About to Quit? Stop. Do This One Thing First.

Everyone needs encouragement. Many people mistake the word to mean the lifting of one’s spirits or to make people feel good about themselves. But the etymology, or history, of the word is “to make strong the heart” or “to put courage in the heart.”

Courage is one of the most, if not the most, important ingredient to successful leadership. When individuals lead with a strong heart, they can move and shake the world.

Courage activates faith. It’s what separates the men from the boys, the leaders from the followers, the players from the spectators, and the doers from the dreamers. Courage drives you to act, even when it feels uncomfortable to do so, and enables you to go against the grain of what’s popular or predictable to birth something unconventional or unpredictable.

I know this to be true, especially as a self-employed professional for the past two years. For 20 years, I was steeped inside a corporate system that was neither created by me nor for me. It took a tremendous amount of faith and courage to leave the routine and perceived security of the system in order to manifest an idea of creating something new, valuable, and meaningful on my own.

Courage has to be tested. In order to develop and grow the courage inside of you, you not only must be challenged, but you also must survive the challenge. This is why you should never quit on dreams, opportunities, or other situations that feel “bigger” than you. Perseverance fosters courage.

What’s one thing you can do to keep from quitting?

Celebrate the small victories.

Here are ten reasons why:

• Invigorates your human spirit.
• Fuels your motivation to take that next step or risk.
• Keeps you focused.
• Affirms you are headed in the right direction towards your ultimate goal.
• Reminds you of your current and previous successes.
• Reinforces your practice of the right habits.
• Gives you a reason to pause, reflect, take a quick breath, and then keep going.
• Promotes and refreshes a positive mental attitude.
• Is an excuse to have fun.
• Provides an opportunity to acknowledge and incentivize your team, if applicable, so that they also stay motivated and encouraged.

EXERCISE:

1. Reflect on your year to date. Write down everything you were able to accomplish this year.
2. Share at least one of your accomplishments with the OYO community! CLICK HERE to join our online #OYO tribe or follow me on all social media platforms to share your story! Let’s root for one another and celebrate our victories together!

Let's Connect