When giving up is not an option: gems to keep you going

Often, life challenges can get so overwhelming that we begin to feel the strong urge to give up and let go of everything. This doesn’t imply weakness; rather, it only establishes the popular saying that life isn’t always rosy, and there is always a time and season for everything, good and bad. However, ”feeling” and “acting” are two different things. It’s okay to sometimes feel like giving up, but what isn’t okay is to get stuck in the thought and then actually give up. In essence, it is important that you learn how to manage your attitude when you feel like giving up. This is because, often, the point of turning back is when you’re closest to a breakthrough.

Whatever the reason, feeling like giving up can be tough. Finding the motivation to keep going can be hard when everything seems so difficult or pointless. We can also get exhausted from trying too hard for too long. But you can do some things to help yourself when you want to give up.

Hey, relax; this is no judgment zone. In this article, we will share what to do when you feel like giving up.

Understanding why you feel the urge to give up

One of the general life principles is that to address an issue; you must identify its underlying causes. We must begin by sharing some of the possible reasons that could lead to a state of giving up because it’s only then that we can effectively apply solutions. 

So here are some common reasons why people feel like giving up:

• Feeling overwhelmed

One of the main reasons people feel like giving up is because they feel overwhelmed and stressed out. When you have too much on your plate and insufficient time or resources to handle it, it can feel like everything is falling apart. The stress can be so intense that you question whether it's worth it to keep pushing through.

• Fear of failure

Another reason people feel like giving up is fear of failure. Setting high expectations for yourself and feeling like you're not meeting them can be discouraging. Sometimes the fear of failure can be so strong that it feels easier to give up than to keep trying and potentially face disappointment.

• No support system

When pursuing a goal or working on a project, it's important to have a support system. It can be demotivating if you don't feel like you have people cheering you on. When you feel like you're doing everything alone, it's easy to feel like giving up.

• Burnout

Burnout is real, and it can make you feel like giving up on everything. When you're constantly working and not taking enough time for yourself, you can become exhausted and feel like you can't keep going. Burnout can make even the most enjoyable tasks feel like a burden.

• Unhealthy comparisons

Social media has made it easier than ever to compare ourselves to others. A study published in the NursingTimes has revealed that social media fuels social comparisons and breeds harmful outcomes like anxiety, depression, negativity, poor self-esteem, etc., in people. When we see others achieving their goals or living their best lives, it's easy to feel like we're not measuring up. This can make us feel like giving up on our dreams and goals.

Feeling like giving up? Here’s what to do

Research by the society for personality and social psychology has revealed that goal disengagement, in other words, the act of giving up, is a process and not an event. This implies that people do not just give up on a swift decision; there are usually several thought processes and reviews before making a decision. The message is that with good self-awareness, you can identify when you start feeling like giving up and then nip it in the bud. Here are some tips on how to keep going when you want to give up.

1. Take time off

Sometimes, all you need is a break. Take some time off to clear your mind and recharge your batteries. Do something that makes you happy, whether walking, reading a book, or watching a movie. Taking a break can help you gain perspective and return with renewed energy and motivation. Taking a break can be therapeutic and an effective way to overcome the feeling of giving up because it allows you to step back from the situation that is causing you stress or frustration.

2. Prioritize self-care

When you feel like giving up on life, then maybe it’s time to look inwards and focus on nurturing your mind and body. Self-care is any activity or practice we engage in to care for our physical, emotional, and mental health. This can include getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, spending time with loved ones, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring us joy.

When we practice self-care, we prioritize our well-being and give ourselves the care and attention we need to feel healthy. We can recharge our batteries, reduce stress, and boost our mood by taking care of ourselves. This helps us overcome the feeling of giving up.

3. Always seek help

No man is an island. One of the tenets of social interaction is socialization, encouraging people to offer help and seek help when needed. So it is important to have a support system when feeling down. Reach out to friends or family members and talk to them about your feelings. You can also seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you work through your problems and develop coping strategies for difficult situations.

Besides, seeking help can help us to feel less alone. When we're struggling, it's easy to feel like we're the only ones going through a difficult time. However, when we talk to someone else about what we're going through, we may realize that we're not alone and that others have gone through similar struggles. This can be a huge relief.

4. Get to the root of the problem

When faced with a frustrating or difficult task that looks insurmountable, rather than getting angry and giving up, try to identify the problem calmly and intentionally. After that, you may break the task or the challenge into smaller bits and approach each independently. 

Doing this can make the problem feel less daunting and overwhelming. Instead of feeling like you have to solve the entire problem at once, you can focus on one small piece at a time. This can help you feel more in control of the situation, boosting your confidence and motivation.

Breaking the problem down can also help you identify areas where you might need help or additional resources.

5. Reframe your perspective

When you feel like giving up, it's easy to get stuck in a negative thought pattern. However, reframing your perspective and focusing on the positive is essential. Instead of dwelling on what's going wrong, think about what's going right and your progress so far.

Wrap up

When you feel like giving up, it's important to remember that you're not alone and there are things you can do to keep going. Remember, giving up is never the answer, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey to success, and overcoming them will make you stronger and more resilient in the long run. So stay strong and stay on course; you’ll come out just fine!