When should you quit?

Have you ever felt like giving up on a challenging situation, but weren't sure if it was the right decision? Inspirational talks often tell us to never give up, but this advice doesn't always apply. Knowing when to stay determined and when to move on can be difficult.

I recall my first marriage, where I tried to hold on to a failing relationship despite most people, including our marriage counsellor, thinking it was time to end it. In hindsight, I probably knew it was over a year before it ended, but I was afraid of being labeled "divorced" and worried I wouldn't find someone else in my 40s. These fears weren't good reasons to continue, and we could have saved ourselves a lot of emotional pain if we had ended it sooner.

Similarly, when writing my first book, I doubted myself and came up with countless reasons to quit. I was critical of my work and worried about what others would think. But these fears weren't valid reasons to give up. If you're sticking with something out of obligation or fear, rather than passion and love, it might be time to reevaluate.

The key is to understand what's motivating you to continue. When you're passionate about something, the challenges won't discourage you. Imagine an elastic band between you and your goal - the tension can only be relieved by moving closer to your goal or giving up. Giving up may relieve the pressure, but if you're giving up something you love, the relief will be short-lived.

I write because I have something to say and I love the process. Giving up due to lack of book sales or low blog clicks wouldn't lead to more happiness. It's okay to give up when what you're trying to achieve no longer aligns with your values or if something else you're passionate about takes priority. Life doesn't have to be a struggle. If you aren’t finding success, maybe you can pursue your passion in a different way.

To quote a Rolling Stones song, "You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you'll find you get what you need." Sometimes, letting go is the best way to find clarity. Understanding why you do what you do will guide your decision on whether to quit or stay determined. So, take a step back and ask yourself: what's driving your decision to continue? Is it passion, love, and alignment with your values, or is it fear, obligation, or external pressure? The answer will help you make the right choice.