One useful nugget I learnt last year that kept me going was: Most people give up. That’s right: most people - when it comes to things that challenge them or might take a while – give up. They try for a while… and then decide it’s not for them.
(This isn’t to say that giving up is a bad thing. I believe there are times to move on or walk away from something.) But most of us give us before we’ve really tried. Before we gave it a fair shot. Some examples… Many people will commit to a business or side-hustle for about six months, but if they don’t get anywhere, say: “This clearly isn’t for me. I should have been way further ahead by now.” And yet, setting up a business or side-hustle can take two or three years! Getting traction on a blog can take a few years (but then – BAM – it might suddenly take off). Or getting fit - many people go to the gym a few times, or do a month of a new routine, and don’t see results straight away. But results take a while to appear! So use this to your advantage… Whether you’re writing a book, training for your first half-marathon, or starting a blog or podcast… know that most people give up after about 6 months. So what can you do? Don’t give up! (Sounds obvious, hey). What I mean is – don’t focus on the “end result”. The place you’re wanting (or expecting) to be. Treat it like a journey… a lifestyle. The time is going to pass anyway… so why not incorporate your goal into your life? As humans, we’re really bad at predicting how long something will take. Myself included. So don’t focus on how long it will take: I should be at “X” by now! I should have done “X, Y and Z by now! If I haven’t seen progress within 3 or 6 months, it means it’s probably not for me… Nonsense. Let go of the timeframes. Enjoy the process. Embrace your goal, and the new “you” you’re creating as a result. My example… When I set up my blog two years ago, I only had about 20 readers. It didn’t seem to be going anywhere, and I could easily have stopped after the first year. But I enjoyed it… it felt good to write… and I was testing out a new me - a “blogger”. When I set up my business, it took me about a year to get my first proper clients. I could easily have told myself that running a business wasn’t for me. But now I have clients – and I love working with them and helping them! So here’s my thought for you today: Most people walk away too soon. If it really means something to you, don’t be one of those people. Sure: tweak, readjust, or change course every now and then. But don’t let the “I should be at a certain point by now” belief stand in your way. It’s like brewing the perfect cup of tea, or growing a plant… good things take time! What have you been thinking of giving up because you’re not seeing results fast enough? I’d love to hear! And remember – there is no harm in giving up… if you’re giving up for the right reasons. With love and gentle encouragement, Claire
2 Comments
5/18/2018 02:59:22 am
I haven't given up on my novel yet! I like your message, it's encouraging, thank you!
Reply
Claire @ the five percent
5/21/2018 10:06:21 am
Great to hear, Priscilla! Good luck with your novel! And I’m glad to hear the post was helpful :) C
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
|