Quit Your Quitting

Life gets hard.

That’s a given. It took me a long time to realize that life is not like the movies where everything is perfect or easy. Life can become difficult. You will be thrown challenges that you had yet to learn could even exist. That perfectly planned life you have tried to manifest since you were seven years old will look so much different 10-15 years later. 

But that does not mean it’s impossible. 

It’s easy to run when things get too complicated or overwhelming. A math class is challenging? You can transfer out. Is your job bothering you? You can resign. Do you not like the sport you’re in? Then quit. Simple. 

Sure, running is easy to do. And quitting is even easier. But without challenge and perseverance, you miss out on all the shots you didn’t take. 

I struggled with wanting to run away or give up when things got complicated. I have missed out on some fantastic opportunities simply because I was scared. However, I eventually got sick of being scared. I knew it was time to get out of my head and begin to power through. I told myself to be resilient. To find the motivation to keep going, do the hard things, and be extraordinary. I know that I still have to face my fears and live through the hardships of life- everyone does. But no more running. It is okay to struggle, and you will never learn and see how far you can go and grow if you do not try to succeed.

So, from yours truly, my advice is this.

Keep. On. Rolling. 

I know that sounds cliche, but it is true. You tried something for a reason, right? You signed up for that class, applied to that job, or worked on something because of the gratification and the reward that comes with it. 

So now, take that and make something with it. 

And before you want to quit, let me ask you these questions first: 

1. Are you genuinely unhappy?

Sometimes, when we know, we know. If you are doing something and dread it every day and can find no positive, redeeming traits, then maybe it just is not for you. Could you be sure to factor out the situation’s general negatives, like studying or rude customers? If you cannot find a trait you enjoy, cut it.

2. Is this something you can see yourself doing in the future?

I recently changed my major from nursing to forensic psychology. I had wanted to be a nurse all my life because it interested me, and I wanted to help people. However, once I had that initial exposure to the medical field (I was in an EMT course), I discovered that my heart was not in it as it was when I was ten. I realized I wanted to help people differently… by counseling and helping them better themselves. If you cannot see yourself doing something long-term, it may be time to reconsider. If you can see a future with it, then ride it out. You got this girl! 

3. Did you think this through?

If you are going to stop doing something, always think things through before making a huge decision. Sleeping on it helps! If you are overwhelmed, a good night’s rest can be an excellent way to clear your mind so you can wake up with a fresh mind and clarity. Another helpful method can be writing a pros and cons list. Being able to filter out the good and bad can help you determine the specific criteria you have in mind for the thing you want to leave, and you can physically see if it’s still worth it by writing it out on paper. 

Like I said, life is hard. Sometimes, decisions made at a certain point may feel bad later on. However, we all have our path, and everything will work out. You got this. I believe in you. Trust the process and keep moving forward. 

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