The Problem with Quitting

One of the best decisions that you could ever make in your life, is to vow to never accept quitting as a final answer. ― Edmond Mbiaka

I’ve been thinking about the word “quit” lately for I’m in the business of helping people with lifestyle change (which is not always easy) for the achievement of health goals. Far too many times I hear people give up on important goals because “it’s too hard,” “I’m going on vacation,” “I don’t have time,” “I can’t,” or some other excuse.

The problem with quitting is it becomes easier to do so over time, creating a pattern and habit that results in failure to move forward; failure to achieve that goal.

QUITTING IS EASY

Whether it’s a job, a relationship or health goals, adults throw in the towel and quit all the time. The problem with this is that the challenges (or obstacles) that triggered “quitting” will always remain, preventing any progress. So, why is it, as adults, we find it easy to quit when the going gets tough? Is it because we’re adults and can now make our own decisions? No one is the boss of us, right?! Is it because we are not accountable to anyone other than ourselves and, therefore, find it easy to quit on ourselves? Is it because we prefer the short term-relief in exchange for what it takes to achieve long-term success? Or is it because we think quitting will side-step the possibility of failing? (Failing is, by the way, a great teacher but is an entirely different topic).

Interestingly, as kids, we didn’t quit. If we had, we’d never have learned to ride a bike, recite the alphabet or make it past 6th grade for that matter! But, as kids, we were accountable to parents, to teachers and others. We had not developed a quitting mentality. And, perhaps, more importantly, we had support and encouragement.

QUITTING DOES NOT MOVE US FORWARD

Never quit. It is the easiest cop-out in the world. Set a goal and don’t quit until you attain it. When you do attain it, set another goal, and don’t quit until you reach it. Never quit. -Bear Bryant

I encourage everyone with important goals, whether they pertain to health, career, lifestyle or relationships, to never quit. Embrace the challenges. Embrace the “failures.” They are part of life. Yes, quitting may seem like an easy way to eliminate any pressure or discomfort but, as I mentioned above, it only provides temporary relief. The key to success will be facing those roadblocks head-on, learning from them, conquering them and moving forward. Finding support and accountability, whether it be a health coach or life coach (depending on the goals) is a key resource. That individual will assist you in breaking through the roadblocks to get what you want. You CAN do it!