It Doesn't Get Better on the Other Side of Giving Up.
Guruprasad Kamat
Wellness Tech Entrepreneur | Leveraging Design & Psychology to Innovate Wellbeing Solutions.
The struggle against the urge to give up is a common human experience, and navigating this emotional landscape can be challenging. This newsletter explores the implications of giving up, the psychological factors involved, and strategies to cultivate resilience, all while incorporating a personal example that illustrates the impact of giving up on healthy habits.
The Psychological Landscape of Giving Up
Giving up can stem from various psychological factors, including learned helplessness, which occurs when individuals feel their actions have no impact on their circumstances. This mindset can lead to a cycle of despair, where individuals believe that no matter how hard they try, they will not succeed.
Moreover, feelings of hopelessness often accompany thoughts of giving up, particularly in stressful situations or when faced with setbacks. Dr. Michael Groat emphasizes that during distress, it is crucial to take things one step at a time and be patient with oneself. Recognizing that wanting to give up is a natural response to overwhelming circumstances can help individuals reframe their thoughts and focus on manageable steps forward.
A Personal Example: The Sweet Struggle
A few months ago, I was excited about making my sweets, chia puddings, and salads as part of a healthier lifestyle. I invested time in researching recipes and even bought all the necessary ingredients. Initially, I was thrilled to create delicious and nutritious meals that would not only satisfy my cravings but also support my health goals.
However, as life got busier with work and personal commitments, I found myself overwhelmed. Preparing homemade meals began to feel like an added burden rather than a rewarding activity. Eventually, I succumbed to convenience and started relying on store-bought snacks and fast food. While these options were easier in the short term, they were often high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
As weeks turned into months, I noticed an unwelcome change: I had gained several pounds. The very act of giving up on preparing my nourishing meals contributed significantly to this weight gain. Instead of feeling energized by my culinary creations, I was sluggish and dissatisfied with my eating habits.
The Consequences of Giving Up
While some argue that giving up can be a strategic choice—allowing individuals to redirect their efforts toward more fulfilling pursuits—the broader consensus suggests that quitting often leads to missed opportunities for growth and learning. Sandeep Kashyap notes that every struggle contributes meaningfully to personal development; overcoming challenges fosters resilience and a deeper appreciation for success.(you can read his very interesting post here )
In many cases, the decision to give up can result in regret. Individuals may look back and realize that persistence could have led to unexpected rewards or insights. In my case, I realized that if I had continued making those sweets and salads—even if it meant simplifying my recipes or preparing larger batches for the week—I could have maintained better control over my diet and avoided unwanted weight gain.
Strategies for Resilience
1. Acknowledge Your Humanity: Understand that it is normal to feel overwhelmed and consider giving up at times. Accepting these feelings as part of the human experience can reduce their power over you.
2. Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who encourage perseverance. Social connections provide emotional support and can motivate you to push through difficult times.
3. Focus on Small Steps: Instead of viewing your goals as monumental tasks, break them down into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, commit to preparing one homemade meal each week instead of trying to overhaul your entire diet at once.
4. Reframe Failure: Shift your perspective on failure from a negative outcome to a valuable learning experience. As Michael Jordan famously said, “I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.”
5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during tough times. Recognize that struggling does not define your worth or potential; it is merely part of the journey toward achieving your goals.
"It doesn't get better on the other side of giving up" is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. While there are moments when stepping back may be necessary for mental health and well-being, consistently choosing persistence fosters growth, learning, and ultimately success.
In moments of doubt—like when I felt overwhelmed by meal prep—it's essential to remember that every struggle contributes to our strength and character. By embracing challenges rather than shying away from them, we can lead healthier lives filled with fulfilling experiences.
So next time you feel like giving up—whether it's on cooking healthy meals or any other goal—take a moment to reflect on how persistence could lead you closer to your aspirations rather than further away from them. Keep pushing forward; the rewards may be closer than you think!
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Regards
PS: A comment & share will motivate me to write. Regardless I will try to write a new concept daily. Have a Resilient day the other side is fruitful.
Citations:
Founder at ProofHub
1 个月Thank you, Guruprasad Kamat, for featuring me in this thoughtful piece. I genuinely believe that pushing through those moments– when giving up feels like the easiest choice– that our greatest growth occurs. Your personal struggle is a perfect reminder of how even the smallest decisions shape our overall journey. Appreciate your thoughts and look forward to seeing how we can all embrace our struggles as opportunities for progress!
CQA, Quality Assurance, MBA operations, Global Regulatory Affairs
2 个月Very informative