What I do when I feel like giving up
Today, I find myself in a struggle. If you've ever experienced the challenge of maintaining consistency in something that matters to you, perhaps my current battle will strike a chord with you as well.
It's been 939 days since November 12, 2012. That's the milestone date when I initially shared an article on JamesClear.com, marking nearly two and a half years of continuous effort. Throughout these 939 days, there have been moments of triumph and moments of frustration. Yet, through it all, I've remained committed to my craft, diligently producing new content every Monday and Thursday without fail. This consistent output has become a cornerstone of my journey, shaping my identity as a creator and a communicator.
Today, I Feel Like Giving Up
Today, I'm grappling with a sense of defeat. It's one of those days where the motivation seems elusive. Writing feels like a chore, and sticking to my usual routine feels like an impossible feat. The creative well seems dry, and the clock ticks relentlessly, reminding me of the looming deadlines.
Today, the temptation to throw in the towel is strong.
Research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania underscores the significance of grit in achieving success. It's a quality I find myself in need of today.
In moments like these, I strive to recall a few essential reminders to combat the urge to give up.
Your Mind is a Suggestion Engine
Your mind operates like a suggestion engine, constantly offering thoughts and ideas. But it's crucial to recognize that these thoughts are not commands; they're merely suggestions. At this moment, my mind is suggesting that I'm tired, that I should give up, that there might be an easier way out.
However, if I pause and reflect, I can uncover alternative suggestions. My mind also suggests that completing this task will bring a sense of fulfillment, that adhering to my schedule will reinforce my sense of identity, and that I possess the capability to push through despite my current feelings.
It's important to remember that none of these suggestions are mandates. They are choices, and I have the agency to decide which path to follow.
Discomfort Is Temporary
Compared to the overall timeframe of your typical day or week, almost any habit or task you engage in is relatively short-lived. Your workout session may only take an hour or two. Completing a report might require until tomorrow morning. Even finishing this article will only take a brief moment.
In the grand scheme of things, life today is significantly easier than it was centuries ago. Just a few hundred years back, survival depended on hunting for food and constructing shelter from scratch. Nowadays, our biggest grievances revolve around minor inconveniences like forgetting our iPhone charger.
It's crucial to maintain perspective amidst discomfort. Recognize that your life is generally good, and any discomfort you're experiencing is temporary. Embrace these moments of discomfort as opportunities for growth and resilience.
You Will Never Regret Good Work Once It is Done
Theodore Roosevelt once famously remarked, “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Often, we find ourselves desiring to engage in meaningful work but wishing for it to come easily. We crave work that is impactful and respected, yet we shy away from the struggle it entails. We aspire to have toned muscles and a fit physique, but we balk at the thought of enduring another challenging workout. We long for the end result without embracing the journey of trial and error that precedes it. We covet the gold medal without embracing the grind of training.
While anyone can aspire to win a gold medal, only a few are willing to commit to the rigorous training regimen of an Olympian.
Despite our reluctance to embrace it, I've never found myself regretting the hard work once it's completed. There have been days when starting felt like an uphill battle, but every time, finishing the task was undeniably rewarding. Sometimes, simply showing up and mustering the courage to put in the effort, even if it's in a mediocre manner, is a triumph worth acknowledging and celebrating.
Conclusion
When faced with the urge to give up, my response is to simply show up.
Am I showing up at my absolute best? I highly doubt it. However, my responsibility isn't to assess the quality of my performance.
My duty is to engage in the task at hand and allow the world to be the judge.
