Many times when we have something that we are supposed to do or something that we have started, there comes a time when we may get discouraged and want to quit. Whether it be with working out or going after a dream that God has given you, there are times when you feel like you want to give up (trust me, I’ve been there) You try everything in your power to stop doing it or find reasons to not do it. “Maybe I’m not cut out for this. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. It’s too hard.” There have been times when I stopped working towards my goals, only to realize how badly I wanted it and kept going. Here are a few things I have learned that keep me going:
1. Remember the why. Why did you start it in the first place? what was the reason behind the initial passion that you had?
2. Constantly motivate and encourage yourself. It must be an ongoing process. I used to think that the encouragement I gave myself was enough to last me forever…ennnt, WRONG! I would be motivated for a day or two tops and then be like forget this mess! Daily encouragement is necessary in order to remain committed. Don’t think that it’s bad if the motivation doesn’t stick around forever.
3. Remember that somebody needs what you have. You were placed on this earth to make a contribution and as cliche and corny that may sound, it is the truth. What you’re doing is not just for yourself. It’s for that girl who’s on the streets prostituting herself that you don’t even know but will bless once you start your ministry. Or it’s for the single father who feels like he’s all alone in raising his kids and needs a support system that you may create one day. But these people will never get the help they need if you don’t do your part.
4. Don’t make excuses. When you think of all the reasons why you can’t do something, replace them with the reasons why you can or why you should.
5. Get out of selfish thinking. It sounds like this: “I’M too scared to do this. What if no one listens to ME? People don’t want to hear what I have to say. I cannot do this.” The list could go on. At the end of the day (and this is something God had to continue to remind me of) what does God say? Ultimately, we must have the mindset that Jesus had before heading to his death on the cross of “not my will but your will be done.” God didn’t ask you how you feel about it, He just told you to do it.
6. Envision the end result. This can go back to the point of keeping yourself motivated. Imagine all the great things that can happen as a result of you being obedient to what God told you to do. Imagine the opportunities that could result from it, the lives that you could touch, the fulfillment you would get from making the vision come to life. Not only will you be touching other people’s lives but you will be glorifying and expanding God’s kingdom which is the overall purpose of each of our lives.
You may not always feel like continuing on but when you get discouraged and feel like giving up, remember who and what you’re doing it for…I promise it will change your perspective. Don’t give up.
