Success Begins Where Most People Quit

By David. Hermann , CEO of hermanngroup

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We all face moments where quitting seems like the most logical option. The project isn’t moving forward, the client said no, or the market keeps shifting under your feet. It feels like you’re stuck, fighting a losing battle. And sometimes, the temptation to give up can be overwhelming.

I’ve been there. More than once.

The problem is: most people misunderstand failure. We’re taught from a young age that success and failure are opposites, like heads and tails on a coin. But that thinking is wrong.

Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s a crucial step on the journey to success. The real danger lies not in failing but in quitting when things get tough.

Let me explain.

Take J.K. Rowling, for example. Before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon, Rowling was rejected by 12 different publishers. One editor even said the book had no commercial appeal. Imagine if she had listened. Instead, she persevered, and the Harry Potter series became one of the best-selling franchises in literary history, inspiring generations.

Or consider Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She heard "no" repeatedly while trying to pitch her shapewear idea to male executives who didn’t understand the problem it solved. But Blakely didn’t quit. She bootstrapped her company, relied on relentless belief in her product, and eventually transformed Spanx into a billion-dollar empire, becoming the youngest female self-made billionaire in history.

We’re taught from a young age that success and failure are opposites, like heads and tails on a coin. But that thinking is wrong.

These aren’t just rare stories of extraordinary talent; they illustrate the power of persistence over perfection.

I’ve seen the same principle play out in my career guiding organizations through strategic change. One client, a boutique consulting firm, was struggling to break into a larger market. After two major campaigns flopped and significant financial losses, they were ready to give up on their growth strategy. But instead of quitting, they dug into the data to find lessons from what went wrong, rebranded, and targeted a previously overlooked segment. Within a year, they landed two major accounts that more than doubled their revenue.

What made the difference? They kept going when quitting seemed logical.

If you’re at that point—when quitting feels inevitable—here are a few things to keep in mind:

First, treat rejection as redirection. Often, a "no" simply means you need to adjust your approach, not abandon the entire effort.

Second, celebrate small wins along the way. Progress often comes in tiny steps, and acknowledging them can fuel your persistence.

Finally, remember your why. When you're tempted to quit, reconnect with the reason you started. That clarity can reignite your motivation.

Imagine the future if you push through: personal breakthroughs, unexpected victories, and a deep, lasting confidence in your ability to weather storms.

The opposite of success isn’t failure. It’s giving up. Failure is just part of the journey to something great.

Stay the course. Your next win might be closer than you think.

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Are you facing the urge to quit? Let’s talk.

David. Hermann is a transformative healthcare executive and strategist with a remarkable ability to catalyze organizational growth and efficiency. As a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, David has led initiatives resulting in more than $500 million in documented financial improvements for his clients. A recognized thought leader, he has delivered 60+ speaking engagements, authored numerous publications, and ranks in the top 1% of Consulting Voices on LinkedIn, making him a go-to expert in strategy, change leadership and operations.

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