The problem with ‘Never Give Up!’

Most of us, at some point, have been encouraged to not give up no matter what. In face of adversity, we remind ourselves (and are reminded) to keep on going. Persistence is obviously a strength with many benefits – including better chances of success in our goals – and some do need to bring more of it into their lives. I am referring to people who tend to be overprotective of themselves, who have little tolerance for strain, struggle and sweat.

Parents need to shy away from being overprotective. Overprotective children are likely to turn into adults who are overprotective of themselves which leads to an underutilization of inner resources and eventually stifles potential altogether.

Is it worth it?

Undoubtedly, persistence is necessary but should it be endless? It depends. When persistence becomes long-term and time-consuming, we need to reflect on what sacrifices come along with it and ask ourselves a simple, yet revealing, question: Is it worth it? Although we are often bombarded with ‘never quit’ mottos, not everything is worth your long-term struggle and sacrifice. Have you been unsuccessfully insisting on attaining a goal for a very long time? What is it that you are striving for? Is it worth it?

If the answer is yes, continue knowing that you will not regret the sacrifices you may be making as long as you don’t sacrifice everything that is important to you. However, assess the way you are going about it and make some changes. Look at the ‘solutions’ you’ve been applying as they may getting in the way of your goals rather than helping you achieve them. Read about how solutions can cause problems here as it may help with changing your goal strategy and enhancing you prospects of success. You may also want to read this post on goals as it may clarify whether your goal setting is up to the mark.

Not everything is worth long-term struggle and sacrifice

The end goal is…

If your answer to the question ‘is it worth it?’ is no, please reconsider and channel your energy elsewhere. Eventually, what you want is to look back on your life years later and be happy with the choices you have made. To be able to look back when you’re older and mutter ‘yep, that was worth it… so was that…. that too…’