Mental flexibility and adaptability are signs of a healthy mind. We need these qualities to adapt to circumstances, change our behavior strategies as needed, and achieve our goals.
All you have to do is look at the message feeds of any social network, and you’ll see “motivational” quotes like “Winners don’t give up” or “If you give up, it’s forever”. The idea of “giving up,” of stopping what you’re doing, is seen as a sign of weakness. However, being willing to suffer until the end is a sign of great courage.
Such ideas can hurt a lot of people. “Giving up” sometimes takes more courage than trying to keep going. I’ll show you some examples.
- We know the risks outweigh the benefits
What if you set yourself a goal of running a marathon, but after two months of training your doctor tells you to give up. Your health risks far outweigh any benefits you might get from achieving your goal, so don’t do it.
When the risks outweigh the benefits, you’re being wise, not weak. Risks don’t always show up upfront-sometimes you find out about them halfway through. You may decide that it’s better to just “get off the track” if you realize you might lose your health, relationships, or mental well-being.
2.The reward isn’t worth it.
Sometimes we overestimate how big the goal is. For example, we think getting a raise or losing 5 pounds will make our lives wonderful. But when we get there, we realize the effort won’t be worth it.
3.We’ve changed our goals.
Let’s say we decided to get back in shape for the New Year. By March, our priorities had already changed, and now we’re focused on finding a new job. Sports have been put on the back burner. It’s okay to change your goals. We grow and develop when we rethink our life goals and give up on those that don’t matter anymore.
4.We don’t like how the method works.
Let’s say we want to pay off our debts ASAP. An admirable goal, but the methods for achieving it may not reflect our values and principles. You don’t see your family and friends because you’re working a lot. Or if we have to cheat or steal to make money.
5.We’ve got ourselves a monopoly.
Don’t keep doing something just because we’ve already done a lot of work on it. Yes, it’s hard to give up on something we’ve worked hard for. But saying to ourselves, “I’ve already invested so much, I can’t quit!” is irrational and stupid. It’s a difficult decision, but the sooner we make it, the more resources we’ll have for other stuff.
6.How do you know when to “give up”?
In spite of moments of dissatisfaction, fear, or shame, you should not give up on your goals. It is important that you do not make hasty decisions, and to carefully consider what you are doing. Keep in mind that you do not have to prove anything to anyone. In addition, the ability to change your decisions can be a sign of strength, not weakness.
Trying to be guided by both reason and feeling, weigh the pros and cons of the decision. There is a possibility that some people around you will not like your decision to “give up” and leave. However, there is nothing wrong with that decision. It is necessary that we keep in mind the following fact: when we give up something, we gain something much more valuable – strength, time, health, mental equilibrium.
