If not giving up was always the right answer life would be so easy. History shows us that sometimes quitters prosper and sometimes they miss out. Knowing when to quit and when to keep going is one of the most difficult questions and so we asked folks we admire to tell us how they think through this question

Mark Oblinger | Singer/Songwriter, Producer, Composer

My dad was a wonderful man of few words, so when he said to me on more than one occasion, “Don’t ever sell yourself short,” I knew he was really trying to make a point. And he did. I always took those words to mean that there will be challenges in your life that sometimes seem insurmountable and you might have to “give up” or change the approach you’re taking to solve a problem or achieve a goal. But the important piece was to never give up on “you.” I think I’ve learned just as much or more about myself from those moments of perceived failure than any of my successes and as you get older, you hopefully learn to avoid some of those same pitfalls as they invariably repeat from time to time. Read more>>

Liz Rush | Artist + Designer

My college coach once said, “if it was easy…anybody could do it”. Although this was in response to a challenging workout in which I felt I couldn’t finish, I have thought of it often how it applies so seamlessly to life. Sometimes you have to push through hard times to meet a goal and prove to yourself how resilient you really are. I draw a lot of parallels from my Division 1 Track days to my adult life because all of that hard work, teamwork, dedication, physical and mental stamina and success/ failures has made me who I am today. I would say that when you’re at a crossroads and want to quit, dig deep and focus on what your purpose is and where you want to go with it. The obstacle itself isn’t necessarily the thing that makes you quit, its the path that you’re on. Once the path stops serving your own happiness, passion and well-being…its time to forge a new one. Read more>>

William Brehm | Musician/Producer/Math Teacher

I think it’s normal to feel like giving up on a dream/goal/aspiration… We all face adversity, failure, and fear. And we all change over time. But there is never any reason to give up. So long as you stay true to yourself and what you love to do, at the end of the day, the only person that can really hold you back is yourself. It’s never too late to accomplish anything you set your mind to. Read more>>

Molly Sears | Naturopathic Doctor

Many of the patients I see have been living with their health concerns for quite some time, and have felt like they have “tried it all”. They have usually been through all the conventional doctors and specialists, taken all the necessary actions, and have only met little to no resolution of their concerns. Obviously, in this state, it is so easy to give up, to accept not feeling their best. Maybe someone reading this now can relate to these feelings, and I’m here to tell you to never give up. You just haven’t tried the correct approach. What patients are generally offered is a one size fits all approach, while this can be lifesaving in acute emergent situations the patients I’m seeing usually need a more individualized treatment plan and a much more individualized follow-up plan. I practice root cause, functional medicine. As a Naturopathic Doctor, our treatments are integrative and inquisitive. We get to the bottom of the ‘why’ behind your health and treating this will lead to the long-term resolution of many problems. Read more>>

Josh Childress | Josh Childress | Instructor

Throughout my life there have been many times in my journey as a martial artist in which I have faced this very question. As a young 25-year-old, I was frustrated with life. I was in desperate need of a healthy, controlled outlet for the stress that had become overwhelming. I tried several activities, but none seemed to fulfill my needs. Then, I discovered Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). I joined a gym and began my training in Pueblo, CO. Within a short time, I had five amateur fights under my belt. This was revolutionary to my lifestyle, everything changed. As part of my training, I had to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). This is where I found my true passion, my calling. I decided to hang up my MMA gloves and focus my efforts and attention solely on BJJ.
I started my journey as a White Belt with one goal in mind, GET THAT STRIPE knowing this path would be filled with challenges and self-doubt. I thought this is what it meant to be great. However, after consistently being on the mat, I had an epiphany there is so much more to becoming a great mixed martial artist than just earning a stripe. Read more>>

Kelsey Brons | Floral Designer

This is a question that I wrestle with and have wrestled with since the start of my business. As a small business owner/artist/entrepreneur, there are so many ups and downs in life and in business that I really have to take it year by year, month by month. I have learned that despite the hardships and “learning moments,” I need to keep pressing forward to see any success. Success does not fall easily into a business’ lap, but it is the hard moments that you keep getting up from. In having my first child and being pregnant with my second, this question comes back around whether to keep going or not. I think releasing myself from the pressure of having to keep going because I need to, but rather to keep going because I want to and enjoy my creative outlet and craft. So for now, I’m trusting my instinct and gut; and I’m choosing to take on projects that bring me joy in my business. The time might come when I say ‘adios’ to this, but for now I’m pressing onward. Read more>>