Like a lot of people, I have felt the urge to give up on something. It’s easy to get to a point where it seems as though the time you’ve invested in a dream or goal and the time of fruition can be very daunting.
There are cycles of excitement, enthusiasm, and creativity, and they are followed by despair, discouragement, and the desire to quit.
Why Do We Give Up Easily?
Our brains are wired to give up easily, it’s normal. Human beings are believed to act upon the “Pleasure Principle,” the instant gratification:[1]
Instant gratification is the desire to experience pleasure or fulfilment without delay or deferment. Basically, it’s when you want it; and you want it now.
Our brains are wired to immediate rewards in return. We’re born to look for instant gratification because in ancient times, getting immediate benefits was essential for survival. We are very much present-oriented, and so when we’re not getting what we want immediately, we get anxious and want to give up.
Yes, so once in a while, wanting to give up is normal. But giving up is not okay.
Maybe you’re disappointed or tired because you haven’t succeeded yet after lots of trials, or maybe you’re experiencing one of these: Why We Lose Motivation Once in a While and How to Fix It
But don’t you give up yet because nothing worth having comes easy.
The Consequence of Giving Up Too Early
Instant success is a myth, always. Many successful people failed hundreds of times, if they chose to give up instead of working harder to reach their goals, they would never succeed.
For example, Walt Disney had been fired by a newspaper editor before because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” If he gave up imagining and dreaming about big ideas, he wouldn’t have found the successful Disney business.
And let’s take the famous soccer player David Beckham as another example. He had a down time after he received a red card in the World Cup match against Argentina in 1998. The England team couldn’t make it to the next round and everyone hated him and blamed him for that. If Beckham gave up playing soccer, we wouldn’t see the successful player leading different teams and becoming one of the most legendary players in history.
If you give up now, you’re giving up the very bright future and great results you will get.
8 Things To Do When You Feel Like Giving Up
Do what your future self will thank you for, not regret. Here’re 8 things to do when you feel like you want to give up.
1. Remember Why You Started and How Much You Wanted It
Think back to the moment that this project, goal, or concept was conceived. Remember the joy and thrill of the adventure ahead? In the beginning, you had a goal in mind; a beautiful picture etched in your mind of the finished task. The beginning was simple; carrying through has become difficult.
Going back to the beginning brings into focus the purpose of your endeavor. The memory of anticipation of the job accomplished is stirred up again when you begin to contemplate the reason you began in the first place. Breathe in deep and recall your purpose.
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2. Look Into the Reason Why You Want to Give Up.
The feelings of wanting to quit can be overwhelming. The generalized feeling isn’t clear; look at the reasons why you want to quit. Are you physically tired? Have you been consumed with things and not taken care of yourself in the process? Do you feel little support? Are you lacking ability? Have you come up against some difficulties that you are unprepared for? Do you need to just take a step back before continuing?
There are many reasons why you may want to quit. Be diligent in figuring out what the real issues are and tackle them specifically. Once you see what is causing the feeling, you can address it.
3. Picture in Your Mind the Ultimate Result
Keep in your mind the picture of the result. A visualization of what you want to accomplish will keep you moving forward. I mean, seriously, you don’t want to stop partway through. The feeling of being a quitter isn’t pleasant. You are a winner! Remember the slogan: the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat!
Whenever you want to quit, ask yourself, do you want the thrill of victory? Or would you rather the agony of defeat? Press on; you can do this. This is how you can stay motivated and persevere even during difficult times.
4. Make a Plan and Have a Backup
Before you undertake anything, always have an outlined plan of action.
There are various ways this can be done. You can write a list, make a breakout chart, or form a checklist for tasks completed along the way. By having a plan in place, when you feel like giving up you can look at the plan and refocus on the steps needed to reach the goal.
Also, have a backup plan in mind before beginning; this way when you are frustrated and want to give up, you will have an alternative plan to put into action.
5. Find Support From Others
Don’t isolate yourself or hide your feelings of frustration, and don’t be afraid to seek support from others. Reach out to family, friends, co-workers, or even online forums to find someone that you can talk to and rid yourself of what is dragging you down and causing you to want to quit.
I promise there are so many other people out there that are struggling with feelings of doubt, fear, and frustration just like you are. Finding another person who has gone through a similar crisis will strengthen your resolve and help you get back on course
6. Be Grateful for the Good Things While Struggling.
Yes, you may feel like giving up. Yes, you are struggling. Yes, you are overwhelmed at the moment. I know this may seem like a strange thing to say, but remember to be grateful. This is essential in a resilient mindset.
Whenever you feel like giving up, stop and make a list of the things you are grateful for in your life. You have so much positivity in your life to be thankful for. When you shift your focus to becoming grateful for all things, tasks that seem overwhelming take on a new light. The way you look at the situations around you depends on the attitude with which you view them. Take on an attitude of gratitude and you will be amazed at the difference it makes.
7. Celebrate Your Victories, No Matter How Small They Seem
You deserve to acknowledge all the victories that you have made along the way. Instead of feeling overwhelmed at all that you have left to do, write out a list of accomplishments you have already completed, no matter how small they may seem.
By celebrating your progress, you will renew your energy to complete what you are doing. When you see all that you have done, it will excite you to take further action until the finish line.
Don’t give up!
8. Have Motivational Reminders Everywhere
Here’re some of my favorite motivational quotes, make them your wallpaper, or just have the quotes stuck on your desk! Just don’t give up! Never, ever give up!
- Never give up on something you want. It’s difficult to wait but more difficult to regret.
- The expert in anything was once a beginner.
- Everyone must choose one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.
- Crawling is acceptable. Falling is acceptable. Pain is acceptable. Quitting is now.
- Don’t give up what you want most in life for something you think you want now.
