Adaptability and flexibility of thinking are indicators of a healthy psyche. These qualities help us adapt to circumstances, change the strategy of behavior if necessary, and eventually achieve our goal.
It is enough to scroll through the message feed on any social network, and we will surely stumble upon “motivating” quotes like “Winners never give up” or “If you give up, it’s forever.” It seems to many that “giving up”, quitting what you started is a sign of weakness of character. Conversely, the readiness to suffer to the end in pursuit of achieving the goal is a sign of the highest valor.
Ideas like these can do a lot of harm. Sometimes it takes more courage to “give up” than to keep fighting. Here are some examples of such situations.
1. We understand that the risks outweigh the potential benefits
Let’s say you set yourself the goal of running a marathon, but after two months of training, your doctor told you to give up because of heart problems. It is logical to conclude that the possible health risk far outweighs any possible benefit from achieving the goal.
The decision to “give up” if the risks outweigh any possible rewards is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. And far from always these risks are obvious in advance – sometimes you are aware of them already on the way to the goal. If at some point you realize that you may lose your health, relationships with loved ones or mental well-being, it may be better to just “get out of the way.”
2. The reward isn’t worth the effort.
Sometimes we overestimate the importance of the goal that we set for ourselves. For example, we think that if we lose 5 kg or get a raise in salary, our life will become twice as good. As we move towards the goal, we realize that success will not give us what we hoped for. The question arises – is it worth making such an effort? We often come to the conclusion that it is not.
3. Our goals have changed
Let’s say for the New Year we firmly decided to return to good shape. But by March, our priorities had changed, and now we are focused on finding a new job. Sports have faded into the background. Changing your goals is completely normal. Reviewing life goals and refusing to achieve old ones that are no longer relevant helps us grow and develop.
4. Methods to achieve results are contrary to our principles
Suppose we want to pay off our debts as soon as possible. A worthy goal, but the way we achieve it may not be in line with our principles and values. For example, if we have to work at several jobs and not see relatives and friends at all. Or if we are forced to earn by dishonest or illegal methods.
5. We have painted ourselves into a corner.
It is not worth continuing something just because we have already invested a lot in it. Yes, it’s hard to force yourself to give up on a goal that has taken a lot of time and effort to achieve. But telling yourself, “I’ve already invested so much, I can’t quit” is actually unreasonable and irrational. The sooner we decide to make this difficult decision, the more resources we will save for other tasks.
How do you know when it’s time to “give up”?
You should not quit the business you started because of momentary discontent, fear or shame. It is important not to make hasty decisions and think things through. Remember that you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. And the ability to change your mind can be a sign of strength, not weakness.
Weigh all the pros and cons, trying to be guided by both reason and feelings. Perhaps someone around you will not like your decision to “give up” and leave. There is nothing wrong with this. You need to remember: giving up something, you get something very important in return – strength, time, health, peace of mind.