Life at times is a struggle.  You can feel as if it’s getting the better of you.  It’s easy to get frustrated.  It’s tempting to give up and declare your efforts unsuccessful.  You can then console yourself by claiming at least you gave it a try.

People you know, and even some you don’t, will attempt to persuade you to give up.  They will offer many reasons you should abandon your goal.  You don’t have enough money, enough time, you don’t have enough knowledge, you won’t succeed, other people have tried and failed, it’s not for you, why bother, it’s foolish, and it’s a silly idea, are just some of the discouraging statements you will hear.

You will be temped to listen to those advising you to give up.  After all, aren’t they just trying to help?  Don’t they have your best interests in mind?  Isn’t it easier to go along with their conventional wisdom rather than risking ridicule?  Their motivation doesn’t matter.  You don’t have to convince anyone as to the merits of your goals.  There is no need for them to understand or agree with you.  What’s important is that you don’t listen to them and give up.

People who are where you want to be are the only ones in a position to offer you constructive advice.  They will never suggest that you give up.  They will show you how to reach your goals.  You can ask them questions and get valuable answers.

Life is filled with obstacles, challenges, and problems.  Overcoming them takes effort, persistence, and determination.  There are ups and downs.  Adversity hits at the most inopportune times.  You will get tired and discouraged.  Giving up will seem like an appealing option.

It’s when you are feeling down and out that you must resist the temptation to give up.  Remember that giving up is the only thing that guarantees failure.  It’s when you feel you can’t hang on any more that you are often closest to success.

Your ultimate destination may seem unreachable.  It may be too far in the future.  The work necessary to get there may feel overwhelming.  When this happens, part of you will want to give up.  Resist the temptation to do so.  Instead, utilize one or more strategies to keep going.

Any task becomes more manageable when you break it into small parts.  Take things one day at a time or even one hour at a time.  Focus on the path immediately in front of you.  Taking one step at a time, placing one foot in front of the other, will get you to any destination as long as you keep going.

You may stumble and fall.  If you do, get back up and keep going.  Don’t lie there and feel sorry for yourself.  Don’t wait for or expect someone else to pick you up.  You can’t succeed unless you get back up.

What if you lose ground and move backwards?  For example, you’ve lost weight after being on a diet for six months.  Then you have a bad week and gain five pounds.  If you give up on your diet, you’ll stop making any progress and wind up back where you started or worse.

It doesn’t matter if you slide backwards.  Giving up is never a beneficial option.  Push past your frustration and get back on track.  Setbacks are normal but never a reason to give up. 

When the going gets tough, you must keep going.  You have inside you what it takes.  Your speed doesn’t matter.  Even if you are inching forward, you are going in the right direction.  It’s your spirit that fuels you.  In order to succeed, you just keep going and never give up.

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.  2011 Bryan Golden

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