I stumbled across this quote one morning looking for something on not quitting for one of my social media posts.
I liked it because it wasn’t one of the zillion cliché quotes about not quitting or giving up… and well.. it was honestly quirky enough to completely suit me.
I recently asked for thoughts from people on why they believe people quit what they start. Why do some hold on to what they set out to do with all they have, working hard and refusing to give up and others, with the slightest discomfort, lack of reward, or immediate gain, throw in the towel and quit ?
I had my own opinions/thoughts on it, but wanted some feedback.
I got responses like “it’s a part of our individual personality”, ” it’s how we were raised”, “it’s something learned”, to my favorite, “it’s pure stubbornness and a refusal to give in”. I think that’s my favorite ’cause it’s how I’m wired 😉
But I was also raised to finish what I started. I was raised by strong women who didn’t give in when things got rough.
As a grown woman who has lived a lot of life I realize I have that same grit and strength I was exposed to growing up.
It serves me well.
But then there is also who I am as a person. By nature, strong willed and a wee bit stubborn.
I believe all those traits meld together to push me to take on things that make me feel like they can eat my lunch… like my fast upcoming duathlon.
I did my most likely, next to last training session on the course this morning.
It was grey, cold, windy, and some on and off again misty stuff thrown in for good measure. Rain mingled with my sweat is always an interesting feeling.
The wind seemed to delight in coming from angles that weren’t helpful crawling big hills on the bike. It was my suckiest time ever since I started. On a good side, I also did my fastest 5k time, dropping it again from last week.
The good and bad. I mean I was out there doing it so it’s all a win, right? But that quitting quote rolled through my head.
Not mind you, that I was pondering quitting. Not when I’ve come so far and worked so hard.
Not a fat chance.
But let’s look at a few reasons why people might throw in the towel, or you know, quit.
~ People usually give up or quit when the going gets rough or it takes to long. They fail a few times, don’t know that the struggle is part of the game and walk away from it. Obstacles are a part of pursuing our goals or dreams and as we get more proficient in what we are doing the obstacles get a bit easier to get over.
~ There’s a lack of ownership. Is it your goal? Your dream? It’s difficult to stay motivated if it’s not yours. You must buy into your goals and dreams. Own them. It totally changes the game. Once you own them, you can begin the steps of practicing to get where you are going.
~ Not willing to put in time required. Training for a duathlon, I knew what I was up against if I was going to do it. I knew the time and training that would be required to get me to the starting line. If you decide to set a lofty goal for yourself, understand what the time investment will be. Reaching our goals takes hard work and a lot of practice. If we don’t excel in something it will take both of those to get there. Being a multi sport athlete is certainly nothing that was in my back round or skill level. It has required hard work and a lot of practice.
~ Limit distractions that get in your way. So many things clamor for our attention now days and if you let them get in your way you may find yourself getting side tracked from what you are pursuing. You may have to set things aside to make time for your goals and to ensure you don’t quit.
~ People often quit when there is insufficient reward or as I refer to it, instant gratification. They feel like they’ve invested a little time of a few weeks or a month and expect results. Everything from weight loss, to a new career or hobby or getting fit. It takes time. I didn’t wake up one morning and go run a marathon. I didn’t just sign up for a duathlon and go do it. Little things at a time have built on the other leading me to bigger successes. This goes for anyone. If you want to do more, you’ve gotta invest the time and energy and not expect instant results.
~ A lack of belief in themselves. Simply put, you’ve gotta believe you can do it or you’re out of the game from the beginning. The first time I realized I was really committing to running a full marathon the thought danced through my head…. ” That’s 26.2 miles. That’s so long. How will I do it?” I immediately stomped those thoughts down, never let them back in, an proceeded to not only train for my marathon but go on and do more too. Those thoughts had no place in my head if I was going to be successful.
~ And a final thought that I think is perhaps the biggest reason to why people quit or give up or whatever you wanna call it.
They simply lack the discipline to see their goal or idea through to the end.
They can’t get themselves to see the end result of what they are pursuing. They haven’t developed the habits required to work on the days they not only feel like it, but more importantly, days they don’t feel like it. Trust me, heading out into a cold, wet morning to train isn’t necessarily my idea of a great time. Staying in warm and drinking coffee is definitely more appealing but it’s on those days I have to rely on my discipline to get me out the door and get the job done.
There has to be a willingness to take on the good days and the bad days to get where you’re going. You have to push forward no matter what the challenges are that come at you IF you are determined and stubborn to reach your goals or dreams that you have.
If you struggle with quitting when things get rough or don’t produce fast enough results, consider some of these points and determine where you can change things in yourself.
With some intentional choices and a willingness to fail and make mistakes, along with some stubbornness and purposeful dedication, you will be able to achieve your goals.
Do you struggle with following through? Have you before but have you overcome obstacles to get to your goals? What did you find worked best for you?
sassyfitnesschick 