Why Most People Quit Hard Things

WHY MOST PEOPLE QUIT HARD THINGS

Everyone has been through this cycle, but most didn’t realize what was happening. With anything we set out to do in life, whether it be starting a new job, opening a business, having kids, getting married, or even developing new disciplines we all will inevitably go through this cycle. I’ve found that every time I start something new it really helps me to use this illustration to identify where I am.

In the beginning, it’s exciting! Everything is new and fresh and future is full of hope. It’s like starting a new job and everything still feels fresh and exciting. You haven’t encountered very much negative yet and you’re seeing everything through a positive, hopeful lens. This is the uninformed optimism stage.

Once you’ve been at the job for a few weeks the tasks become more and more menial. You’ve had a few interactions with coworkers that have been less than desirable and you find yourself coming face to face with reality. You’ve just hit the informed pessimism stage.

It’s been a year and now it seems like everything is awful. You dread getting up each day and your energy levels while at work seem to be draining with each passing day. You’ve witnessed too much and it really seems like the cost is far outweighing the benefits. This is where most people give up. Whether it’s a job or anything else, this is where most people can’t see how any good could come. This is the stage that matters most because if you can keep on moving forward, rewards are soon to come.

You’ve decided to keep going. You decided that maybe you shouldn’t give up. You’re starting to see that even though sometimes it can be rough, what you’re doing is rewarding and you’re seeing how your job is helping a lot of people. You’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel and you’re really starting excel. You just hit the informed optimism stage!

Finally! Now you’ve seen the benefits.

You’ve seen how many people you’ve been able to help. You just got a significant raise because of your time invested in the company and solid work ethic. The benefits are starting to feel good and the cost doesn’t seem so bad anymore. Your coworkers look up to you and you’re being offering opportunities to move forward in your career. Congratulations! You’ve made it!

The emotional cycle of change has been completed and you didn’t quit! There aren’t many who make it here, but the lessons you learn are going to be worth it! Keep going!

This cycle will start and restart many times throughout your life. But remember… when you quit, you’ll just restart in something else. Many people give up their marriages in this cycle. Keep going. Many people give up on their business in this cycle. Keep going.

Don’t give up! It be worth it.