Written by: Zachary Hoffman, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Growing up in athletics I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard sayings such as: Don’t quit, Winners never quit, Quitters never win, Never give up, and the other hundred cheesy variations of this idea. While this notion itself is very empowering and surely can play a role in positive self-development. This idea of standing alone simply isn’t a realistic recipe for consistent success.
What I have come to learn is that when we tell ourselves not to quit while pursuing something, while we in one way zeroing in on our goal, we are at the same time turning a blind eye to all the other possibilities around us.
We are essentially limiting ourselves as individuals by pursuing this one goal. And while this strategy surely works for a lot of people whose talent, passions and surroundings fall in line with their goal, we have to understand that there are a number of people who have goals that simply are not realistic in terms of these factors.
This may be because they are simply not talented enough in this field, maybe they don’t have the support around them to achieve this or the financial capabilities that said goal may require.
I realize this idea sounds harsh. People do not like to be told that they cannot do things or that their current goal is not a realistic one. Often they become even more determined after hearing others criticize their efforts. Nevertheless, there is great power in realizing when my goal is no longer alive. This allows us to shift our focus to something more in line with our skill sets and more in line with helping us achieve our full human potential.
When realizing this in my own life experiences I begin to realize how courageous it is to give up on a lifelong goal to pursue something more realistic in order to maximize your capabilities. A lot of people are simply blind to reality. They constantly pursue a dream that causes them to lose time, money, and most devastating, their sense of identity. Because that’s what is essentially at stake for most people. They connect their identity with their goal. And when they fail to achieve this goal their sense of identity becomes lost.
I learned this the hard way myself. Growing up, I wanted to be a professional football player. Yet, this wasn’t a realistic goal giving my body structure and skill level. However, one thing I can say is that is never too late for a change. Don’t look at it as giving up. Look at it as having the courage to start over in order to achieve your true potential.
I truly believe that quitting is not at all for losers, however it is the ultimate example of those who are striving to win. Not to win in terms of accomplishments or accolades but to win in terms if becoming the best versions of themselves. This is true success in my eyes.
So I challenge everyone reading this to ask yourself: Are my current goals realistic in terms of my skill-set, mindset, network, finances, etc.?
Asking yourself and answering this question honestly is tough and it takes great courage to do it because it goes against everything we have learned in life. Regardless, those who are willing to ask themselves this question are the true courageous ones. Quitting is for winners in terms of your true potential! But do not quit because life is tough, quit because you have realized your potential is much greater than you initially realized.
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Zachary Hoffman, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Zac is an Italian/American dual citizen, effective leadership developer, award winning author, and former professional American football player. Originally from a small, rural town in Western Pennsylvania (USA), he has spent his twenties living in 6 different countries while playing and coaching American football. During his time abroad, he developed the SWALeadership concept based on his many thrilling and eye-opening experiences within various leadership roles across cultures.
