What To Do When You Feel Like Giving Up

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Sometimes ideas seem great on paper, but they don’t work out so well in real life.

I really believe there are times when we need to stop and evaluate a goal.  I usually advise my kids that when they feel like giving up, then that is not the time to give up.  Because we shouldn’t always give in to our feelings.

What to do when you feel like giving up?

There are practical steps you can take to address those feelings of wanting to throw in the towel.  Below are 5 ideas I’ve implemented when I feel like giving up.  Maybe they will give you an idea or two about how to approach those feelings of wanting to quit.

1. Extend the time in which you expect to achieve the goal.

For example, our Bible Reading Challenge goal of reading the Bible through in a year, if you find that the reading is taking more time you thought or you just can’t find time to read four chapters a day, then scale back and read three a day or two a day.  There is no harm in adjusting the time, yet holding the goal.

2. Eliminate other activities to make more time for the goal.

If you have decided that you really want to achieve a certain goal no matter what, even though you are behind, then decide which activities you can drop.  Sometimes we have to lose the better to achieve the best.

3. Evaluate the goal and determine if an adjustment is necessary.

Maybe the original goal was to run a half marathon before summer, but you’ve encountered circumstances that have hindered your ability to run. Perhaps an injury or illness…or whatever.  The point is, you can still run that half marathon, but to make it happen before summer, the original schedule you set up needs to be modified.

Maybe you are dieting and you really wanted to lose a certain amount by a certain time. You haven’t lost the amount you should each week to meet the goal.  Instead of giving up, adjust the goal and stay positive!

4. Experience the feelings but drop their effects. 

I can’t always help how I feel.  I’m guessing you would say the same. Sometimes the weight of an issue presses and my natural human reaction isn’t so positive.  It is perfectly ok to experience the feelings of wanting to give up.  But the key to success will be not to dwell in the feelings.  Do whatever you need to do to meditate on the positive, not the negative.  For me, personally, this always means turning to God’s Word and His promises. Saturate the would-be ripple effect of negativity in truth.

5. Envision success.

Set your eyes on the prize and go for it. Keep going no matter what. Think about what it will feel like to have victory… to succeed.

Often more is achieved during the process of reaching the goal than the actual act of reaching the goal.  In other words:

Though victory may bring the crown,

perseverance builds the character. – my hubby

See you tomorrow!