Mark White, MEUS Founder
Never Give Up Day is a day all about adopting a determined mindset, one that enables us to get through all the challenges life throws at us. It’s about moving forwards, while inspiring others to do the same. It’s about celebrating everyone who reaches their goals, as well as supporting those who have yet to do so.
What’s interesting about Never Give Up Day, is that it can be really easy to turn around to someone and tell them “Don’t give up!” once you’re already standing there at the finish line. But what about when you’re in the midst of it all, persevering, knee deep in the thick of it? That’s when it really matters. And that’s when those three words hold the most power, when spoken to yourself, and when said with real meaning and authenticity: Never. Give. Up.
So while this day is all about never giving up, it’s most definitely easier said than done. Don’t be hard on yourself. Because what’s important to know is that sometimes giving up is necessary, for ourselves and our wellbeing – but ‘giving up’ isn’t the right term to use. Reframe this as allowing yourself to rest, stopping when the time is right, or knowing that you’ve tried your best.
With that in mind, here are some top tips to help you master the art of continuing to move forwards.
Surround yourself with people who lift you up
If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. Have you ever tried to push yourself to do something you really don’t want to do, or that you believe you can’t do? It’s difficult. And have you ever tried to push yourself to do this thing, with the support of someone else cheering you on and pushing you even further? Surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, who support you, and keep you moving towards your goals is an effective way of ensuring you will keep going.
Keep your end goal in mind
Remind yourself of what you’re working towards. Be it a marathon, an ice bath, or a daily meditation practice – bring awareness to your why, and remind yourself of it frequently. Perhaps it’s because you want to push yourself out of your comfort zone, try something new, or create a sense of inner peace and happiness. Whatever it is, keep it at the forefront of your mind. And if your ‘why’ isn’t clear at this point, that’s fine too! Simply stop asking yourself WHY you’re doing something, and ask yourself: WHY NOT?
Stay motivated
There’s no better way to prevent yourself from giving up, than by keeping yourself moving forwards. Staying motivated looks different for everyone, so find something that works for you – and do it. Listen to an inspirational podcast, for example, or a self-development book, or record your progress so you can see how far you’ve already come.
Be honest with yourself
Don’t forget to be realistic. If what you’re striving towards isn’t achievable, then perhaps it’s time to reconsider your goals. While pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and doing something challenging is an incredible way to experience growth, sometimes this can feel scary. Life is a marathon, not a sprint – so if that means breaking down your goal into smaller steps in order to get there then so be it. Similarly, sometimes pausing is the right thing to do. It’s about knowing when enough is enough and asking yourself the right questions. Am I being selfish? Am I continuing because I’m acting from my ego? Why am I doing this?
Trust the journey, and trust yourself while ensuring you’re doing what’s best for YOU.
