There are many times and many reasons in our lives that we find ourselves wanting to give up, only to regret it later. It can be really hard to keep going when times seem tough, and it seems like throwing in the towel is the only answer. All of the great successes in life had a choice at some point, to throw in that towel, or to push through. They have failed much more than they succeeded. The difference is that they got up one last time, the time that mattered. Perhaps some of them kept these wise words and thoughts in mind during those hours where they struggled.
1. Sir Winston Churchill once said, "Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about." If this is true for you, do you want what you think about it to be that you threw in the towel, or that you persevered? If it is the latter, it is a thought that will stick with you and motivate you in ways that you had not dreamed of. It will show you that no matter how dark things seemed to have gotten, you were able to find a strength from within, and demonstrate that you could be successful if you out your mind to it. If you decided just to stop because things seemed hard, you would always live with that knowledge as well, and you are likely to question how you will handle it when things get rough in the future.
2. Dale Carnegie said, "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." I am sure you know people who have given up in these moments, perhaps you have been the person who has given up in these moments. I know I have seen people give their lifelong dreams a very short window or time to prove the success they had always dreamed of, before giving up. What if the success they had imagined truly was right around the corner. I believe that the most successful are the ones who say they are going to keep going no matter what, until they have exhausted every option possible, because sometimes the last time is THE time.
3. I saw a quote the other day that tickled me because it was so true, it simply said, "Remember that guy that gave up? Neither does anyone else." I find it fitting that the author is Unknown. Such a simple thought, such a sad thought, such a true thought. People do not remember the person that made it 90 percent of the way to their goal, they remember the few who stuck it out that extra 10 percent and achieved what they set out to do. Do you have an incredible idea? Do you envision greatness? Then never, ever, give up on yourself, no matter how many obstacles get thrown in your way. They are to test you, they are to strengthen you, and they are to make your ultimate success that much sweeter, because you kept going when you could have much more easily thrown in the towel.
4. Albert Einstein was quoted as saying something that makes me giggle, but makes me giggle with delight. He said, "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." It is the idea of not dropping anchor and veering off course, or stopping for any given amount of time. If you slow down, lose focus, or don't keep your head up for the rough terrain ahead, you may come to an unpleasant stop. If you keep your focus, stay on track, and never stop your momentum, you will reach your final destination.
5. Finally, another unknown thought and quote that is humorous, yet true. "Don't be discouraged. It's often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock." While the author is unknown, the feeling is not. We feel like we try, and try, and try, and nothing fits or works for us. However, it is so often just before we throw in the towel that we find the final piece that makes things fit. That unlocks our true potential, and helps us cross the threshold of our goal. The feeling and knowledge that you kept going, that you achieved what you were trying for, even when every instinct you had, and possibly everyone in your life is telling you to just give up. That is why there are worker bees, and that is why there is the Queen Bee. You need people blissfully happy staying and doing their job, and you need the one who keeps things going and sees more. When you want to give up, think about which one you want to be.