Life’s challenges can be extremely daunting and even frustrating, especially we you continue to apply yourself — your knowledge along with every action within your power – to overcome them. We’re here to remind you that everyone has their own challenges. It’s how you handle them in many small, defining moments that allow you to rise above.
One conversation we’ve been having lately is about what happens around the tipping point to any given challenge’s solution. When the challenge seems particularly tough and the temptation to quit is at its highest, just remember your breakthrough is probably just around the corner. In fact, we’re launching our free Facebook group, Back to Balance, in August to help with personal breakthroughs. We define these moments in a range from everything you’ve been working for to another small but significant mile marker on your journey. The important piece when rising to your challenge (or several challenges in all aspects of your life) is not to quit. And the reassuring concept is that you can, and should, take a break or rest to avoid quitting altogether.
Here are six reasons not to quit when the challenge becomes too difficult:
#1 The process shapes you before success rewards you. Setting difficult goals will stretch you, teach you perseverance and ultimately build your belief in yourself. It is the process that develops you. Success doesn’t always come overnight and either does greatness. But it is forged by every inch of progress we fight for in pursuit of a worthwhile goal.
#2 Anything worthwhile takes time, sacrifice and effort. The more difficult the challenge, the more rewarding the victory. The most meaningful accomplishments in life are those that don’t come quickly or easily.
#3 If you do nothing, you will be living a life by default not design. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you are going to keep getting what you’re getting. Are you happy with your current circumstances? When it comes to living a life by default it is like living on autopilot, where you constantly pull from a set of old beliefs, feelings and thoughts to live your life and navigate this world. We all know people who seem to experience the same set of challenges or obstacles over and over again, or who have the same/similar negative life events happen to them regardless of where they are or what they are doing. Typically we would say that this person just has bad luck, but is it really bad luck or is there something more to it?
We all have the power of choice everyday and we can all live a life by design. I am not denying that things can and will happen that are beyond our control, but we can choose whether to revert to our “defaults” or we can take a different path. When you choose to live your life by design, you put yourself first and you focus on what you want and desire. While this might sound selfish and may seem daunting, it is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. Ask yourself, where do I want to be 10 years from now? If the answer is not here!, then keep casting your vision and working towards your goals and dreams!
#4 Quitting is not easy either. The next time you contemplate quitting, stop looking for reasons why to quit and look for one, just one, small, meaningful reason to continue. Quitting, while it may seem like a good quick fix, brings more emotional unrest and an unsettled feeling within ourselves. If you’re looking for inspiration, see the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness.” It is based on the life story of Chris Gardner, a man who went for the lowest of the lows in an environment where most people would give up (no money, no job) to the highest of the highs (A millionaire with his own investment firm). If you ever think about quitting, watch this movie!
#5 Actions speak louder than words. In the end no matter what they hear you say, people will watch what you do. Will you provide an example that it’s okay to quit or the be an inspiration that no matter how many times you fall, you will get back up and try, try, try again. Just because you get knocked down, doesn’t mean you have to be knocked out of life.
#6 In the end, life is more fun when you’re in it for something meaningful. We only get one life to live. When you’re fighting for a cause, a dream, or something greater than yourself you will find the enthusiasm, passion and joy that makes life a great adventure. I love this quote from THINX founder Miki Agrawal in a recent Forbes article, “I want to skid to death’s door sideways and dirty and messed up, and not just do it safely and perfectly and impeccably – with no bruises or bumps along the way. I wanna experience every human emotion; I wanna go through the highs and the lows; and if that’s at my expense sometimes, as painful as they are, which they are, then I get to experience it. It’s still an experience...”
So let’s begin with the end in mind. Take breaks to recharge when needed, but do not give up. Remember that you are an inspiration to others when you refuse to give up. Who knows what someone else can achieve because you never gave up and in turn inspired them not to give up!
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