“Don’t give up now!”
“Quitting is not an option!”
“You can do it!”
Is it okay to give up? We were taught that giving up is wrong, but, somehow, it’s not that all bad. Sometimes, that’s just what we need to become stronger and smarter in life. Winners don’t just quit, right?
I believe there’s a considerable difference between quitting and giving up. The latter is merely a pause or a break, while the former seeks to end everything. Giving up on dreams sounds sad. But, it’s actually the perfect time to reflect on what you can do to achieve what’s best for you. So, when is it okay to give up?
Here are seven reasons why giving up is best
You lost sight of true happiness.
When you’re surrounded by negativity, your dreams are nothing more than dust and dirt. Did it make you feel good to turn your back to the people who’ve loved you? Is your goal to climb that corporate ladder or make everyone respect you with your craft, but you made everyone’s lives difficult and a wreck?
If yes, then that’s not the real goal here. You’re just making a monster of yourself. That – you have attained. If you still have your senses, then stop doing it. Give up and pause for a while. See the big picture. You’re not quitting on your dreams. You need new directions without losing family, friends, and happiness.
Rest from total burnout, depression, and anxiety.
How many moments have you lost with your loved ones and stay on that desk for over 16 hours? Have you eaten or taken enough sleep? Your daily activities can push you to the brink of breaking down. Trust me. I’ve been there.
My goal was to earn 100k (Philippine pesos) in one month. I also need it to print my self-published books, manage my advocacy group, finish my art and animation, and more. I was also going through rough times that moment. I was fighting with my parents, with my friends, and with everybody I meet, because the stress was building in me.
I called our suicide hotline three times in the evening. I WAS BREAKING DOWN. I couldn’t stop crying that afternoon for reasons unknown. Talking to the other person on the line kinda helped. But, talking to my family and friends relieved me the most. Did you know what I did? I stopped. I gave up on that personal project of mine and find other ways to achieve it without burning out.
Do you know what I found? Peace. I’m still working on my dreams, by the way. I’m still depressed, but, no longer on the verge of losing my mind.
I’m also sick. Heart failure to some people (wrong!). I have RHD since I was nine years old. Overstressing myself made it worse. So, now – even though I still get moody and all, I’m so much better than I was before
You need to refocus and rebuild on your dreams.
Do you feel that everything is going wrong despite putting your best efforts out there? Are your strategies and plans falling out? You need to give up on that project…momentarily. Take your time to review your performance and think about how you can make it right this time.
You don’t have to quit if what you want is not working out. Is your startup business draining your resources more than you can produce? Is your freelancing activities impede your dream of having your own digital company?
You might want to get employed by a company and earn better living there. Sometimes, you learn what you did wrong on your business by working on a tedious 9-5 job. Where do they get loans? How do they manage customer service? What are their product developments? It may feel like you’re spying on the organization, but hey, it will help.
Remember, though – don’t copy somebody else’s work
It makes you realize what’s more important.
You stop and see that the most important thing in the world is family. It could also be your health, friends, and happiness. Giving up makes you wonder if everything you’ve done was worth it. It lets you see why you are doing it and whether it’s adding value in your life.
Did that 9-5 job help you accomplished of traveling the world or opening your own business? Or providing meals to your family everyday? Is working 16 hours per day made your life any more vibrant than it already is?
Is missing your mom’s birthday entirely worth it to attain your dreams? Look, my mother and I always bicker and shout at home. But, not giving her gifts, or patting her back, make me feel sad. You just can’t stay angry at a person you love, okay? So, what’s important to you, if I may ask
Attracting the right energy and things for you.
If everything you do makes you unhappy, like struggling for that job promotion, publishing that book, or producing that film – then, let go. If it’s making a monster or a mess out of you, give up on it. For a while. Take a pause. Take a break. Sometimes, it’s not the dream you have to give up, but instead, the methods you do to achieve that dream.
When you give up, rest, and reflect, you’ll be surprised to know the right energy, ideas, and ways to do the job will come to you. You can take a break three to six months, and bet you’ll already be on your feet by then.
At least you’ll be refreshed and happy to do the task again
You know it won’t work. Ever.
Here’s the thing: people wanted me to be a CPA Lawyer. But, I wanted to be an artist, writer, animator, graphic designer – or, all of them! I took Accounting for two years, and despite my high grades (Dean’s List), I was breaking down. I cut classes, worked as a freelance writer and graphic designer, and do odd stuff at school.
I knew I would make the cut throughout the years in Accountancy, but did I want it? Hell, no. So, I gave it up. Boy, everyone was angry. They called me names you don’t want to know. I enrolled in Advertising afterward. Best. Decision. Ever.
So, if it’s not working with you – be it in your career, friendships, groups, relationships – just give it up. Finally, you can clear your mind and fill it with peace and serenity
When you know you really don’t want it.
There are “real passions” and false ones. One day, you will say, “I’m going to play the piano!” Then, you fell out of interest. You decided that making films would be your thing, then you stop because mountain climbing seemed cool. Perhaps you’re still lost and confused about what you want.
It’s okay if you’re still testing the waters. In the long run though, people won’t take you seriously. Ask yourself if that dream of yours still resonate with you.
So, is it okay to give up? Giving up is often seen as undesirable action, but it can be quite beneficial to anyone who knows when and the reason why. If you think there are more reasons to give up, feel free to comment below.
