Becoming a Millionaire Introduction:
Hey, I’m Tanner Chidester, CEO of Elite CEOs, and today, I want to talk about the five significant sacrifices I made on my journey towards “Becoming a Millionaire.” Now, I know it might sound a bit extreme, but when I decided to drop out of college and build my business, I was ready to do whatever it took to make it happen. Let’s dive into these sacrifices and why they were crucial to my success.
Quick answer: What sacrifices do you have to make to become a millionaire entrepreneur?
I made five sacrifices to build my business. I paused dating, quit drinking, pulled back from some friends and family for a season, moved in with my parents instead of renting a nice place, and skipped expensive cars, clothes and accessories. Every hour and dollar I saved went back into the business.
- I made five sacrifices after dropping out of college to build my business.
- I quit alcohol because it drained energy, hurt my sleep and slowed recovery.
- I moved in with my parents and put the money I saved on rent into the business.
- I skipped expensive cars, designer clothes and luxury accessories and reinvested instead.
- Life has seasons; in a building season, the business comes first.
“When I decided to drop out of college and build my business, I was ready to do whatever it took to make it happen. “
Sacrifice #1: Dating
When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I realized that dating was taking up a substantial amount of my time and energy. Think about it – the process of swiping through dating apps, engaging in conversations, setting up dates, and going out took up a lot of hours that I could have dedicated to building my business.
So, I made the tough decision to put dating on hold. My focus shifted from trying to impress others and find a girlfriend to building a successful company. I knew that by prioritizing my business, I’d eventually find the right person who would appreciate my dedication and success.

Sacrifice #2: Alcohol
Another major sacrifice I made was giving up alcohol. Alcohol can be fun, but it can also be a major time and energy drain. When you’re working late nights and trying to maximize your productivity, alcohol only hinders your progress.
Physiologically, it takes your body a considerable amount of time to process alcohol, and this can affect your sleep and overall well-being. As I got older, I realized that my body needed more recovery time, and alcohol was slowing me down. So, I made the choice to eliminate alcohol from my life to stay sharp and focused on my business.

Sacrifice #3: Friends and Family
While it may sound harsh, I temporarily distanced myself from some friends and family. It wasn’t because I didn’t care about them; it was because I had a relentless drive to succeed in my business. Maintaining relationships, especially when I was so laser-focused on my goals, required time and effort that I couldn’t spare.
I knew that life is lived in seasons, and at that particular season of my life, building a successful company was my top priority. This choice allowed me to invest more time and energy into my business, even if it meant putting some relationships on hold temporarily.

Sacrifice #4: A Nice Place to Live
One of the most practical sacrifices I made was giving up a luxurious place to live. Instead of getting an expensive apartment or a flashy car, I decided to live with my parents. This decision wasn’t about preserving my ego; it was about making financial sense.
Living with my parents allowed me to save a significant amount of money on rent and other living expenses. I realized that putting my extra cash into my business was far more important than having a lavish lifestyle. It was a humbling experience that paid off in the long run.

Becoming a Millionaire Sacrifice #5: Cars, Clothes, and Accessories
Lastly, I gave up the desire for fancy cars, designer clothes, and other accessories. Instead of splurging on material possessions, I remained frugal and focused on my financial goals. I didn’t buy expensive cars or fill my closet with luxury clothing. I understood that these items wouldn’t contribute to my long-term success.
By giving up these material desires, I could allocate more of my resources to growing my business. It was a decision that allowed me to reinvest in myself and my future.

Becoming a Millionaire Conclusion:
These sacrifices may seem extreme, but they were instrumental in helping me achieve my millionaire status. My relentless commitment to my business, combined with these sacrifices, propelled me toward financial success. Remember, life is about seasons, and during some seasons, you might need to make tough choices to achieve your dreams. So, if you’re willing to make these sacrifices, stay focused, and never give up on your goals, you too can pave the way to your own financial success.
Frequently asked questions
Should I live with my parents to save money for my business?
If you can, yes. I moved in with my parents instead of renting a nice apartment. That cut my rent and living costs, and every dollar saved went into the business. A nice place to live feels good, but capital in your business is what actually grows your income.
Does quitting alcohol help entrepreneurs?
It helped me. Drinking took time and energy, wrecked my sleep and slowed my recovery, and that got worse as I got older. Once I quit I stayed sharper and got more done. If you are serious about building something, look honestly at what drinking costs you.
Should new entrepreneurs buy nice cars and designer clothes?
No. I avoided expensive cars, designer clothes and luxury accessories while building. Those things do not make you money. Put that money back into your business and into yourself through skills and coaching. The nice stuff can come later, once the business pays for it without strain.
Is it normal to lose time with friends and family when building a business?
For a season, yes. I pulled back from some relationships because my goals took so much time. It was not that I did not care. Life has seasons, and in that one the business was my priority. Be clear with the people who matter that it is temporary.
Written by Tanner Chidester, founder and CEO of Elite CEOs. He has done over $150M in sales, worked with 50,000+ clients, and hosts the Infinite Income Podcast.






