NEVER GIVE UP: NOT NOW

Have you ever thought about giving up on yourself or your dream? Yes, me too. But, some people do actually give up beyond their thoughts; in their attitude, in their actions. It is not because they really want to but, it is because they didn’t hear the sound of that
small voice that has encouraged them through. At some point in our various journeys in life, we get to a part where we feel like giving up.

Sometimes we give up before we even start and other times we give up just before we are about to make that big break. Take a look at the picture below. Sometimes, we are just like the lower guy; we are throwing the towel, giving in and turning back at the point we needed to take a few more breaths and break through. My friend, this is no assumption but reality in yours and my life.

In this article, I have some reasons why I have not given up on my dreams for many years now, despite daunting challenges. Although my dreams are different from yours, yes, nonetheless, there is always a point where our differences align. Pick these reasons from there and move with them. I believe there is a reason you are reading this article now, please don’t hold back from it. Let us have them:

Anything Is Possible

The only valid excuse you have to give up is if you are dead. As long as you are able to get this article to read, there is STRONG hope that you will succeed intentionally just as Thomas Edison. Keep at it irrespective of the number of attempts, the bulb will eventually glow.

Be Realistic

The chance of mastering something the first time you do it is almost non-existent. Everything takes time to learn and you will make mistakes. Learn from them and grow. “Repetition is the mother of learning,” a wise man once said. Don’t also forget how we learn to ride bicycles as kids: it takes practice, patience and persistence.

Ben Carson

He is one of the best nuero-surgeons in our lifetime. He did not walk into that status without sweat or hard work. He worked hard for it and persisted with the limited resources he had access to. He never gave up despite his childhood and background.

Muhammad Ali

He psyched himself to greatness. He kept telling himself “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” several times during training and preparations for bouts and indeed, it worked for him. Muhammad Ali is one of the best boxers the world has ever known. He suffered only 5 losses while having 56 wins and was the first boxer to win the lineal heavyweight championship three times. This is a guy who literally knows how to get knocked down and get back up.

Be persistent

In the movie, “The Pursuit of Happiness” by Chris Gardner, the lead character (Will Smith) went from the lowest of the lows in an environment where most people would give up (no money, no job, his wife left and he has a son to cater for) to the highest of the highs (A successful salesman and millionaire) against all odds. If you ever think about giving up, watch this movie!

You Are Strong 

You are stronger than you think. One little setback is not enough to stop you from achieving your goals: neither can 10, 100 or 1000 setbacks. Remember, every setback is a stepping stone for a comeback. Think like a marathoner; life/success is a marathon and not a sprint. Think Mandela! You can do it!!

Prove yourself

You don’t have to be known as someone that is weak and gives up. Go out there and prove yourself to the world and to yourself. You can achieve whatever you set out to do; the only time you will fail is when you give up. Bill Gates was a dropout but not a failure; because he proved himself and gave his idea, Microsoft, value. Now most homes in the world uses Microsoft in one form or the other and today, Microsoft is a sellout.

It has been done before

If someone else has done it so can you. Even if it is only one other person in the world that has achieved what you have set out to achieve, that should be reason enough for you to never give up.

Believe In your dreams

Believe in your dreams and don’t sell yourself short! In life there are going to be many people who will try to bring you down and tell you what you want to achieve is not possible. What have they told you? Don’t let anyone destroy your dreams. Ignore your naysayers and move on. If Michael Faraday did not discover electricity what do you think life would have being now?

Your family and friends

Let the people you love and who mean the world to you be your inspiration to persist and persevere. Maybe you need to try alternatives, fine. Research more, study more, practice more and do more. Remember, your family and friends are proudly looking up to you and patiently expecting you to celebrate your victory and success.

There are people worse than you

Right now there are many people who are in worse situations and conditions than you are. It may not seem as easy like I am saying it but, look deep inside you: you have strengths still inside of you that you can bring out.

You stand to change the world

When you achieve whatever you set out to achieve you can use your success to make a difference to the world or in other people’s lives. Imagine what electricity is doing in our world today; the printing machine, automobiles, airplanes, even the internet? Please, don’t stop now!

Don’t give your naysayers a reason to brag

There will always be plenty of naysayers and people who will always remind you of their warnings not to try something at all. Don’t give them the chance to brag; don’t allow them ridicule your drive. Don’t pay attention to them and don’t take what they say to heart. Keep believing in yourself.

You will be happy

Don’t ever let anybody tell you otherwise. You deserve to be happy and you deserve to be successful. Keep that mindset and never give up until you reach your destination! You will have a sense of fulfilment when you accomplish a given goal. Don’t you think so? I know so because I have been there severally.

Your story will inspire others

Be an inspiration to others by refusing to give up. Who knows what someone else can achieve because you never gave up and in turn inspired them not to give up. If you must know, the Wright brothers are one of my inspirations, Femi Otedola, Sam Adeyemi and many more. However, I am not inspired by their names but, by their stories. Yours will not be different.

Because I tell you not to

I know I am not any sort of guru or godly figure but, I urge you not to give up now. Never give up. Life is in phases: if you don’t complete a phase it will be very challenging to compete or fare well in a higher one. Have the courage to move and press on. Every challenge has its solution inside of it, even the one you are currently facing. Do keep at it, it will work!

You are closer than you think

One of Joel Osteen’s encouragement slogans is this. And I believe in it a lot. If you have read the story in the book “Acres of Diamond,” the owner of the land wouldn’t have sold it off if only an expert told him this. My friend, you are closer than you think and farther than you can remember. Do not give up now; press a bit further.

What do you think? Do you still have any more reason to give up now? I doubt it. I am happy this article got to you now before your decision to quit. However, help someone else that will (may) need it by sharing: you never can tell.

Also read: Two Choices, Plan C, Rugged Gigs, Opportunities in Difficulty, Changes and Results & Excuses