Why do people give up? Originally I wanted to write “only a LinkedIn post” about this subject but the more I thought about it, the longer the post became and eventually LinkedIn told me that I am way over the maximum character limit for a post, so I shortened it a little there, but I thought it would also be fine to share it all in the full length with you all. Perhaps it helps anyone of you who are currently in a tight spot or maybe you feel like you want to send the article to someone who might need it.
So, of course, I don’t want to glorify giving up on anything but I also don’t want to preach the hustling lifestyle. Certainly, there are moments in life and business when it makes sense to give up, but if this is the right way forward and when this makes sense is more complex than just pointing the way. Let’s check into some reasons why people give up and then at the end of the article I want to point out some ways forward that might help as well.
Reasons why people give up
Neither the graphic nor the bullets are from me but the following thoughts from me are structured based on this graphic.
Expect fast results
The first reason people give up is that they expect fast results. This is especially true in the age of social media where we are constantly bombarded with images of people who have achieved success overnight. We see pictures of fitness models with perfect bodies and think that we should be able to achieve the same thing if we just put in a little bit of effort. The reality is that most people who have achieved success have put in years of hard work and dedication to get where they are. It’s important to remember that when you’re starting out on your journey to success, you shouldn’t expect to see results overnight. Success takes time, patience, and perseverance.
Stop believing in themselves
The second reason people give up is that they stop believing in themselves. When we encounter setbacks or failures, it’s easy to start doubting our abilities and wondering if we’re really cut out for success. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences setbacks and failures at some point in their lives. What separates successful people from unsuccessful people is that successful people never give up on themselves. They always pick themselves up and continue moving forward despite the setbacks.
Get stuck in the past
The third reason people give up is that they get stuck in the past. They dwell on their failures and let them define their present and future. They allow their mistakes to hold them back from moving forward and achieving success. It’s important to learn from your mistakes but it’s even more important to move on from them. If you want to be successful, you have to focus on the present and the future, not the past.
Dwell on mistakes
The fourth reason people give up is that they dwell on their mistakes. They allow their mistakes to hold them back from moving forward and achieving success. It’s important to learn from your mistakes but it’s even more important to move on from them. If you want to be successful, you have to focus on the present and the future, not the past.
Fear the future
The fifth reason people give up is that they fear the future. They are afraid of failing and they allow this fear to paralyze them. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences failures at some point in their lives. What separates successful people from unsuccessful people is that successful people never let their fear of failure hold them back. They always pick themselves up and continue moving forward despite the setbacks.
Resist change
The sixth reason people give up is that they resist change. They are comfortable with the way things are and they don’t want to step outside of their comfort zone. Change is scary but it’s also necessary for growth and progress. If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to embrace change. You have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
Give up their power
The seventh reason people give up is that they give up their power. They allow other people to control their lives and their destiny. It’s important to remember that you are the captain of your own ship. You are the only one who can steer your life in the direction you want it to go. Don’t let anyone else take the wheel.
Believe in their weaknesses
The eighth reason people give up is that they believe in their weaknesses. They think that their weaknesses are permanent and that there’s nothing they can do to change them. The reality is that everyone has weaknesses but successful people don’t let their weaknesses define them. They always try to find ways to overcome their weaknesses and turn them into strengths.
Feel the world owes them something
The ninth reason people give up is that they feel the world owes them something. They think that because they’re good people, they deserve to be successful. The reality is that the world doesn’t owe you anything. You have to go out and earn your success. It won’t be handed to you on a silver platter.
Fear failure more than they desire success
The tenth and final reason people give up is that they fear failure more than they desire success. They are so afraid of failing that they never even try to achieve their goals. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences failures at some point in their lives. What separates successful people from unsuccessful people is that successful people never let their fear of failure hold them back. They always pick themselves up and continue moving forward despite the setbacks.
Never visualize what is possible
The eleventh reason people give up is that they never visualize what is possible. They don’t dream big and they don’t think outside the box. If you want to be successful, you have to start by visualizing what is possible. You have to dream big and think outside the box. Don’t let anyone else tell you what you can and can’t do.
Feel they have something to lose
The twelfth reason people give up is that they feel they have something to lose. They are afraid of change and they don’t want to take risks. It’s important to remember that change is scary but it’s also necessary for growth and progress. If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to embrace change.
Overwork
The thirteenth reason people give up is that they overwork themselves. They try to do everything themselves and they don’t delegate tasks. It’s important to remember that you can’t do everything yourself. You have to learn to delegate tasks and ask for help when you need it.
Lack of focus
The fourteenth reason people give up is that they lack focus. They try to do too many things at once and they never finish anything. It’s important to remember that you need to focus on one thing at a time if you want to be successful. You can’t do everything at once. You have to prioritize and focus on the most important tasks.
Assume their problems are unique
The fifteenth reason people give up is that they assume their problems are unique. They think that no one else has ever gone through what they’re going through and that they’re the only ones who can fix their problems. The reality is that everyone has problems. The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people don’t let their problems hold them back. They find ways to work through their problems and they never give up.
See failure as the signal to turn back
The sixteenth reason people give up is that they see failure as the signal to turn back. They think that if they fail, it means they’re not meant to be successful. The reality is that everyone experiences failures at some point in their lives. What separates successful people from unsuccessful people is that successful people never let their failures hold them back. They always pick themselves up and continue moving forward despite the setbacks.
Feel sorry for themselves
The seventeenth reason people give up is that they feel sorry for themselves. They think that they deserve to be successful and they don’t understand why things haven’t worked out for them. The reality is that the world doesn’t owe you anything. You have to go out and earn your success. It won’t be handed to you.
So what can you do instead of giving up?
People give up for all sorts of reasons. Maybe they’re facing an insurmountable challenge, or they’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Whatever the reason, giving up can feel like the only option.
But it’s important to remember that giving up is never the only choice. There are always other options, even when it feels like there aren’t. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re feeling like giving up:
1. You’re not alone.
No matter how challenging your situation may be, know that you’re not the only one going through it. Chances are, there are other people out there who are facing similar challenges. You can connect with them and learn from their experiences.
2. Help is available.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that there are people and resources out there who can help you. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
3. There’s always a way forward.
Even when it feels like you’re stuck, there’s always a way forward. It might not be the easiest path, but it’s important to remember that giving up is never the only option.
4. You’re stronger than you think.
You might not feel like it, but you’re stronger than you think. You’ve faced challenges before and you’ve overcome them. This one might be tough, but you can do it.
5. You deserve to be happy.
No matter what’s going on in your life, you deserve to be happy. Don’t forget that amidst all the challenges you’re facing, there are still good things in your life. Don’t forget to focus on the positive and cherish the happy moments.
Giving up is never easy, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the only option. There are always other choices, even when it feels like there aren’t. Keep these things in mind next time you’re feeling like giving up, and remember that you’re stronger than you think.
Photo credit: The feature image has been done by Pingsz Man.
