Resist the Urge to Quit

Have you ever reached a point where you simply cannot keep going the way you've been going?

There have been many times when I've thrown my hands in the air and said, 'nope, not doing this anymore.'

We all have a limit, a breaking point, or a hard line we won't cross. Sometimes, we quit because it's the right thing to do for our health, other times we quit because it simply got too hard. How do you know the difference between needing to quit versus wanting to quit?

I want to caution you to not mistake complacency with the need to rest. They are two very different things that can often be difficult to discern. The best way to determine what you need by rest is to make sure you know your body in a way that you can easily identify when rest will aid you.

Often, our need for rest lends way to new habits created that, if left unchecked, can turn into complacency. The best way for me to explain this to you is by sharing an authentic example of my life and how I recognize the difference within myself.

At the end of last year, I took two weeks off of work because I was burnt out, and unsure of the direction I wanted to take. I got extremely comfortable in my desire to rest during this time off as I completely stopped doing the things that keep me accountable. I didn't meal plan, weekly plan, prep a single thing, leave the house, or wear real pants. (leggings do not count as real pants...for me)

Turns out, I got really comfortable with my new routine that included snacking, reading, lounging, and binge watching a new show I found on Netflix. When the time came for me to go back to work after the first of the year, my mindset was absolutely terrible. I didn't want to do it. I really struggled to get back into my routine I once had, and as new problems emerged, I almost quit before I even began.

• Designing a whole new website was not on my list, but when my template became corrupt after an update, I had no choice.
• A sudden sharp pain in my wrist when doing house chores prompted a visit to a surgeon, where I had to discuss habits surrounding the work I love doing while determining if surgery is the only option.
• A pesky flying squirrel that refused to exit my home without chewing through it had to be dealt with over the course of three months.
• The list goes on...and on...if I allow it.

Through all the issues that have stood before me, I reminded myself of the truth I know and rely on:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4

This reminder made me question why I was in business to begin with as I reevaluated my brand, my website, my social presence, and my offerings. Suddenly, the problem of needing to design a new website became an opportunity to align my business with what I feel God is calling me to do. I got excited with the new possibilities and ideas that were forming. 

Sure, my hand is still a mess, but because I know my body and I have a great team of health professionals on my side, I trust they will get me back on track as quickly as possible. 

As for that squirrel...well, he's officially gone and the work on my house is complete. The house is much quieter, and even underwent a transformation with new siding, which totally changed the way the house looks. 

My list of things to be grateful for far outweighs my list of problems, and because of this, I can resist the urge to give in to complacency. Doing the bare minimum will not get me where I hope to be. The harder I try, the more likely I am to see the success I hope to have within my business.

The same goes for my personal life. If a closer relationship with God is what I seek, the only way to ensure I achieve this is by showing up and inviting Him to sit with me daily. Creating new habits that include seeking God first instead of waiting until the close of the day to say my bedtime prayers. I know I will get out of it what I put into it. 

Whether you feel as if something is working against you and you cannot succeed, or you lack confidence in your approach, I want to encourage you to keep trying. Find what works for you. Keep going, don't give up!

Design Your Story, Shape Your Future, Shonda Ramsey