Sacrifice The forgotten secret of success

Glenford Smith, Career writer

People, in general, and Jamaicans in particular, love to celebrate. Just think of how the atmosphere in the country buzzes with almost palpable excitement during the Olympics, World Championships, or football World Cup. It's a thrill to bask in the glory of our athletes' golden achievements or the exploits of our favourite team.

The Jamaica 50 celebrations also provided excellent opportunities for all Jamaicans to participate in commemorating our nation's Independence Jubilee. Here's the question though, how often in our celebrations do we reflect on a critical factor which makes every achievement worthy of celebration, possible?

That often overlooked factor is sacrifice. To sacrifice is to give up something good now to gain something else of greater value later, or giving up your interest, or well-being, to serve a cause. And whether it is achieving nationhood or succeeding in sports, academics, professional life or entrepreneurship, it is impossible without sacrifice.

If you want to succeed in business, you have to forgo sleep, necessities, fun and entertainment. To qualify for a senior position at work often requires a grueling work-study regime for years to gain a postgraduate degree. To get a job in a competitive job market requires hours of research into several targeted companies and practising interview techniques for hours.

If anything, Jamaica's 50th Independence celebrations and Olympic jubilation should remind us that there can be no success without sacrifice. Whatever you desire to achieve at work and in life, you can, if you are willing to pay the price.

Jamaica's emancipation from slavery and subsequent independence as a nation were possible because many people sacrificed their lives. Our Olympic superstars have paid the price for athletic greatness through years of grueling practice, focus and unwavering dedication.

Nanny of the Maroons sacrificed the relative security of plantation slavery life to risk her life leading a rebellion against the English colonists.

A century after Nanny, Sam Sharpe, along with 550 other freedom fighters, sacrificed their lives in the Christmas Rebellion of 1831. It was their ultimate sacrifice, however, which was catalytic in the 1834 abolition of slavery in Jamaica.

Morant Bay Rebellion

The 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion, led by Paul Bogle and George William Gordon against injustice and social inequity, resulted in their execution, along with 500 other protesters.

Marcus Garvey spent his life promoting racial pride, self-esteem and self-reliance among African peoples. For his work, he suffered betrayals, unjust imprisonment and loss of property and reputation.

If there is a career goal you've failed to reach, ask yourself, what am I unwilling to sacrifice?

You may find that the greatest obstacle to your success in finding a job, making more money in your business or attaining the position you desire at work is your unwillingness to pay the price.

Work hard when others sleep. Give up pride and ask for help. Give up fear and risk failure by trying something new.

Forgo fun, entertainment and parties and work on your business, education or career instead. If you'll sacrifice today, like others won't, the day will come when you'll succeed like others can't.

Glenford Smith is a motivational speaker and success strategist. He is the author of a new book, 'From Problems to Power: How to Win Over Worry and Turn Your Obstacles into Opportunities'. Email glenfordsmith@yahoo.com.