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“Quitters never win and winners never quit.” We are bombarded with that message from a young age – from teachers, parents and society. Never quit. Never give up.
Shocking information ahead…
But sometimes. Sometimes it’s OK to quit.
In many, many instances in life we are encouraged to push through rather than to give up. We hear the message that if we persevere we will come out stronger. But if we give up we will regret it. I have to wonder if that is always the case?
While trials, adversity and “toughing it out” can be a good thing to build character sometimes quitting, as a form of change, can be a good thing.
Contrary to what we are taught, quitting can actually be the first step to positive change. However, knowing just when to switch directions is key to knowing the difference between being senseless and sensible in your decision to quit.
Actor W.C. Fields had a turn of phrase: “If at first you don’t succeed, try again. Then quit. No use being a damn fool about it.”
If you are using a system that is antiquated it is totally OK to quit and start a new system that is more modern and streamlined. Your creative business will suffer if you remain stubborn about using a data system, marketing strategy or other tools that have proven to not work. Not to mention the fact that you are wearing yourself out trying to MAKE it work.
Sometimes the idea of quitting fills a heart with fear and dread. What does quitting mean to you? How will it affect your business and your life? What will those important to you think about you if you quit? How will you explain yourself?
It boils down to this – quitting means admitting that you were wrong about something or that the way you are doing things isn’t working out in one way or another. Admitting that can be very difficult but it is better to quit for the right reasons rather that keep going for all of the wrong reasons.
Keep in mind that quitting isn’t an end but a beginning. You aren’t going to quit and then just float in outer space. You will quit and move on to something else. Something BETTER. See the new beginning as an adventure and allow the adrenaline to motivate you to work hard. This is an opportunity to feel excited rather than stuck. A chance to try something new that MIGHT work rather than plodding along with the thing that doesn’t work.
Sometimes quitting can save your sanity.
When is quitting time?
Vicki O'Dell
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