It's been two years since I graduated college with my Bachelor's degree in journalism. Two years of endless job searching, interviews, failed opportunities and internships that lead to nowhere. I always want to give up and give. I tell myself what's the point? Why am I wasting my time? Perhaps being a journalist is not in my destiny. But I know that's not what I really think. Failures condition us to be hard on ourselves, to feel defeated and to give up. Though that's the natural reaction, it's the worst thing to give up on yourself.
Here are some things I remind myself when I want to give up, and I hope anyone dealing with a personal battle could take these points and apply it to their own situation.
1. I came this far, why turn back now?
I went through everything for a reason. Every opportunity, every hardship. every rejection, every setback- it all had a purpose. It toughened me, it roughed me up, it made me stronger. I know it sounds corny, but it's true. I am so much stronger because I have been broken into pieces in the process of following my dreams. I've come this far, why stop now??
2. I can't let myself down
Giving up is the biggest "fuck you" you can give to yourself. Once you let yourself down, you open the door for other people to let you down. Just think of yourself as your best friend. You wouldn't want your best friend to give up on their dream, so why would you give up on yours?
3. I can't let my loved ones down
It's so important to surround yourself with genuine, supportive people. Whether it be family, friends, lovers or acquaintances that keep you motivated- it's crucial to roll with people that believe in you. Not only will they motivate you to push forth, but they will set an unintentional guilt within you. This guilt will keep you from disappointing these people. I am so grateful to have a handful of people that accept me regardless of my failures but never allow me to give up on myself.4. I deserve the best
I can't stand conceited or cocky people. I really can't. And I also can't stand people who feel entitled. But I recognize hard work when I see it. I can spot injustice from a mile away and I always feel a discomfort when I see hard working people not reach the pinnacle of their success. I know I deserve more, and I know I deserve the best for myself. I can't and will not stop until I am satisfied.5. Hard work and rewards don't have set dates, be patient!
That being said, I'm aware that hard work comes to those who wait, and the wait has no set date. Of course, so many rejections and failures make me feel weak and discourage me from trying. But that's the easy way out, and no one ever said life was easy.
Here's an interesting report on successful people and the number of times they failed before they reached their success.
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| Source: Funders and Founders |
This is not even a full list of people who failed multiple times before succeeding. The point is, they didn't let their failures hold them back. In fact, they worked harder to reach their success. Why shouldn't I do the same?
Just because I don't know when my hard work will pay off doesn't mean that it never will. You have to be your number one motivation, and you also have to be realistic. Success doesn't happen overnight, and it certainly takes time for your work to reflect itself.
Bottom Line: Don't Give Up
Life is about going up the ladder and becoming a better person. Don't let a few slips off the ladder stop you from climbing higher. In a less cheesy sense, don't give up on yourself. Everyone is a work in progress and you won't reach success or happiness if you stand in your own way. Keep trying and take pride in the fact that you never gave up.
I hope you found this helpful and share it with a friend who needs a pick-me-up.
Thanks for reading! xoxo
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