#5 How much are you willing to sacrifice and for how long?

Startups beat the big players by being sharper, closer to their customers, and faster to act. But to keep that edge, you need more than just drive—you need focus, discipline, and relentless consistency. Because no one knows who you are yet, running the business isn’t enough. You have to push it forward every single day. No exceptions. There are no shortcuts, and the hard truth is, much of your time must be spent on sales—because without sales, there is no business.

But let’s get real: succeeding takes more than hard work. It takes a complete redesign of your life. For me, this meant rethinking everything. Success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about setting up the conditions that make success inevitable. It’s also about cutting out the things that drag you down. I need to feel good, confident, and strong to handle daily disappointments, rejections, and constant challenges. To make that happen, I’ve become disciplined about my routine: eating healthy, exercising daily, staying away from alcohol, and getting enough sleep. I’ve also redefined my social circle, letting go of people and activities that pull me away from my goals. Instead, I’ve surrounded myself with those who inspire and push me to grow.

Then there’s the financial side. Starting a business comes with endless uncertainty. I’ve sacrificed holidays, nights out, and new clothes to stay afloat. And honestly? That’s not the hardest part. I’m okay living modestly; I don’t need expensive things to prove my status. But society revolves around money, and going without it for a long time shrinks your world. It isolates you from moments of joy with your family and friends. You have to ask yourself: is the sacrifice worth it? And if it is, how long can you sustain it?

The truth is, not all startups make it. And the worst kind are those that never grow out of their early stages, forever demanding more sacrifices just to survive. You have to be brutally honest about your chances of success. The best startups find success quickly. The second best? They fail fast, giving you the freedom to move on. But getting stuck in the middle—that’s where you can lose yourself.

If this resonates with you, follow along and share your own journey—I’m always eager to hear how others navigate the struggle.