Why We Give Up (and How to Overcome It)
Learn the psychological reasons behind our tendency to give up easily and learn strategies to build resilience and perseverance.
Hey Genius Speakers,
Do you want different results?
Let's say your English speaking skills are not improving even though you're attending expensive one-on-one classes, reading books, and watching YouTube videos.
You have to start doing things differently. Try different approaches until you see the results.
That's the way to succeed.
In reality, what happens when we don't get our desired results?
We GIVE UP.
Our mind is wired to give up rather than trying different things.
But we don't always give up.
If something is really urgent or a life-and-death situation, will you give up?
You will keep trying different things.
You won't say, "Oh, I have tried these many things, it didn't work, I give up." This won't happen.
Why?
You're the same person, but why do you give up in the first scenario but stay persistent in the second example?
It's because of our emotions.
In the first example, you're not emotionally attached to your goal.
So there's no emotion toward your goal. That's why our mind gives up.
In the second scenario, you're emotionally attached to the person or thing(s), and emotions drive us.
So whatever your goal is, try to connect it with a powerful emotion.
For example, if you improve your communication skills, you might get a promotion.
You'll get a chance to work with highly successful individuals. You'll feel happy.
You'll be contributing to the company's growth.
Once your ability to earn more has increased, you can provide more comfort to your loved ones.
Here, we attached improving communication skills with positive emotions.
But you can also attach it with a negative emotion, and that emotion can drive you. Remember the second example; there was a negative emotion.
Negative emotions are not bad if you channel them properly.
For example, if you do not develop your communication skills, you might lose your existing job. Once you lose your job, you have to find a new job, go through the interview process, and make new friends, etc.
All these things are a hassle. It's a negative emotion.
You might say, "I don't want to deal with all these problems; it's better I work on my communication skills and grow in the existing company."
Some things you can't avoid.
Sooner or later, you have to confront them.
Surely, today you might not feel the need for it.
But a wise person knows, "I would need to learn different skills to climb the success ladder."
Key Takeaways
1. If you're not getting desired results, try different approaches instead of giving up.
2. Our minds are wired to give up easily when we're not emotionally invested in our goals.
3. Stay persistent when something is urgent or a life-and-death situation because emotions drive us in those scenarios.
4. Connect your goals with powerful positive or negative emotions to stay motivated and persistent.
5. Positive emotions like feeling happy, contributing to growth, or providing comfort to loved ones can drive you towards your goals.
6. Negative emotions like the hassle of losing a job, going through interviews, or making new friends can also motivate you to work towards your goals.
7. Some challenges are unavoidable, and a wise person understands the need to learn new skills to climb the success ladder.
8. Channel negative emotions properly instead of letting them discourage you from your goals.
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Best regards,
Abhishek & Team