A foundation principle of these columns is to never, ever give up.  However, there are instances where quitting is a route to success.  Whenever you quit a bad habit by replacing it with a good one, you enable yourself to make more rapid progress towards your goals.  Here are some ways you can win by quitting.

Quit complaining.  This is a great place to start.  When you complain, you focus on problems rather than solutions.  Complaining accomplishes nothing positive.  No one likes to spend time with an incessant complainer. 

Instead of complaining about what’s wrong with your life, spend your energy looking for solutions to your problems.  Since there is a solution for every problem, the sooner you begin searching for it, the sooner you will find it.

Quit making excuses. Excuses are used to justify why you’re not accomplishing what you really want to.  Excuses alleviate any guilt you may have about not seeking or reaching your goals.  It’s easier to make an excuse than to risk failure. 

One good reason to succeed will replace dozens of excuses for failure.  Achieving what you want is infinitely more rewarding than living with the supposed safety of excuses.  Determining how you can accomplish something displaces the usual roster of excuses.

Quit procrastinating.  Stop putting off important issues requiring your attention.  Procrastination reduces productivity which leads to increased frustration.  Time goes by much too fast to waste it.  Keep your focus on those tasks that bring you closer to your goals. 

Quit acting like a victim.  When you have a victim’s mentality, you blame other people or circumstances for your situation.  This erroneously absolves you of responsibility for your situation.  If you believe others are the reason you are where you are, then you wait for someone else to fix your problems.

If you are not happy with your situation, it’s up to you to change it.  Events may occur that are beyond your control.  Your response however, is up to you.  Look in the mirror if you want to see who is in the driver’s seat of your life.

Quit being negative.  A negative attitude attracts negative circumstances and people.  If you are negative, you will find problems in every situation.  It’s difficult to be happy when you have a negative mindset. 

Positive people find solutions for every problem.  They don’t consider failure as an option.  You can start to change your attitude by changing the vocabulary you use when you talk to yourself.  Replace terms such as: I can’t, it won’t work, I don’t know how, or I’ll fail, with: I can, I will, I’ll find a way, and I’ll succeed.

Quit being passive.  When you are passive, you wait for things to change or get better.  For whatever reason, you don’t take an active role in your life.  By being passive, you accept your lot in life as inevitable and out of your hands.

Take a proactive role in your life.  You are in charge.  The direction you choose is up to you.  Take whatever action is needed in order to make things happen.  You can change your path as often as necessary to reach your destination.

Quit worrying.  Although worrying may seem like an involuntary emotion, it is pointless.  Nothing was ever accomplished by worrying.  All worrying does is drain you.  Let go of those things you have no control over.  Take action for those situations you do have control over.

You win by quitting bad or pointless habits and replacing them with positive behavior.  The sooner you do it, the sooner you will benefit.  Don’t wait, start today.
 

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2008 Bryan Golden

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