Do I Quit or Not?
Blog By: Liz – 8 May 2023
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, torn between pursuing your passion and giving up? It’s a struggle many of us face. I certainly face this a lot, particularly when I am working on a big project or business idea. I often see others who seem to effortlessly succeed, while I wrestle with self-doubt and the challenges along the way. A lot of those thoughts are self-inflicted of course, based on past experience really.
In this blog, I explore the delicate balance between perseverance and knowing when to throw in the towel or when to grit your teeth and soldier on.
Spoiler alert: it’s not always so cut and dry so go with what you think is best for your life, as only you know where you are and what you are dealing with.
Behind every success story, is a massive network of determination, failures, setbacks, and sacrifices. So, I try to remind myself of this and regularly have to catch myself when I compare my own struggles to someone’s seemingly smooth journey. I try to remember that success is often a result of perseverance and dedication. And shutting down that “evil” voice in my head that says I really don’t have the goods to do it either.
There’s a special kind of strength that comes with persisting through challenges. Sometimes, my passions really test my commitment, especially when the road becomes a scene out of a dream where you can’t run or move forward because your feet are stuck in thick tar or hardened glue. So here are a few thoughts that I have used to help me work out whether I should stick it out or not:
- The Appeal of Quick Success: It’s true, some people appear to accomplish goals with ease. But here’s the thing: we rarely witness the blood, sweat, and tears that went into their achievements. It’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming they were born with some supernatural ability to succeed. However, it’s crucial to understand that most accomplishments require hard work, determination, and countless failures.
- The Risks of Impatience: In our fast-paced world, patience has become a scarce commodity. We want instant gratification, overnight success. But the reality is, worthwhile pursuits often require time and perseverance. It’s easy to give up when progress seems slow, but that’s precisely when we need to dig deep and remind ourselves of our passion and long-term vision.
- When to Trust Your Instincts: While resilience is admirable, there are instances when quitting is the right decision. How do we identify those moments? Well, it starts with self-awareness. Are you genuinely passionate about what you’re pursuing, or are you clinging to an outdated dream? Listen to your inner voice and be honest with yourself. If your heart no longer beats with excitement, it might be time to consider a different path.
- Recognising the Difference Between Challenges and Misalignment: Challenges are an inherent part of any worthwhile venture. They test our spirit, forcing us to grow and adapt. However, there’s a distinction between challenges and a deep-rooted misalignment. If you find yourself consistently drained, miserable, or compromising your values, it’s crucial to re-evaluate whether you’re on the right track or if it’s time to redirect your energies elsewhere.
- The Power of Support: As humans, we often internalise our struggles, feeling alone in our journey. But remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of strength. Share your doubts, fears, and aspirations with trusted friends, mentors, or support groups. Their perspectives and experiences can provide valuable insights and help you work through those challenges holding you back.
- Managing Your Inner Voice: Our thoughts can be both our greatest allies and most formidable enemies. Negative self-talk can breed self-doubt and cloud our judgment. Learn to recognise and challenge those self-limiting beliefs. Nurture a mindset that embraces growth, resilience, and self-compassion. Acknowledge that setbacks and failures are steppingstones toward your success.
In this backwards and forwards of wanting to keep going or quitting, the answer lies within ourselves. It requires honesty, self-awareness, and a willingness to listen to our instincts. Remember, success is rarely an overnight phenomenon, and luck often disguises hard work and perseverance. So, evaluate, adapt, seek support, and above all, be patient with yourself. Whether you choose to stick it out or gracefully bow out, the choice is yours, and the lessons learned along the way are invaluable. Keep dreaming, keep pushing, and remember, success is a journey.