Why do we feel guilty for being consumed by our ambitions?
We need to understand that life is not black and white; it has so many gray areas. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for being consumed in a season of building. The key is to communicate that you are in a season and that this period of focus is necessary for a specific outcome.

What is the real difference between the "cost of success" and the "sacrifice you have to make"?
We think that "cost of success" may be an inadequate term. A better way to interpret it is that sacrifice is the tax that you pay for ambition. Whether it’s relationships, money, or time, something is always going to bleed when you pursue high-level ambition, and that sacrifice is required to reach your goals.

Is the "Family First" principle always right if you want to be successful?
The idea that "family first" is a myth when it comes to the extreme pursuit of success is challenged. You're always going to say yes to your family, but not 100% of the time, because you can't put 100% of your effort into everything simultaneously. This is why upfront communication and understanding are the most important tools to avoid blindsiding your partner when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arises.

How do I define the end-point of a "season" of intense work?
A season can be defined by two angles: outcome or time.

• Outcome-Based: Achieving a specific goal, such as reaching "X" revenue, launching a company, or finishing a PhD.

• Time-Based: Setting a clear duration, such as "six months to a year". You must define this endpoint before you start so you know when to pivot back to other areas of life.

How does discipline lead to true freedom?
Eliud Kipchoge says only the disciplined people in life are truly free. Discipline is your path to liberation because it allows for a season of consistency and focus, which is the quickest way to achieve your goal and attain the freedom of time and finances you seek.

Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/Qum9SUgqk4k,
read more in THE ASCENT | 030.

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