Pain is temporary, quitting is forever.
I saw this on a t-shirt today and I started thinking about how we view quitting. I feel like the typical attitude is that if you quit you are a loser.
Growing up my mom encouraged us to quit. She would say “I love quitters!” Don’t misunderstand... She always encouraged us to work hard, and follow our dreams. But sometimes you have “quit” the wrong things so you can focus on achieving your dreams.
Like dropping my second major in college so I could focus my time on the Great Books Honors program and TV/Radio Communications. This paid off graduating Magna Cum Laude and from our Honors Program!
Seth Godin wrote a book, The Dip.
It talks about how we often waste time pursuing the wrong things in the name of not quitting.
It talks about how we often waste time pursuing the wrong things in the name of not quitting.
Quit! Once you’ve quit the distractions in your life you need to buckle down on one thing. In his book Seth talks about how there is a dip. This is the point where things get tough... and people give up on their dreams. However those who work their way through... win!
For me this was my blog... I really wanted to start a blog, but was discouraged in the first month that it didn’t look real. One night feeling really discouraged I was ready to quit... but instead I stayed up all night (literally... not a great idea with a 3 month baby!) and designed my logo, created an about page... That was a dip moment for me... things started picking up on my blog after that. Looking back I am super glad that I didn't’ quit!
What do you need to quit in your life?
When your daily email came into my box, I knew immediately that I must respond.
ReplyDeleteKnowing when to quit is my motto. I learned about this the hard way. I spent 8.5 years in Graduate school trying to get a PhD because I didn't want to quit.
What a nightmare that was.
Finally, I defended my masters and got out. I quit - but it's the best thing that I have ever done. I got out of science and never ever looked back.
It's really difficult to quit. I was encouraged to keep going despite the obvious signs (panic attacks, depression, general unhappiness, lack of success and the list goes on and on). I have always excelled in school. I had never had any problems.
I had to make the decision myself. It was the healthy decision. It was the right decision. I learned a lot about myself as person. I don't regret it.
Thanks so much for this post!
Lisa,
DeleteI am so happy this was able to help inspire you! That is wonderful that you had the courage to quit!
Theresa
I love Seth Godin! I read his daily blog posts and I swear sometimes he is talking directly at me. I will have to add this book to my reading list. I really would like to quit my full-time job. Scary, though. I'm not happy, I'm not utilized and I really feel my talents are starting to weaken because I'm not challenged. Hubby doesn't want me to quit for obivous reasons, but really, how much longer can I take this. I see so many negatives in staying. I've been searching for a new job for 3 years with no luck. I have "too" much experience. JUST GIVE ME A CHANCE PEOPLE! I tried to start my own consulting business, but without the lack of support from your husband, I believe you are destined to fail.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog post and telling us about the book.
Cindy @ Crazyloucreations.blogspot.com
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Seth Godin is amazing!! I am so sorry about your job situation... that is tough, and it would be super hard to start your own business if you don't have support. While I absolutely love the book the Dip... I actually thought of a different book while reading your comment. The book is called Quitter by Jon Acuff www.quitterbook.com He is a hilarious and inspiring writer but his whole book is about taking steps to go from your day job to your dream job!
When Jon wanted to quit his day job his wife was NOT supportive :) But he talks about in the book the things he did to get them both on the same page. He does have his dream job now... and his wife is super happy too!
Good luck
Theresa :)