Some people call it quits. Some don’t. Naturally, what the task is and how long one has been at it are determinate factors. But my contention is that too many people just give up too soon. The purpose here is not to delineate circumstances when quitting is the prudent thing to do. The issue in point is not giving up when possibilities remain.
Examples where pulling the plug is the easy thing to do:
Getting one’s body in decent physical shape . . . which could mean losing/gaining weight or stopping substance abuse. Performing rehab physical therapy. Learning to play a musical instrument or acquiring a second language. Saving money for future needs. And on and on.
The old maxim, “If at first you don’t succeed….,” can be coupled with one of my favorite Thomas Edison quotes: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” As usual, it’s the mindset, the attitude, the way of thinking that either keeps one going or pushes one over the I-quit cliff.
As I wrote a few days ago, the body will never go where the mind doesn’t go first. How to control one’s mind is a long discussion (and process), but the initial step is recognizing that handles are needed on how the mind works. Resources and helping people abound. Taking advantage of them and deciding to diligently apply oneself to a task is something only the individual can decide and put into action.
Winston Churchill is reported to have said, “never give up.” Well, there are times when one must. But all too often we give up too soon. The ten-thousandth-and-first way just might work.
