Hey guys! Ken Lear here! Check out this blog post about not giving up and let me know what you think in the comments below. If you find this post helpful, please share it on your favorite social media channel!
When it comes to building a successful career, it would not be an exaggeration to say that half of the battle is sticking with one thing over a long period of time. An unwavering commitment to seeing something through is often what separates those who succeed from those who fail.
One of the great geniuses of our time, Albert Einstein, said this:
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
Anything worth doing is going to be difficult, and at times you’re going to be tempted to quit. This is the case no matter where you work and what industry you’re in. The thing is, you’ll never reap the rewards of your efforts if you throw in the towel now. You have to stay the course and give yourself time to become great.
Related: This is What Ken Lear Would Tell His 22-Year-Old Self
If you find yourself feeling tempted to give up, do the following first:
Think about why you started. Chances are, when you first started your journey, you were pumped! You probably had all sorts of goals you were excited to accomplish, right? Take a moment to ask yourself if your desires have changed. (Chances are, they have not. You probably still want the same results). Reconnect with the mindset you had before you were faced with the current obstacles.
Remember what you’re working for. Are you still in touch with your big picture goals? Take a moment to check in. Ask yourself, “If I’m able to actually accomplish “x”, will it be worth it?” (Probably yes!)
Remember that struggle is normal and necessary. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling, and it’s easy to make the excuse “I’m just not good at this” or “Maybe this just isn’t for me.” If you’re having these thoughts, it’s important to realize that almost everyone goes through this — even the greats. Developing strong skills takes lots and lots of time. You need to expect a learning curve and you need to be prepared to make tons of mistakes. If something doesn’t come naturally to you right away, that’s okay! Ultimately, the struggle will make you stronger. Plus, you’ll have great stories to tell once you’ve made it.
Ask yourself if this pain is temporary. Chances are, it is. Most likely, you’ve just hit a rough patch. Never underestimate the importance of delayed gratification.
Never make a decision while emotional. This is a key pearl of wisdom that will serve you throughout your life. Emotional decisions are rarely good ones. You don’t want to look back with regret, wondering what might have been. Give yourself some time to cool down. Wait until you’re calm cool and collected, and then make a decision.
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