The Power of Persistence

Life can feel tough, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between. Whether you're a busy professional, a working parent, or both, there are times when it all feels like too much. You might feel like giving up. But the truth is the strongest people aren’t the ones who always have it together. The strongest people are the ones who keep going, even when things get messy and hard.

Let’s talk about why it’s important not to give up, and what you can do when you feel like you're reaching your limit.

Why Not Giving Up Matters

When you’re in the middle of a difficult time, it’s easy to think you’re failing. But not giving up doesn’t mean doing it all perfectly. It just means you keep going. You take the next step. You try again. You rest, but you don’t quit.

Every time you keep moving forward, even in a small way, you’re building strength and power. You’re proving to yourself that you can get through and do hard things. That kind of confidence doesn’t come from the easy days. It comes from the days when you wanted to give up, but didn’t.

What Giving Up Looks Like (and What It Doesn’t)

Let’s be very clear: Resting does not (ever) equal giving up. Asking for help is not giving up. Saying "no" to something that’s not working for you is also not giving up.

Giving up is when you stop believing in your own ability to move forward. It’s when you walk away from something that truly matters to you because it’s too hard or because you're too tired to keep trying. That’s what we want to avoid. You deserve to keep showing up for your life, even when it’s tough.

What to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up

Here are some simple things you can try when you’re feeling overwhelmed or discouraged:

1. Take One Small Step

Don’t focus on everything at once. Pick one small thing you can do today. That might be sending one email, having one honest conversation, doing one load of laundry, or just taking a deep breath and getting out of bed. Small steps lead to big change.

2. Give Yourself Permission to Pause

You are not a machine. You need breaks, sleep, solitiude, and space. Take a moment to rest, not because you’re weak, but because you’re smart enough to know you need it. Then, when you’re ready, come back stronger and more powerful.

3. Reconnect with Your “Why”

Why did you start this job, this goal, this journey? Was it for your family? For your dreams? To prove something to yourself? Write it down. Keep your own thoughts and words where you can see them. Let your why remind you your dreams and the work it takes to achieve them matters.

4. Talk to Someone You Trust

You don’t have to do everything on your own. Reach out to a friend, mentor, coach, or partner. Say, “I’m struggling.” Sometimes just being heard can help you feel lighter and less alone.

5. Celebrate Progress (Not Perfection)

You don’t need to be perfect to be proud. Look back and notice how far you’ve come. Maybe you’re stronger, braver, or more honest than you were a year ago. That matters. Give yourself credit.

Keep Going—You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Life won’t always feel this hard. Every storm runs out rain, as Maya Angelou once said. Kids grow. Work gets easier. You figure things out. But every time you choose not to give up, you’re building a life filled with courage, resilience, and meaning.

So if today feels heavy, that’s okay. Take a breath. Take a break. Then take the next step forward. You’re not alone. And you are stronger than you believe.