Why We Give Up So Easily

When we adopt something new into our lives, like a hobby or a new skill, everything seems fresh and fascinating. We enthuse over it. We believe that it is something that we want to keep doing, and something we want to master. We get overly excited to pursue it at the beginning, but as the positive emotions start to cool down, we stumble on a rockier path with mixed emotions that block our passage—often leading to a dead end.

When we are facing difficulties, our emotions try to take control of us. Some might say that they’re benign emotions in that they advise us not to do something lest something bad would happen to us, but… they certainly aren’t helping us with success. You see, they only try to scoop us out of the immediate situation that’s causing anguish. They can’t rationalize the possibility of long-term merits. In other words, these protective emotions don’t care about the future. They only react to the problems at one particular moment, which is their primitive job.

You: I’m so frustrated because my studies aren’t showing any results.

Your emotions: Frustration is bad for you, so you should stop doing what’s causing it. You’ll feel better.

You: Okay, maybe this isn’t my thing after all.

In an easier world, the emotions would respond quite differently:

Your emotions: Be not discouraged by these petty shortcomings. We’re just warming up. The path can get rocky at times, but together we will overcome these feelings of frustration. We now command you to persevere and press on. The fruits of your labor are just around the corner. You can do it!

You: You guys are right. I can do this!

The Missing Ingredient

Think about it for a minute. In the end, what does it really come down to? Honestly.

Let’s assume that you are learning how to earn enough money from online marketing to quit your day job. What do you need to accomplish that? Let’s bring out the essential ingredients.

1. Theory. The materials that teach you the principles. The how-tos. Blog posts, books, online courses, seminars, etc.
2. Application. You have to apply the principles you’ve learned. Obviously.

Right? These two ingredients should get you to your goal. There is just one missing ingredient that will ensure that you reach your destination.

3. Perseverance.

If you are able to persevere and continue your efforts, you will almost certainly arrive at the desired result. Some people get things done faster than others. You can do it too if you’re able to work on it consistently and without giving up. Everything you’ve worked on so hard will be lost the moment you choose to give up. And it’s your decision. Only you have control over that decision. No one else can offer the last ingredient to you. So it’s your responsibility to finish what you’ve started.