What Do You Want? When Do You Want It? How Much Sacrifice Are You Prepared to Make?
What Do You Want? When Do You Want It? How Much Sacrifice Are You Prepared to Make?
The Power of Clarity, Timing, and Commitment in Achieving Success
Bill Beswick, one of the world’s most respected sports psychologists, has inspired countless athletes and professionals with his wisdom. His famous quote—“What do you want? When do you want it? How much sacrifice are you prepared to make?”—serves as a simple yet powerful framework for goal setting and personal development. These three fundamental questions can shape the way we approach our ambitions, whether in sports, business, or personal growth.
This blog explores the deeper meaning behind each question, how to apply these principles in everyday life, and why they are essential for long-term success.
1. What Do You Want? – Defining Your Goals With Precision
Before embarking on any journey, you need to know your destination. This question challenges us to define our aspirations with clarity. It’s not enough to say, “I want to be successful” or “I want to improve.” Instead, specificity is key.
Why Clarity Matters
Research in psychology and goal-setting theory suggests that clear, well-defined goals significantly increase motivation and performance. Edwin Locke and Gary Latham’s Goal-Setting Theory (1990) states that specific and challenging goals lead to higher performance compared to vague or easy goals. In sports, business, or personal development, knowing exactly what you want is the first step toward progress.
How to Define What You Want
Make it Specific: Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” define it further—“I want to run a marathon in under four hours.”
Make it Measurable: Your goal should be quantifiable. For example, “I want to increase my business revenue by 20% in the next year.”
Make it Meaningful: Your goal should align with your values and passions to ensure long-term motivation.
Make it Challenging Yet Attainable: A goal that is too easy won’t inspire growth, while one that is too difficult can lead to frustration.
Real-World Example
Consider elite athletes. Usain Bolt didn’t just say, “I want to be a great sprinter.” He set his sights on becoming the fastest man in history, breaking world records and winning Olympic golds. His clear vision shaped every aspect of his training and mindset.
2. When Do You Want It? – The Importance of Timing and Deadlines
A dream without a deadline is just a wish. The second part of Beswick’s framework urges us to attach a timeline to our goals. Without a clear time frame, we risk falling into the trap of procrastination and lack of urgency.
The Psychology of Deadlines
The Parkinson’s Law states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” This means that if we don’t set deadlines, we tend to take longer than necessary to accomplish tasks. Deadlines create a sense of urgency and push us to take action.
How to Set Effective Time Frames
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals: Break down long-term goals into manageable milestones. For example, if your goal is to become a professional athlete in five years, your short-term goal might be to qualify for a regional championship within one year.
Be Realistic: Setting an unrealistic deadline can lead to frustration and burnout. Ensure your timeline considers your current abilities and resources.
Use Reverse Engineering: Start with the end goal and work backward, identifying key milestones and necessary actions to reach it.
Real-World Example
Consider Serena Williams’ rise to greatness. Her goal wasn’t just to win Grand Slams but to do so within a strategic career timeline. By setting specific benchmarks—such as reaching the world number one ranking and maintaining peak physical condition over decades—she turned ambition into structured success.
3. How Much Sacrifice Are You Prepared to Make? – The Commitment Factor
Every goal comes at a cost. The final question in Beswick’s framework forces us to consider what we’re willing to give up in pursuit of our dreams. Whether it’s time, comfort, social activities, or financial investments, sacrifice is often the price of excellence.
Understanding the Role of Sacrifice in Success
Angela Duckworth’s research on “grit” suggests that perseverance and passion are stronger predictors of success than talent alone. Those who succeed are often those who are willing to push through discomfort, failures, and setbacks.
How to Assess Your Willingness to Sacrifice
Identify What You’re Willing to Give Up: If you want to become an elite athlete, are you willing to sacrifice late nights, unhealthy foods, or leisure time?
Create a Sacrifice-to-Reward Ratio: Weigh the sacrifices against the potential rewards. If the goal is truly meaningful, the sacrifices will feel justified.
Commit to a Process, Not Just an Outcome: Falling in love with the daily grind is crucial. Olympians don’t just love winning; they love training, recovering, and pushing their limits.
Real-World Example
Michael Jordan’s relentless work ethic is legendary. He sacrificed comfort, pushed through failures, and dedicated himself fully to training. His infamous “Breakfast Club” training sessions before dawn exemplify the level of commitment required to be the best.
Applying Beswick’s Framework to Your Life
Now that we’ve dissected each component of Beswick’s powerful quote, how can you apply these principles to your own life?
Step 1: Write Down Your Answers
Take time to reflect and write down your responses to these three questions:
What do you truly want?
When do you want to achieve it?
What sacrifices are you willing to make?
Step 2: Develop an Action Plan
Break Goals into Milestones: Outline specific steps that will take you from where you are to where you want to be.
Set Accountability Measures: Share your goals with a mentor, coach, or trusted friend to keep yourself accountable.
Adjust Along the Way: Flexibility is key. If circumstances change, adapt without losing sight of the overall goal.
Step 3: Embrace the Journey
Success is rarely a straight path. There will be setbacks, failures, and moments of doubt. What separates achievers from dreamers is their ability to persist despite obstacles.
Final Thoughts
Bill Beswick’s three questions are more than just a motivational quote—they are a blueprint for success. By defining what we want with clarity, setting realistic deadlines, and committing to necessary sacrifices, we create a structure for achieving greatness in any field.
Whether you are an athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone striving for self-improvement, these principles can guide you toward meaningful accomplishments.
So, ask yourself today: What do you want? When do you want it? And how much sacrifice are you prepared to make?
The answers could change your life.
Unlock Your Athletic Potential - A Guide to Sports Psychology - Work Book:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D26GXFSC
The Power of Metaphors in Sport Psychology: A Collection of Helpful Insights
Sports Injury Course Book: Osteopathic Care Of Sports Injuries
