Comments on: What Keeps You Going When You Want to Quit?

By: Michele Cushatt

Michele Cushatt — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:18:00 +0000

I’m so sorry for yesterday’s friendly fire. Not fun at all. But I’m glad this post gave you the fuel to keep going forward.

By: BWhite

BWhite — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Very timely for yesterday I took an emotional beating at the hands of some friends. This word encourages me to stay the course and press forward. Thank you

By: Kristy L. Cambron

Kristy L. Cambron — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:52:00 +0000

Fantastic post! And my favorite line? “She fascinates me.” I love it when husbands and wives are best friends AND they are fascinated after thirty-one years.
P.S. Don’t quit blogging? My husband and I love your posts!

By: The Missing Ingredient in Most Goals | Michael Hyatt

The Missing Ingredient in Most Goals | Michael Hyatt — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:36:09 +0000

[...] for this goal. This is a section I write out for every goal. I list why this goal is important and what’s at stake. It is the component that most people never think to [...]

By: abbie

abbie — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:30:00 +0000

I love the idea having having multiple ‘big picture’ lists to refer back to overtime. How did you breakdown ‘the oter areas ifyour life’?

By: W. Mark Thompson

W. Mark Thompson — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Yeah. I ask myself about it too… several times a day on several different areas of life each day. I think it’s not worth the trouble. I think fatalistically about the results (without having all the facts yet). I think it’s just useless in the long run. We’re all going to die anyway. Kind a drags me down when I think about the entire process of each situation to quit.

For some reason I keep going. Not sure if it’s the expectation, the fear of failure, or just for the mountaintop experiences in the journey. Maybe it’s just trusting that the best is yet to come.

This is encouraging to me when I’m contemplating quitting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyaL7Hsstc0

Blessings!

By: Sean Jackie Fyock

Sean Jackie Fyock — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:04:00 +0000

It is great to have someone posting inspiring messages that truly help people. Thanks Michael. In Retrouvaille (an international marriage saving ministry) we teach that there is a difference between an “Ideal” and a “Value”. A Value is something you have actually worked towards and continue to work towards. An Ideal is something you believe would be great to achieve but you never actually work on it. Both things can be difficult or frustrating, but only something is a value is it actually making a difference in your life.

For me, this means that I need to commit and take action to create value an recognize when something is simply an ideal and stop holding myself responsible for what doesn’t fit in my life. Like; I would love to run a half marathon, but I am not that strong of a runner right now and I don’t have the time to commit to training. I do value running and enjoy 5K. So I focus on that and don’t beat myself up over not being a marathoner at this time.

By: Dick

Dick — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:49:00 +0000

Whats the meaning of the word quit, it’s not in my dictionary!

By: Thomsuddreth

Thomsuddreth — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:05:00 +0000

Great inspirational words. I got a call two hours ago from a potential employer who wanted a face to face interview. When I called back they said “never mind”. Your words have given me the hope that all this work will pay off. Thanks.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:15:00 +0000

Wow I have been feeling like this for the past week, and it’s a recurring feeling that rears it’s ugly head every couple of months. I never thought to write a list of why what I’m doing in a certain area of life is important. Thank you for the post!

By: Jane Selomulyo

Jane Selomulyo — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:44:00 +0000

Spot on! thank you!

By: Sharon Cruz-Pecina

Sharon Cruz-Pecina — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Thank you so much for helping me look deeper into why desire to change or quit.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 01:46:00 +0000

Thanks, Shari. I was really touched by your comment. Wow.

By: Shari Henry

Shari Henry — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:22:00 +0000

Love this post. I spent a good deal of time working through your Creating Your Life Plan workbook today while sitting in yet another hospital waiting room waiting on yet another procedure being done on yet another family member. I cannot count the times over the past few years that I have wanted to quit everything. I know in new and wonderful ways what it means to be given just the amount of grace in just the time of need to keep going. And the value of friends & family — I know that too. But the one thing that keeps me going is that, at the core of my innermost being, I know that God has work yet for me to do. It can be interrupted (apparently!) but not thwarted. Each day, I pay attention. I look for the encouragement he has for me. Sometimes I remember Jean Nystrand’s (former BSF director) saying at a conference, “When you fail to do the hard thing, everything gets harder.” Sometimes I think of Elisabeth Eliot’s “next thing” and muster up enough whatever-it-is to just do that. Sometimes, admittedly, I lower the expectations bar a bit to get through the day. I wait on God and keep paying attention. Yesterday it was David Brook’s piece in The Wall Street Journal and the closing line, “The purpose in life is not to find yourself. It is to lose yourself.” Sometimes it’s laughing at a Jon Acuff post, or seeing a CS Lewis or GK Chesterton quote come across my Facebook wall. Often, Michael Hyatt, it is you. The story of how I “found” you and your blog is awesome in itself, but for now let me just say your wisdom is a blessing to me. Your Life Plan and Ideal Work Week and so many other tools and tidbits you share so generously are meeting me in my time of need as I come out of the illness-induced coma (not my personal illness, but several others close to me) that has had hold of me far too long. So, thank you. God uses you mightily and I am grateful. God has work for me yet to do and I intend to get it done.

By: Ryan Haack

Ryan Haack — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:40:00 +0000

Great post!

I actually wrote about this idea on my blog a couple weeks ago, too. Quitting is so much easier! I’m happy to report, though, that I ran yesterday (on purpose) for the first time since Thanksgiving! My shins hated me, but it was worth it. It always is, right?

Thanks for inspiring me, as usual!

http://www.ryanhaack.com/one-foot-forward/

By: misty

misty — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:35:00 +0000

I needed this. I wanna quit. I will make a list of reasons as you have as to why not to quit. What an incredible idea! Very helpful in keeping the true focus of why we do what we do. Thanks for inspiring me today!!!

By: Nora

Nora — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:14:00 +0000

I am moved by your post. It is so real, so honest. I admire that you put yourself OUT THERE to help others. I have been using the Suzy Welch 10 10 10 method quite a bit since the leadercast last month. It helps me move toward my goal when I feel like quitting or when I am having trouble getting started. I have used a written list for some things in the past. It looks like a great way to crystallize all my goals. Is there a rule for 10 on the list?
Thank you so much Michael.

By: Marlette

Marlette — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:09:00 +0000

Thanks for this, Michael! It was very timely. Now, could you blog on “Why (or how) to start?” I’m stuck!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:51:00 +0000

I have the dream to achieve a major athletic accomplishment in my life, as well as open my own business, and be the first person in my family to make $100,000 or more a year. All three of these goals have left me wanting to quit at some time. This seems like a good idea – to write out positive reasons to continue. Thanks, Michael! With God all things are possible!

By: Churchmediatech

Churchmediatech — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:15:00 +0000

I need to read this, at this stage in my life, thanks.

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 06:57:00 +0000

I am but out of words and truly INSPIRED! Great job!!!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:13:00 +0000

I have found a great product cure for this problem or to learn this Marriage Savior System. My friend recommended me to visit http://tinyurl.com/urmarriagesaved

By: Connie Walsh Brown

Connie Walsh Brown — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:59:00 +0000

This is an excellent tool to stay focused and engaged instead of quitting. Thanks for sharing this.

By: Connie Brown

Connie Brown — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:55:00 +0000

Creating a list of why not to quit for every important area of your life is excellent advice. Thanks for sharing this.

By: John Pattison

John Pattison — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:57:00 +0000

Thanks for this, Michael. It’s what I needed to push through the marathon of work and writing deadlines of the next seven days.

- John

By: Christopher Scott

Christopher Scott — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:06:00 +0000

I’m often tempted to quit with my writing. At times, it feels like a constant uphill climb with no momentum ever being created.

But I keep going because I know I have an important message to tell. I know that what I write about makes a difference and helps other leaders who are similar to me.

What is at stake is that if I quit, I don’t get to help as many people as my potential would allow. And if I did quit, this means I throw away all of the hard work I’ve done over the years.

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:41:00 +0000

Thank you Michael

By: Shawneda Marks

Shawneda Marks — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:15:44 +0000

I’m writing a list for the things I want to quit right now. This article repost timed so perfectly. God bless you!

By: What keeps you going when you want to quit ? « sacred journeys in L.A.

What keeps you going when you want to quit ? « sacred journeys in L.A. — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:26:28 +0000

[...] What keeps you going when you want to quit ? Posted: October 28, 2010 by gregorylarson in link 0 WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING WHEN YOU WANT TO QUIT? (or So, why should I stay in this marriage?) [...]

By: Erika

Erika — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:49:53 +0000

With a 2.5 yr. old and a 7 mos. old, lately it's been parenting and disciplining and homemaking and lack of sleep … and, and, and!

When I feel like just giving in and skipping the teaching moment, or when I want to pretend that I didn't notice my daughter blatantly disobeying just so that I don't have to muster up the energy and patience to "train her up in the way that she should go," the Holy Spirit reminds me to "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). So, I cry out to the Lord, for it is in my weakness that He is made strong, and by His grace, I do. not. give. up.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:40:02 +0000

Awesome wisdom. As a former active duty Marine (it is so hard to say ex-Marine), I learned valuable lessons about persevering and asking "why go ahead". In those situations, getting to the why was pretty easy. In everyday life, when things are not going well, the temptation to ask "why not quit" is very real. Thanks.

By: Keiki Hendrix

Keiki Hendrix — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:27:30 +0000

Awesome, encouraging post.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:14:20 +0000

You are welcome!

By: herbhasltead

herbhasltead — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:07:43 +0000

Michael, thanks for this post. I did not expect to be challenged in this way on your blog. Man have I been tempted to quit – thanks for giving me a new way to think about these challenges in terms of why I must continue, rather than why I could quit. Thanks.

By: Ami Dean

Ami Dean — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:59:36 +0000

Two words, Absolutely incredible. And…thank you.

By: Saturday Links @ Ponder this

Saturday Links @ Ponder this — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:04:17 +0000

[...] you tempted to quit your job, marriage, [...]

By: Passion « Alarms and Interruptions

Passion « Alarms and Interruptions — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:36:36 +0000

[...] Speaking of doubt, you have to commit to keep pushing forward regardless. No wishy-washiness here. You have to keep being committed even when you do not want to be. (See this post for more ideas to help in this area.) [...]

By: Triathlon Training Day 30 « Brandon Sneed

Triathlon Training Day 30 « Brandon Sneed — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:55:16 +0000

[...] blog post by Michael Hyatt here about how to not quit when you want to quit. Possibly related posts: (automatically [...]

By: Mary

Mary — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 22:38:10 +0000

When tempted to quit, I go to psalm 107. God does not change. He lifts the needy out of their afflictions. Also inspiring is a song was written by SideWalk Prophets. Some of the words are: Be strong in the Lord. Never give up hope. You've come to do great things, I already know. God's got his hand on you so dont live life in fear. Forgive and forget but dont forget why you're here. Take the time to pray, these are the words I would say.

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:58:03 +0000

My list is strikingly similar to yours. I have one other item that I'm sure you would echo:

11. Because I promised to love her, through sickness and health, rich or poor, good or bad, etc., etc. (I don't even recall the exact language), until God, by death, shall separate us. And I'm not willing to go on record as having broken that promise.

That one always comes to mind.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:12:21 +0000

In one word: spite.

By: Amy Slater

Amy Slater — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:53:43 +0000

This post truly spoke to me. I have quite a few personal goals & dreams (God-given, I truly believe), yet almost daily – as of late – I have felt the temptation to just quit and let them fade away. Your words have been an encouragement to keep plugging away, keep learning, continue growing and never forget that God is my ultimate source when the "feelings" just aren't there.

By: Doug Spurling

Doug Spurling — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:52:15 +0000

"Weary not in well doing for in due season you shall reap if you faint not." __- If you don't quit you win. ____Thank you great post.

By: Wacky Wednesday Wisdom–August 12 | Direct Selling Notebook

Wacky Wednesday Wisdom–August 12 | Direct Selling Notebook — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:48:32 +0000

[...] Reframing for a lifetime commitment. I’ll admit it from the beginning. This blog post from Michael Hyatt made me stop everything to just sit back and enjoy my life. You see, as of yesterday I have been married for 36 years. What keeps you going is his question. I urge you to read what he has to say about why we really fight to keep what we really want. Read what he has to say about what keeps Michael going in his blog. [...]

By: Just add work « Words Fall Short

Just add work « Words Fall Short — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:23:48 +0000

[...] Just add work Jump to Comments Everything important requires work, and lots of it, Micheal Hyatt says in a great blog post linked here. [...]

By: Don’t Quit « Writer’s Block

Don’t Quit « Writer’s Block — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:05:32 +0000

[...] August 7, 2009 Filed under: writing | Michael Hyatt had a beautiful post the other day about not quitting. Using marriage as the example, he explains his emphasis on looking for reasons to keep on going. [...]

By: @DavidGallery

@DavidGallery — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:10:17 +0000

Thanks so much on this article. It's really hit a buzz eye of my heart. Couple weeks ago I was in situation where I think I was losing motivation and inspiration. I complained about them. But the truth is, it was a lie. Instead I was trying to "quit" from my fill-up of responsible and tasks as "easy out". So I was start complaining – no motivation – no inspiration – need to find them etc.

But till today – I keep going and knowing that was a just another bump.

By: Quitting Can Be An Act of Faith | Faith Barista

Quitting Can Be An Act of Faith | Faith Barista — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:08:15 +0000

[...] This post was inspired by an article I read on Michael Hyatt's Blog, "What Keeps You Going When You Want to Quit?" [...]

By: Great Post on Fighting the Feeling to Quit by Michael Hyatt | Just Thinking

Great Post on Fighting the Feeling to Quit by Michael Hyatt | Just Thinking — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:34:22 +0000

[...] Check out the post. [...]

By: Inspiration For When I Want To Quit | More Than Fine…

Inspiration For When I Want To Quit | More Than Fine… — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:48:42 +0000

[...] read a blog post post from Michael Hyatt yesterday (probably my favorite blogger) that asked “What keeps you going when you want to [...]