“NEVER GIVE UP”. I’m sure that’s a saying you’ve probably heard a lot. From the time you were old enough to understand well into your adult years. It’s one of those statements that could become very cliche, mostly because people often say it because it sounds good. If we’re going to be honest though, how many times have you heard that statement and thought… that’s a great idea in theory, but how do I actually keep going? How do I not just give up when things look like they aren’t working? When no one seems to be interested in what you’re selling, or when it gets hard and it looks like the best thing to do is to quit.
I have been in this place many times and I am still on this journey. I thought ‘why not share some of the things I have done to help me. I’m a very practical person so if you’re looking for something super profound you may want to read something different. I am in the process of working toward my dreams and goals so the things I am sharing are things I am currently putting into practice!
Figure Out What You’re Fighting For
What I’m learning on this journey is, no matter what it is you’re doing if the reason you’re it doing isn’t meaningful or purposeful you won’t do it for long. I love in ‘Creed 2’ when Rocky asks Adonis (a.k.a Michael B. Jordan) what he was fighting for. He was trying to help him understand that his motive and intention has to be something bigger than himself. Your “why” has to be greater even than what you’re actually doing, because that will push you to fight when it hurts and it gets hard. This has been something I’ve really had to figure out. Once you zoom in on this it will be impossible for you to even entertain the thought of giving up.
Re-Evaluate What You’re Doing
For me, this was something as simple as making sure I was utilizing all of the resources at my disposal, and making sure that I was creating something of quality. Maybe what you’re doing is good, but it could be improved in some way. Finding a way to ‘work smarter not harder’ can really change your productivity and your result. Any small changes could be what takes what you’re doing to the next level!
Passion
Simply put, passion is going to drive you when you don’t think you can keep going. Even if you stop for a year with the intention to quit, it’s not something you’re going to be able to give up on so easily. You may as well “suck it up” and do what you’ve got to do to keep going and make your dream a reality! (I am absolutely talking to myself right now.)
Take It Day- By- Day
Of course, you want to set long-term goals for yourself. You have a plan and a vision, but you don’t want to become overwhelmed by the big picture. There is a verse in the bible that talks about not thinking so much about tomorrow because the present day has enough worries and responsibilities for itself. Once you have written out your vision or set those goals for the year, take it day-by-day. Don’t worry so much about how you will accomplish that big thing. Focus on what you can do at this moment
Accountability
Having someone in your corner that pushes you and keeps you on point is important in this process. I have learned that you can’t do life alone, you need a community of love and support around you to make anything happen. Find people you trust that will root for you and who want you to win and believe in your dream as much as you do. It will help in times where you want to throw in the towel.
Timing/Patience
We put ourselves on these timetables; married by 30, a kid by 32, and a millionaire by 40. Your timetable may have looked similar to this or maybe it was completely different. Whatever the case may be, we put this pressure on ourselves to accomplish things in a certain time and when they don’t happen we are disappointed and discouraged. But who said we have to do anything by a certain age or time? There is nothing more essential to your dreams or your work than learning to trust God’s timing. It’s so important that we lean into Him to know when to work and when to rest and trust that in God’s perfect time things will happen when and how they are supposed to.
Patience is just as important as timing. Letting things organically happen and being patient enough to wait for the results. We want it all so fast and don’t want to embrace the process. We start a workout/diet and quit when we don’t lose 10 pounds in the first week. There is a picture on the internet of Jeff Besos (the founder and creator of Amazon) sitting at a desk in 1999. On the wall above him is a handwritten Amazon sign. Now nineteen years later his company is one of the most popular online shopping places in the United States. Imagine if he had of quit when it was in the beginning stages, online shopping would be a lot less convenient. Bottom line is, it takes patience to make your dreams come true.
There are so many things I want to experience and achieve. My dreams really scare me sometimes, but I just refuse to give up! I pray in this coming year that you will be more charged to go harder for the dreams in your heart, and if you have given up you will feel inspired to pick those dreams back up.
I want to hear from you guys. What are some of the things you do to help you keep going when you want to give up? Share them with me in the comments.
