Never Give Up

Have you ever given something everything you had and wondered when life was going to get easier? It’s easy to get discouraged when you are working so hard and every day feels like you’re suiting up for battle and going to bed exhausted and waking up just as tired.

I’ve been there. Thankfully, we’re in the middle of our best month ever and each day (well, maybe not my inbox on Mondays) is way more fun when things are clicking.

I think I’ve almost thrown in the towel and looked for a job or tried to go back to my last office job at least three times in the past nearly six years. Each time was because I was not being a good businessman in one way or another and that caused money and stress problems. The two were never independent and were always an unhappy couple.

Here’s some encouragement to not give up in the form of a list of tips:

1. Wake up at the same time every day. Your body will get used to that, no matter what time you went to bed, so be kind to your body and don’t stay up too late. My alarm is set for 5:03 every day. Every day. 5:03 because 5am would be too early!
2. Exercise, even if it’s a walk. Moving around releases happy chemicals in your brain and you’ll feel better about your day and it’s a good excuse for a shower and changing your shirt if it’s been a few days. I’m up over 275 miles walked since I started tracking. I think it’s time for new shoes.
3. Avoid your inbox until after you exercise. If you don’t, you’ll be thinking about it during your “healthy time.” I’ve stewed about a problem while I wanted to take a 1.5mi walk and cut them short to go back home… or I blasted out an email from my phone and just pissed everyone off. Both are bad, just in case you’re wondering.
4. Eat protein for breakfast. Protein will stop the big crash before lunch. Nothing like working when you’re “hangry” to make life more interesting. That’s hungry + angry, by the way.
5. Try your best to take a nap. I’m talking 20-60 minutes. You’ll feel better. After a couple of weeks, you’ll notice when you feel bad and then set an alarm to start your nap at the same time every day. For me, it’s 1pm. I aim for 36 minutes and set my alarm. Some days I need 75 and some only 20. I also listen to business audiobooks I’ve already listened to while I nap.
6. Talk to someone. Find someone who you can talk business with openly and without judgement. After a while, give them permission to call your moves or ideas stupid because they love you. I’ve got several people who let me dump on them and celebrate with them.

What tips do you have for people who feel like giving up on their dream?