9 Crushing Reasons We Give Up (and what to do about it)

We admire people that never seem to give up. Yet, most of us realize that we give up far too quickly. It’s not something we’re proud of, and it’s obvious how much more we could have accomplished with a little more determination.

Additionally, we fail to understand the reasons we give up quickly, but don’t fret. I’ll fill you in. Plus, know that perseverance is a skill that can be cultivated so you can avoid giving up when times get tough.

The first step is to gain some insight into why you give up before you hit the finish line.

9 Reasons We Give Up

1. We care too much about the opinions of others. This is a bad habit we learn at a young age. It doesn’t take too long in Kindergarten to quickly realize that others judge us, and sometimes, quite harshly. In time, many of us grow out of this to some extent, but it still lingers in most.
   
   The fact is that few people care one way or the other. You might as well just do your thing and avoid worrying about what others might think.
2. We don’t know how to use failure properly. Failure is part of the process of succeeding. You’ll rarely figure out the best way to do something on your first effort. Failure is just an undesired result. It says nothing about you. Just learn and try again.
3. We don’t care enough. Sometimes we bite off more than our motivation can chew. The solution is to choose wisely. Avoid taking on goals and projects that aren’t exciting to you. Your time is precious.
4. We’re too outcome-oriented. Enjoying the process and journey is just as important, if not more, than the end result. There really aren’t that many things that are worth suffering for years to attain. Is it worth winning a gold medal if you hated every minute of your life for 10 years? Find a goal that you can enjoy working on.
5. We lack self-confidence. When we expect to fail, we won’t even get started. What would be the point? Building self-confidence will allow you to be more successful by permitting you to try in the first place. With low self-confidence, you’ll give up quickly.
6. We lack self-esteem. Sometimes, we don’t think we deserve to be successful. So, we find ways to sabotage ourselves and come up with excuses to quit. Believe that you deserve what you’re trying to achieve, and you’ll last longer in your pursuit of it.
7. We like our distractions too much. Eating salad isn’t as much fun as eating French fries (trust me, I know! LOL). Practicing piano isn’t as much fun as watching Game of Thrones(but the show was soooo good!). Distractions can be progress killers. Set aside time to indulge in your distractions AFTER your work is done.
8. We lack responsibility. It’s easy to blame others for our setbacks. You have to own your life, your failures, and your successes. No one is coming on a white horse to rescue you or to do the work for you. The ball is in your court.
9. We have bad habits. Bad habits are well-ingrained distractions. They steal our attention and time. They can even be harmful. Quitting when things get tough can be a habit. Think about your habits and determine which make you more likely to give up.

How Not to Give Up

So now that you know and truly understand the reasons we give up, it’s time to do something about it. Let’s dig in!

1. Set Realistic Goals. Set goals that are achievable. When you set goals that are too high or unrealistic, it can lead to frustration and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually work your way up.
2. Develop a Positive Mindset. A positive mindset can be a powerful tool in overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals. When you encounter challenges, try to view them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
3. Practice Self-Care. Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health is crucial in maintaining the energy and motivation needed to pursue your goals. This can include getting regular exercise or movement, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax and recharge.
4. Seek Support. Too many people are afraid to ask for help. Don’t hesitate to seek the support you need from others. This can be from friends, family, mentors, or professional counselors. They can provide encouragement, advice, and a different perspective on your challenges.
5. Celebrate Small Victories. Celebrating small victories along the way can boost your motivation and confidence. It’s a reminder that you’re making progress towards your goals, no matter how small.
6. Embrace Failure. Understand that failure is a part of the journey to success. Instead of viewing it as a setback, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Each failure brings you one step closer to your goal.
7. Stay Focused. Keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t let distractions or setbacks deter you from your goal. Remind yourself of why you started and what you’re working towards.
8. Develop Resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep going. This can be developed through practices like mindfulness, stress management techniques, and maintaining a positive outlook.
9. Practice Patience. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and patience. Understand that it’s a process and be patient with yourself and give yourself grace when things don’t go exactly as you want (which could be often!)
10. Stay Committed. Commitment is key in achieving any goal. Stay committed to your goal, even when things get tough. Remember why you started and keep pushing forward. When you are committed, you are more likely to be consistent as well which, of course, leads to keep pushing through – not giving yourself a chance to give up.

Ultimately, the journey to achieving your goals and dreams is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, resilience, and a lot of perseverance. But with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome obstacles and achieve ALL your dreams. Don’t give up!

Over to you…

Think about a time when you gave up on something. What were your reasons? Once you can answer that question accurately, you can create a plan to overcome it.

There are few obstacles that can withstand someone with enough persistence. You don’t have to be born with this gift. It can be developed. Just think about how different your life would be if you never gave up!

You can STILL create that life, especially now that you recognize the reasons we give up which means you can nip it in the bud as soon as the urge to give up surfaces.

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