What to do when you want to give up!
For the past 18 months or so I’ve been working towards three pretty big goals. I’ve been intentionally expanding my coaching business, researching and writing a book and growing out my grey hair.
While these goals are vastly different and require different things from me they all have one thing in common: They have taken, and continue to take, a considerable amount of time.
In our hurry-up and instant-results-obsessed world, working towards anything that takes more than a few moments can feel especially daunting. We rarely hear stories of those who faithfully plod along taking one step at a time, who reach their goals without fanfare but with the satisfaction of a job well done.
Truth be told, I have considered giving up on all three of these goals at one stage or another. Growing a business in a global recession has not been without its challenges. Interviewing inspiring women for my book has been incredibly rewarding, but sticking to a regular writing schedule each week has been tough. And I’ll be the first to admit - there have been plenty of mornings when I’ve seriously second-guessed my hair choices. Let’s just say I’ve embraced the grey with far less grace and flair than Petra!
All that said, my desire to see each of these projects through to completion still overrides my desire to quit. If you find yourself in a similar position today - working hard, squeezing time and resources to make your dreams happen but the finish line still feels a way off - know you are not alone. This is the trickiest place to be and often where many of us falter. When we’re on the brink of completing a big goal, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or tempted to give up. Here are some strategies to help you push through those final stages:
🚀 Reconnect with Your ‘Why’
When you’re nearing the finish line and feeling like giving up, take a moment to reconnect with the original reason you set this goal. Reflect on the deeper purpose and motivation that fueled your journey from the beginning. Why did this goal matter to you in the first place? Sometimes, we lose sight of our ‘why’ amidst challenges, but reminding yourself of the impact this goal will have on your life can reignite your passion and drive. Keeping your ‘why’ front and centre provides renewed clarity and emotional energy to help you push forward.
🚀 Break It Down into Smaller Tasks
Big goals can feel daunting, especially when you’re so close to the end, but still feel like there's a mountain to climb. One powerful strategy is to break your goal into smaller, more manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on the remaining entirety, zoom in on what you can accomplish today or this week. These bite-sized steps make progress feel more achievable, and with each small win, you’ll regain momentum. Plus, taking things step by step prevents feelings of overwhelm and helps you stay focused on the present task rather than being consumed by the weight of the final outcome.
🚀 Take a Break
When the unexpected happens and it feels especially hard to keep going, give yourself permission to take a break. Hitting pause, even for a short time, can offer the breathing room needed to reset your mindset and perspective. No matter what we’re working toward, life happens, and sometimes we need to step away to focus on what’s most pressing. Be kind to yourself and recognise that taking a break can actually be the best way to keep moving forward. Just make a promise to yourself that you’ll pick up where you left off as soon as you’re ready.
🚀 Lean on Your Support System
When you’re feeling stuck or ready to give up, reach out to the people in your life who support and believe in you. Share your struggles with a trusted friend, mentor, or family member. Simply talking things through can provide new perspectives or encouragement that you hadn’t considered. They can remind you of how far you’ve come and offer practical advice or a listening ear. Sometimes, hearing someone else’s confidence in your ability to succeed is all you need to push through. Don’t underestimate the power of community in helping you cross the finish line.
I hope that these strategies will help you stay focused and motivated as you work toward your long-term goals. Speak kindly to yourself, take time to acknowledge and celebrate the progress you've already made, and remember that you are one step closer to the finish line every day.
If you’ve lost momentum and need support in pursuing and completing a big goal, I’m here to help! Please get in touch with me kelly@kellycoopercoaching.com