# Embracing Perseverance: The True Cost of Quitting
Written on
Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Quitting
No one enjoys labeling someone as a quitter.
I won't sugarcoat it. I often seek validation from others. However, what happens when that praise fails to arrive? You guessed it—I feel disoriented and crave the acknowledgment I should be providing myself.
Often, we abandon our goals simply because we aren't receiving the affirmations quickly enough. This detrimental mindset can lead to a dangerous realization: the approval we yearn for may never come.
So, what drives us to pursue our passions? The answer is personal growth.
The Road to Character
"Humility is freedom from the need to prove you are superior all the time, but egotism is a ravenous hunger in a small space—self-concerned, competitive, and distinction-hungry. Humility is infused with lovely emotions like admiration, companionship, and gratitude."
— David Brooks, The Road to Character
I must admit, modesty isn't exactly my forte. Yet, as time progresses, I've come to understand that genuine growth requires relinquishing the need for external validation.
During my childhood, elders often advised, “Keep your head down and get to work.” Many of us also heard the familiar refrain, “Focus on what I asked you to do, not what others are doing.”
Interestingly, we rarely received comments like, “You did an amazing job today! You’re truly exceptional!” In fact, I can't recall a single instance.
This lack of excessive praise was intentional; it helped reinforce the idea that the quality of our work matters more than seeking approval. Sure, I earned some pocket money from mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and washing cars, but I didn’t receive much in the way of compliments. Thankfully, this absence of applause kept me grounded on my journey to developing character.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Commitment
No one admires a quitter. The truly successful individuals are those who refuse to give up.
It’s painful to reflect on the endeavors you’ve abandoned and to consider how much further you could be if you hadn’t thrown in the towel. I know that feeling all too well.
Unless quitting is part of a well-thought-out strategy, it's generally advisable to keep pushing forward.
“A woodpecker can tap twenty times on a thousand trees and get nowhere, but stay busy. Or he can tap twenty-thousand times on one tree and get dinner.”
— Seth Godin, The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit
Frequent quitting can lead to being a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.
Here's the reality: being mediocre is also unsatisfying. It’s nearly as disappointing as being a quitter, but at least a quitter acknowledges their choice.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Cost of Quitting
In the first video, titled We're back from quitting just to quit again, the creators discuss the cyclical nature of quitting and returning to previous endeavors. This exploration highlights the emotional toll and the lessons learned from such experiences.
Section 1.2: The Call to Persevere
You only have a limited number of opportunities to start over in life. Therefore, it’s crucial to commit to your pursuits. This commitment not only shapes your character but also provides a sense of fulfillment that external validation cannot replicate.
Chapter 2: The Power of Reflection
The second video, I quit my job.. then went back after 6 months. Here's what I learned, shares the insights gained from stepping away from a job and the realizations that emerged upon returning. It underscores the importance of reflection in our decision-making processes and the value of sticking to our commitments.
In conclusion, life offers limited chances for do-overs. By dedicating yourself to your goals, you cultivate your character and achieve an inner sense of satisfaction, regardless of the outcomes.