3 things to do when you want to quit

I have a deep, dark secret … I struggle with the urge to quit at least once a day. I want to quit working out, quit eating well, quit blogging, quit podcasting, quit doing the dishes and laundry, quit getting up early … you get the idea. Working toward my goals and dreams always feels like an uphill battle. I mean, it’s a heck of a lot easier to sit mindlessly on the couch watching back-to-back episodes of “The Walking Dead” (my wicked indulgence, by the way) than going through the checklist in my day planner.

Thankfully, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that have kept me from throwing in the towel; steps that have propelled me toward progress and success. Here are my top three:

Go against the (thought) flow

One of the biggest challenges in my life has been whether or not I can make the right choice when I don’t feel like making the right choice. There are so many things I would rather be doing than what I often should be doing. And sometimes I give in to the temptation. But I try to make a pact with myself first. Before I can eat that family-sized piece of cake or spend those two hours surfing Pinterest, I have to complete something productive first … something that will move the needle forward in some way.

For example, over the past few weeks, I’ve really struggled with finding the motivation to write blog posts. Again, this is probably due to my recent unhealthy obsession with “The Walking Dead.” So when the folks over at Signazon contacted me to see if I wanted to try out one of their printed products in exchange for an honest review, I wanted to say no because I didn’t feel like promoting or working on my business.

But I didn’t say no. Instead, I ordered new business cards for LROL.

And thankfully, Signazon’s fast shipping allowed this uber-procrastinator to get my business cards just in time for a speaking engagement I was scheduled to host. The point is that ordering those business cards helped me be better prepared for the speaking event, which in turn better prepared me for future opportunities. The simple, small act of ordering business cards may have put me on a path to future success I could have never known otherwise. And that is really motivating.

Give in and take a break

Sometimes when I want to quit, it’s because I should. For now. I mean, occasionally what I’m experiencing is just a good, old-fashioned case of burnout. And, in these cases, taking a break for a few days can be very helpful. That’s why I always try to take at least one day off each week from working out, checking email and blogging, eating well, cleaning and doing home improvement projects. I need that time to rest and refresh my mind, body and spirit.

Connect with people ahead on the journey

One of the greatest advantages of today’s Internet technology is that we can connect with great people, even though we may not be friends in real life. I have a lot of awesome virtual mentors like Michael, Rory, Pat, Traci and Mandy. (Some of these folks I’ve even been blessed to know in real life!) These people have traveled the road I’m traveling. I can read about and listen to their personal struggles and how they’ve overcome them.

This is why blogs and podcasts have become a huge source of inspiration and motivation for me. I know I’m not alone when I feel defeated, let down and discouraged. Successful people have these same feelings, but they push through and overcome them. They help me see what’s possible on the other side.

Taking these three steps helps me push through those times when I want to quit. And, if I’m completely honest, I don’t always make the right choice. Sometimes I take the easy path. But the difference maker in my life has been the fact that I don’t stay down. I get back up and get moving quickly down the right road, the road that will lead me to the life of my dreams.

Remember, you may fall down, make a wrong decision, take the easy way out. That’s probably not going to be the deal breaker. It’s what you do after that choice that matters.

What do you do when you feel like quitting?