I wrote in my journal this morning, “My routine is my savior.”

I didn’t want to get up at 5am this morning. I didn’t want to write this blog article. I don’t want to go to the gym later today. I don’t want to only eat one meal today.

But I will do all of those things because I have a structure that I follow that guides me on a daily basis. I don’t really have to think about those things. They just are. They keep me focused and keep me on track. They take the “want” out of the equation. They eliminate the need for willpower.

I follow them because I have made a bargain with my future self that I will do the things today that will make my life better in the future.

The tragedy of life is that we will all live a life of suffering and sacrifice. This cannot be escaped by anyone, old or young, rich or poor. We all have to sacrifice either now or later.

If we want to live a fit and healthy life then we have to sacrifice eating whatever and whenever we want in the moment. We don’t have to sacrifice eating whatever and whenever we want though, but the sacrifice we then make is our health later on.

We don’t have to live on a budget right now. But, the sacrifice we make is not being able to retire when we want or being saddled with debt for the rest of our lives.

The beauty of life then, is we get to pick our sacrifice. Do you realize that we are the only species on the planet that has that capability? We are the only ones capable of negotiating with a future reality in this way. This could be the most amazing discovery man has ever made. Based on our intentional (as opposed to simply unintentional) actions today, we can shape and bend the future to our will.

That means you can make life in your own image. You are limited only by your imagination and your actions.

Yes, life is about sacrifice, but it’s also about having the freedom in choosing that sacrifice and ultimately, creating a Self that you are meant to be.

Pick yours carefully.