What to Consider When Quitting: Confessions of a Bona Fide Quitter

What to Consider When Quitting: Confessions of a Bona Fide Quitter

Why winners never quit is outdated advice

Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

“Quitters never win, winners never quit.”

This was a proverb I heard often when growing up. I’m not quite sure when I started to disbelieve the words, but now I think it was as early as when I broke up with my first boyfriend. There was no malice whatsoever; I simply felt there might be no point anymore to this relationship, and that was it.

Maybe it was the times I had left a test or an exam midway (in university) when I realized I didn’t know what I was doing at all.

At the time, I never thought I was a quitter; I was just someone who was willing to stop when things weren’t working out the way I wanted.

It’s very important that I include the words, ‘the way I wanted.’

Oftentimes, people may think you the greatest fool for letting go of a brilliant opportunity. You must know yourself and know the things that you want, so that you do not measure your success and fulfillment through the yardstick of others.

I remember when I left my last job, from the outside and inside, it seemed perfect. I was a star, clearly needed at work; the pay was okay. So why did I leave? Because I wasn’t looking at the moment, I was looking at the future. I left because I don’t want to get my feet too deep in the mud and get stuck.

So the question becomes: Are you quitting things or yourself? ’Cause sometimes you need to quit something to stay true to yourself. Sometimes you need to quit publicly to win privately.

So today I want to share the three mindsets that have helped me to quit easily:

1. Assess if things are working as you envisioned. It’s not based on popular opinions. The famous Apostle Paul once received a commission from the LORD. He said, “I did not rush to confer with flesh and blood.” Man is prone to error, even when people advise you from a good place, because they are not omniscient; their advice may not be reliable. Remember that.
2. Your latter will be greater than your past — Believe it. People often feel that if you let go of an opportunity, it’ll be hard to find another. I’ve learned to hold onto God’s word that my future will be better than my past. You must believe that God is able to make all things work together for your good, all things.
3. Always make today’s decision based on the newest information you have. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” You cannot afford to live on stale and outdated information; if you do that, you’ll age very quickly, both in soul and spirit.

Once you have new information. and realize this isn’t it. There are only two things you can do: stay and pray for God to change it, or leave.

As a Christian, if it’s a secular organization, I run away quickly; if it’s a church, I’ll stay and intercede. Jesus is the head of the church, but in many secular organizations, corruption is the order of the day. Don’t partake in a fight that the LORD has not called you to. Choose your hardship carefully.