We are so used to reading motivational quotes about NEVER giving up and how valuable virtues like determination is that sometimes we forget that giving up can be valuable too.
This is so contrary to what I have been taught throughout my entire life that I've had difficulty letting go of things that really need to be let go of. I've had trouble letting go of my general need to control a situation and exactly how it plays out. I (used to) have difficulty letting go of people (friends, boyfriends and mentors) even when the relationship has served its purpose in my life and it is necessary for our paths to diverge. I've had difficulty to let go of things that were stunting the growth of my soul, because society teaches us to push through the difficult times and follow things through to the end, because giving up is for the weak. I have come to realize, however, that giving up is often necessary for your own mental health and wellbeing.
Imagine how it would be if you had to finished every single thing you started. You would have to sit through hundreds of boring movies and books. You would have just one job and relationship your whole life. You'd HAVE to finish every single meal, whether you've had enough to eat or not.
If everybody had to never give up, we probably wouldn't have had Apple (and trust me, I couldn't live without my Macbook Air). Would we even have had Microsoft? Would Facebook be what it is today if Mark Zuckerberg hadn't dropped out? Would it have made any difference whatsoever if he had finished his degree at Harvard? What if Ashton Kutcher finished his degree an become an engineer?
James Dean attended Santa Monica Junior College from 1950 to 1951. He dropped out to study acting.
James Dean attended Santa Monica Junior College from 1950 to 1951. He dropped out to study acting.
Lookie here:
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| Infographic from hfundersandfounders.com |
The point that I'm trying to make is... It's okay to give up sometimes, as long as you do what's right for you. Follow your gut.
We are human beings and we're going to want to try new things and experience as much LIFE as we possibly can, so that you can sift and sort through your preferences. When you know what you DON'T want you identify and clarify what you DO want and there is nothing more exciting than knowing what you want and then taking the journey from here to there.
DO NOT GIVE UP when things get difficult. Challenges are a part of life and you will face them no matter what path you choose. But remember this: challenges should INSPIRE you, not leave you feeling depressed. When chasing your dreams, be sure they are your dreams and not the ideals of others or generic ideals of the society you find yourself in. Give up on their ideals, it's nothing more than fools gold.
We are human beings and we're going to want to try new things and experience as much LIFE as we possibly can, so that you can sift and sort through your preferences. When you know what you DON'T want you identify and clarify what you DO want and there is nothing more exciting than knowing what you want and then taking the journey from here to there.
DO NOT GIVE UP when things get difficult. Challenges are a part of life and you will face them no matter what path you choose. But remember this: challenges should INSPIRE you, not leave you feeling depressed. When chasing your dreams, be sure they are your dreams and not the ideals of others or generic ideals of the society you find yourself in. Give up on their ideals, it's nothing more than fools gold.
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