9.23.2008

Sometimes Quitting Means Forward Progress…

 

(So…. I just have to get this off my chest!)

If you know me at all, then you would be surprised to ever hear me mention that I quit something. I am not a quitter. That’s not what I do! That’s not always a good thing, mind you.

Regardless, there is something in me that refuses to give up on something once I have a goal through my thick head.

AND YET… as I examine my core values behind the idea of “trying”, I am left wondering if “quitting” can’t sometimes be the beginning of something new to “try”… Think about it with me.

In many cases:

  • If I QUIT smoking, then I am TRYING to avoid the negative health risks that accompany the habit…
  • If I QUIT drinking alcohol, then I am TRYING to take control of a condition that might otherwise be controlled by an abused substance…
  • If I QUIT eating fatty foods, then I am TRYING to maintain my physical health against my intrinsic aging process…

Not many people would criticize reducing carcinogenic intake, cutting cholesterol by a healthy diet, or taking action over alcohol abuse. In fact, most people would offer words of encouragement or “Best of Luck” when included in the conversation…

SO… if quitting can be an admirable activity, WHEN is it a good thing over just plain laziness? When is it in our best interest to change course rather than remain in our current endeavor?

I don’t know all the answers around this topic. If you were to observe the last 18 months of my life you would be telling me that I should “Give Up”. And frankly, it makes sense! In hindsight, I probably should have done just that! What?

Here is the short summary:

I lost TONS of money on a business venture that never seemed to be within my grasp… (even though I kept telling myself I could make it happen against all the odds)… at the same time I was/am fighting to rebuild my personal life after years of horrendous working hours caused by a “business first” mentality… (How’s that for transparency!)

AND I AM STILL FIGHTING!

For what I do not know! I am left wondering:

  • Is it the fight that appeals to me rather than the pursuit of victory?
  • When is fighting the fight no longer courageous and just plain STUPID?
  • Will it even matter in time to come that I fought this fight?

Who knows?

I don’t. Until then, here’s to the fight!

  • Pingback: Alcohol Posts » Sometimes Quitting Means Forward Progress…

  • http://www.bigbluehat.com/about Benjamin

    Facing the "quiting" question myself. Not so much if to quit, but what to quit.

    A book you might enjoy right now is The Dip by Seth Godin. Reading it myself.

    Hope it helps in some way.

  • Jay

    I will not claim to be aware of all your circumstances, but certainly some. I would suggest that life is nothing but a series of course corrections. Perhaps you have, and all of us do to our own degree, forget about what's most important in our lives.

    Being responsible for the maintenance of others, namely a wife, children and perhaps parents and siblings, too, we find it so difficult to balance our time making money or crafting a career with spending necessary time nurtuing those relationships.

    Perhaps if you were to never quit on your loved ones but be willing to constantly correct your career course, you will find the blance of life that will result in true peace and happiness.

  • Robert

    It sounds as though you aren't/weren't appreciated. Losing money is something that happens to everyone who risks things. But so long as colleagues and family are appreciative and mindful of your sacrifice for the common good, most people remain happy, or at least sanguine in their pursuits. Sometimes, all you need is to step back, take a breadth, and ask those around you for their appreciation and support in times of increased stress. This is only true though when collegaues can truly appreciate one's efforts, provide support, and can provide the needed break from business schedules to lead a normal family life. Starting new things generates increased risk, stress (a desire to prove one's self anew), and more tension in family life as the risk and stress is transferred to the home. I would suggest you ask yourself whether those around you can actually support a sabbatical, or whether it is best to cut your losses by leaving unappreciative, unsupportive–unTRUSTWORTHY colleagues.

  • Donat

    You have many friends that post in your guestbook – it is cool!

    Thanks for the help :-), Donat.

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