070 Less is MORE! The POWER of Sacrifice to Create the Life You Want

In this inspiring episode, host Sami Snow opens up about the transformative power of sacrifice in rewriting one’s life story. Titled "Less is More – The Power of Sacrifice to Create the Life You Want," Sami shares a series of personal stories that reveal how she let go of material excess, self-limiting beliefs, and the fear of judgment. Listeners will hear about her bold career shift from business banking to nursing, the journey from binge eating to self-love, and even the courage it took to launch her podcast, Pretty Is As Pretty Does. Through each story, Sami illustrates how facing fears and making intentional sacrifices can pave the way for personal growth, emotional intelligence, and true fulfillment. This episode is a powerful call to action for anyone ready to rewrite their story and embrace the sacrifices necessary to become the woman they aspire to be.

I love you, Pretty's! Connect with me on Instagram @coachsamisnow for more inspiring content on overcoming the voice in your head that tells you to go eat some more.
xoxo Coach Sami Snow

Transcript

Podcast Episode 70: Less is More – The Power of Sacrifice to Create the Life You Want
Thank you for tuning in to our milestone 70th episode! Today, I'm opening up and getting vulnerable as I share the many times I've rewritten my story. In this episode, you'll hear a collection of transformative stories—stories of sacrifices that have shaped me into the woman I am today. Whether it's letting go of flashy luxuries, downsizing my living space, overcoming binge eating, pursuing a new career in nursing, or even launching this podcast to empower women, each chapter stands as a testament to the power of sacrifice. That's the beautiful thing about life—you get to rewrite your story at any point. So, are you willing to make the sacrifices to chase your dreams? Let’s begin our journey together.

Creating This Podcast: Embracing Self-Love, Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs, and Facing Your Fears
Every new beginning comes with its own set of challenges. Launching Pretty Is As Pretty Does was one of the most personal sacrifices I've ever made. I had to let go of self-limiting beliefs, shed an old mindset, and silence the nagging worry of what others might think of me. I understand how paralyzing fear can be when trying something new—the fear of failure, judgment, and stepping into the unknown can hold you back. But when you push past that fear and go for it anyway, you open the door to growth, resilience, and empowerment. My journey from binge eating to self-love taught me to treat myself with kindness and beauty. Creating this podcast was my way of sharing that journey and encouraging you to rewrite your own story, despite any fear that may try to hold you down.

With the courage to embrace change fueling my journey, I began a new chapter in my career—one that would demand even greater sacrifices.

A New Calling: My Journey to Becoming a Nurse
Before I discovered the power of intentional living, I worked as a Business Banker at Chase Bank in Chicago, where I helped businesses streamline finances and grow. While I enjoyed my work, I soon realized there was no room for personal growth. Deep down, I craved something more meaningful. Living in Chicago, I made the bold decision to pursue nursing school—a dream I once doubted, even telling my friends at 18 that I wasn’t smart enough to be a nurse. Recognizing that bankers' hours wouldn’t allow me to study, I left the bank and even took a detour as a bartender to fund my education. I earned my certificate as a nursing assistant, first working in a nursing home and then transitioning to a level one trauma center. Balancing night shifts, lectures, simulations, and clinical rotations often meant 30+ hour days. Every long, challenging hour was a sacrifice, but it was a sacrifice that transformed my life. I like to think of the few gray hairs I now have as badges of honor from those long nights.

As I moved from one challenging phase to another, I also learned to reassess what truly matters in life—beyond material excess.

The Shift from Flashy to Fulfilling
Not long ago, my world was defined by high-octane thrills—a life filled with a Jeep Trackhawk, a BMW M4 boasting a 6-speed manual transmission, and even a Ducati Panigale Corse 959 (which, if you're not into cars and motorcycles, might sound like a foreign language!). These symbols of success and excitement gradually lost their luster as I began yearning for a deeper, more lasting fulfillment. Today, I drive an older Audi SQ5—a vehicle that reminds me daily that true happiness comes from living simply and intentionally. Letting go of these material excesses was more than just a financial decision; it was a conscious choice to focus on what truly matters in life.

As I learned to simplify my lifestyle, I realized that sometimes, transformation starts at home.

Redefining Home: The Apartment Story
In an effort to reduce my cost of living and realign my environment with my goals, I explored new living options within my building. I braced myself for a possible compromise on space or comfort—but instead, I discovered a win-win scenario. I managed to keep my beloved apartment floor plan, moved up four flights in the building, and—get this—I saved $400 a month. This move wasn’t just about enjoying a better view or pocketing extra cash; it was a deliberate decision to create a nurturing space that supports my ambitions and fuels my growth.

While reconfiguring my external world, I also learned that every goal in life demands its own sacrifices.

The Sacrifice Behind Every Goal
Every meaningful achievement comes at a price. Downsizing my lifestyle meant letting go of the dazzling trappings of my past and embracing a more focused, intentional existence. Whether you're building a business, nurturing your mental health, or pursuing any passion, sacrifices are inevitable. These sacrifices require you to give up temporary indulgences in favor of long-term fulfillment. It’s not easy, but every sacrifice pushes you closer to the life you truly desire.

One of the most personal sacrifices I've faced was overcoming my battle with binge eating—a struggle that reshaped my relationship with food and with myself.

Lessons from My Recovery Journey
My battle with binge eating was an internal struggle—a relentless tug-of-war against the urge to overindulge. Just as I learned to let go of material excess, dismissing these urges demanded significant personal sacrifice. I invested time in understanding my triggers, sought guidance through coaching, and dedicated myself to healing. I am profoundly grateful that I chose to invest in myself and took those crucial first steps toward a better life. Every sacrifice, as painful as it sometimes felt, has paved the way for the freedom, joy, and self-awareness I experience today.

As I grew from these experiences, I realized that success isn’t just about internal work—it’s also about creating a supportive environment around you.

Setting Up Your Environment for Success
A key element in achieving any goal is curating an environment that reflects your vision and nurtures progress. Downsizing wasn’t merely a financial strategy—it was a comprehensive lifestyle choice designed to create a space where my ambitions could thrive. From my cost-saving apartment to my simpler car that serves as a daily reminder of intentional living, every change I made reinforced the habits and mindset necessary for success.

Having shared these stories of personal sacrifice, let’s reflect on the overarching themes that tie them all together.

Final Thoughts
Every dream demands sacrifice. True fulfillment isn’t found in luxury or excess but in the hard choices that align with your deepest values. My journey—from letting go of flashy indulgences and overcoming personal struggles to embracing a new career and creating this platform—has taught me that every sacrifice is an investment in a brighter future and in becoming the woman I want to be. In every story I've shared today, you'll notice recurring themes: I sacrificed my humility, my worry about what others think, and my self-limiting beliefs. I chose instead to become a woman who is self-aware, who invested in coaching and guidance, and who dedicated time to learn and grow—transforming into someone emotionally intelligent and empowered. Now, I ask you: How are you rewriting your story? If you keep doing what you're doing today, will you feel fulfilled? What sacrifices do you need to make to become the woman you want to be?

Thank you for joining me on this journey of intentional living. If you're new here, thank you for checking out this podcast. And if you're a returning listener, you know I just love you. Until next time, remember—less really is more.