Would it be better if you just quit?

Would it be better if you just quit?

How often do you see or hear the following words and messages?

“Don’t quit!”

“Never give up!”

“You can do it!”

“Hang in there!”

Since we were little we’ve heard

Winners never quit and quitters never win!”

Could throwing up our hands and saying those awful words be a good thing?In many situations; on the ball field, about piano practice and preparing for a spelling test, those words have been stationed in the back of our brains screaming at us, urging us on for a long, long time.

But is that ALWAYS the best advice?

In many instances, persistence does pay off. We can all agree on that. But there are times, according to John Maxwell, that we should simply – quit.

When to quit:

  1. Quit something you don’t do well to start something you do well.

  2. Quit something you’re not passionate about to do something that fills you with passion.

  3. Quit something that doesn’t make a difference to do something that does.

If you read those statements carefully, you will see he shows us that it comes down to the reason we are doing something. If there is a benefit that is significant to you or others, by all means persist. But if what you are doing is an exercise in stubborn determination just to let it go, give it up!

For instance, a friend who is a prolific reader recently told me how she had given herself permission to not finish a book. She loves reading and learning, but a book she didn’t like had turned her enjoyment and curiosity into a battle of will. So she decided to simply let go. It took a little toll on her pride she said, but not for long. That little catch was replaced with a new feeling of power and freedom. She has since “quit” several books – and never looked back.

Sometimes, just sometimes, we DO know what is best for us.

Other times, as I have learned as a business coach, we need someone else to point out to us that we would be better off quitting something. We, like my friend, need to be given permission to stop doing something that really is not going to be a win in the end anyway.

All too often we run our lives according to the rules foist upon us by others; parents, teachers, society – all meaning well.

In one of my favorite books, The Four Agreements, by don Miguel Ruiz, he clearly shows how we create – or really – accept the rules of our lives according to what others say and set forth. We AGREE to them. We acquiesce in full faith that they are right. But maybe those rules are not accurate or correct. He provides four rules we can agree to that would create the framework for a well-lived life:

The Four Agreements:

  • Be impeccable with your word.

  • Don’t take anything personally.

  • Don’t make assumptions.

  • Do your best.

They seem very simple and straightforward, but if you adopt them, you will see how complex and difficult it can sometimes be to live by these four, short rules.

How Quitting Applies to Your Business

I am not going to tell you to quit or shut your business down. No, far from it! There is something really special about successful entrepreneurs. You may call it rebelliousness or individualism, but I simply believe they THINK FOR THEMSELVES.  They take in information by reading, watching and talking and then they THINK about it. Then they decide what and how to apply the result of their thinking.

They pull inspiration and knowledge from the experiences and examples of others, but then they make it their own.

Successful entrepreneurs are not simply copycats – they are TRAILBLAZERS!

That’s why their mission, their passion, and their purpose are so clear – it is all their own.

Today, listen and think – and decide what’s best for you – even if it involves a quit or two. You will, no doubt, be ahead!

To Your Success!

JKSignature1 copy

Get your own copy of don Miguel Ruiz’s powerful book. I’m making it easy – just click on the cover below and order it right from Amazon. It will probably change your life!

The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

 

B3 – Be Bold, Brilliant and Boundless!

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Posted in Leadership, Mindset
2 comments on “Would it be better if you just quit?
  1. Bud Roth says:

    Good advice, Jack, give yourself time to “think”, let go, and be courageous (my word). Don’t forget to take action.

    All the best!

    Bud

    • Jack Klemeyer says:

      Thanks, Bud! Don’t we all get so “busy” that we forget to take a moment to breathe and reflect? That’s really where we get the insight that makes connections and moves us forward.
      Wishing you the best!
      Jack

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