Success costs more than people are willing to admit. In today’s episode, Kevin and Alan challenge a widely accepted belief that quietly limits growth, consistency, and long-term results. They explore what happens when ambition meets reality and why real progress demands clear decisions instead of comforting narratives. This episode speaks to those who take personal development seriously. It centers on discipline, self-respect, and the often-ignored cost of avoiding hard trade-offs.

The focus is not on motivation or inspiration, but on clarity, standards, and sustainability over time. Listen with intention. Then decide which commitments you are willing to honor when no one is watching.

Learn more about:
Your first 30-minute “Business Breakthrough Session” call with Alan is FREE. This call is designed to help you identify bottlenecks and build a clear plan for your next level. - https://calendly.com/alanlazaros/30-minute-breakthrough-session

Where learning turns into action. “Next Level Book Club”  every Saturday:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMkcuiupjIqE9QlkptiKDQykRtKyFB5Jbhc

Join our private Facebook community, “Next Level Nation,” to grow alongside people who are committed to improvement. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/459320958216700

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NLU is not just a podcast; it’s a gateway to a wealth of resources designed to help you achieve your goals and dreams. From our Next Level Dreamliner to our Group Coaching, we offer a variety of tools and communities to support your personal development journey.

For more information, check out our website and socials using the links below. 👇

Website: http://www.nextleveluniverse.com

Instagram:
Kevin: https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/
Alan: https://www.instagram.com/alazaros88/

Facebook:
Alan: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
Kevin: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri.90/

Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]

LinkedIn:
Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri-5b7736160/
Alan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

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Show notes:
(2:02) The law of trade-offs and emotional maturity
(4:36) Choosing the mission over relationships and comfort
(6:04) The five S’s of long-term success
(8:07) Matching sacrifice to the level of ambition
(12:17) Conscious sacrifice Vs. Autopilot regret
(15:17) Growth-driven reconnection Vs. Nostalgia
(22:24) Truth, self-honesty, and real leadership
(24:27) Outro

Send a text to Kevin and Alan!

🎙️ Hosted by Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros

Next Level University is a top-ranked daily podcast for dream chasers and self-improvement lovers. With over 2,100 episodes, we help you level up in life, love, health, and wealth one day at a time. Subscribe for real, honest, no-fluff growth every single day.