International Never Give Up Day

Never Give Up Day is a global celebration day focused on cultivating a mindset of determination.?The day not only applauds people for reaching their goals but also supports those who are still working towards them.?

Often, refusing to give up on our goals, can be incredibly challenging. When we are all so busy and spinning so many plates, how do we maintain perseverance in a way that is healthy, and what affects can not giving up have on our mental health?

According to the American Psychological Association, we can all very easily become stuck in a cycle of negative thought patterns and behaviours that can make us feel bad about ourselves, and people with depression, anxiety and panic disorders are more likely to adopt this mindset. A study conducted over 18 years has found that people who don’t give up on their goals (or who get better over time at not giving up on their goals) and who have a positive outlook appear to have less anxiety and depression and fewer panic attacks. These findings suggest that people can improve their mental health by raising or maintaining high levels of tenacity, resilience and optimism. Aspiring toward personal and career goals can help to make people feel like their lives have meaning.

Staying positive and optimistic clearly plays a big part in not giving up, but it's so much easier said than done. The TED Talk below discusses the psychology behind positive and negative mindsets and what we can do combat those pesky, and often intrusive negative thoughts.

Perseverance

The video helps us understand how to adopt a positive way of thinking; but how are positive thoughts turned into perseverance? The tips?below will give you some very simple steps to take to maintaining a healthy determination towards achieving your goals:

Choose to see challenges as opportunities -This step is an extension of having a positive mindset. Try and push yourself to consider how a challenge could become an opportunity to grow, learn something about yourself and experience something new.

Set goals and then break them down into smaller goals -?Having things to work towards keeps us motivated but setting enormous goals can become so overwhelming that it can be hard to persevere. Setting a series of small goals instead is more practical and has a greater chance of success. Experiencing these small successes will likely motivate you to continue working towards your ultimate goal.

Spend your time around people who lift you up and encourage you -?Try to surround yourself with supportive people so that you can encourage one another and reinforce all of that positivity.

Be flexible and prepared to adapt?-?Circumstances can change in an instant, so being open minded when it comes to adjusting your approach can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining that positive mindset.

Be patient?-?Be patient and keep going. If you need a small break, then take one. You’re doing great!

And what about when you’re struggling to find the strength to persevere? Ask for help?-?Family and friends are great for support, but you can also consider talking to someone impartial and objective such as a therapist or counsellor. It’s never too late to talk to someone, however, try to make sure that you don’t leave it until you’re so overwhelmed that you just can’t function; talking to a professional is a mature way to work through all the ups and downs of your life.