’t actually like. Or maybe it’s all just an act.
Fun vs. Priorities
Society loves to dictate what counts as “fun”—partying, drinking, binge-watching the latest Netflix series. But here’s the kicker: not everyone enjoys those things. If skipping a party to work on your craft feels natural to you, is that really a sacrifice? Or is it just choosing what aligns with your priorities? The real problem is this: we’re so caught up in what looks impressive to others that we confuse personal preferences with painful sacrifices.
The problem with the sacrifice narrative is that it implies suffering is a prerequisite for success. It’s this idea that unless you’re grinding yourself into the ground, you’re not working hard enough. But the reality is, what looks like sacrifice to someone else might just be priorities to you.
The Truth About Sacrifices
Here’s the thing: sacrifices aren’t inherently noble. They’re just choices. And what works for you might look like a sacrifice to someone else, but that’s their perception—not your reality.
This brings us to a bigger question: why are people so fixated on sacrifices in the first place? Is it to prove something to themselves—or to impress others?
It usually boils down to two things:
- They’re just making noise online to impress others.
- They hate what they’re doing but look for online validation to justify it. Because, let’s face it, you wouldn’t talk a lot about it online if you really loved doing it.
In both cases, the solution is simple: get your priorities straight. If you’re chasing clout, it’s not authentic—and it won’t lead to real success. If you’re miserable, ask yourself, Why are you doing this?
Imagine being upset that you’re doing what you’re “supposed” to do instead of going to a party. You’ll never stick to something that doesn’t make you happy. If you hate lifting weights but love another sport, pick the other sport.
And let’s be real: who’s hitting the gym after midnight instead of going clubbing? Which unorganized person does that? No well-functioning adult is out here skipping a party to lift weights at 3 a.m. Or who skips Christmas dinner with family to grind or go to the gym? The so-called sacrifices people brag about? Non-existent.
If your goals constantly clash with ‘fun’ activities, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your schedule. Rest is just as important as work, and burnout doesn’t lead to success—it leads to quitting.
At the end of the day, happiness and consistency beat the illusion of sacrifice. So, take a moment to ask yourself: are your choices driven by what truly fulfills you or by what you think will impress others? The grind isn’t about suffering—it’s about showing up for what matters to you.
Nutrition Coaching
Over the years, I’ve helped fighters heal their metabolism, lose weight effectively, and fuel their bodies for peak performance. If you’re struggling with weight loss, underperforming due to poor nutrition, or dealing with a damaged metabolism, send me a message with the word “nutrition” on Instagram to get started.
In my 3-month coaching program, I’ll guide you through:
- Healing your metabolism.
- Losing weight sustainably without burnout.
- Cutting weight safely for a fight.
- And much more.
Spots are limited—I only take on 3 clients every 3 months to provide focused, personalized support. Don’t wait; claim your spot today!
Training and Fighting in Thailand
Dreaming of training or fighting in Thailand? One of the biggest mistakes fighters make is not understanding Thai culture before they arrive.
That’s why I created my comprehensive e-book, designed to prepare you fully for your trip. Learn the do’s and don’ts, navigate local customs, and make the most out of your experience.
Click here to grab your copy and step into the ring with confidence.
Breaking Free from Porn Addiction
Porn is destroying the lives of countless young men, leaving many feeling trapped and frustrated by endless cycles of relapse.
Most mainstream solutions fail to address the root causes, but there’s a better way. My proven method helps you quit porn permanently—in just two weeks.
You can either keep struggling or take the first step toward freedom. The choice is yours.
Get my porn detox course here.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram.
Until next time.
Alex
