Life is hard. Whether you’re working for your next promotion, running a business, parenting, getting physically fit, or trying to set a personal record (PR), there will be moments that feel so difficult you will want to quit. Usually these are opportunities to grow—challenges we get to work through to become the best version of ourselves. Every once in a while though, our minds, bodies, or circumstances give us signs that it really is time to throw in the towel.
So how do we know the difference? How do we know when we need to push harder to reach our goal versus give our bodies and minds time to rest so we can move on to the next best thing?
The First Step: Calming Your Inner World
Success in any circumstance significantly depends on your ability to withstand pain longer than anyone else. This isn’t always in the form of physical pain, but rather the discomfort that comes with challenges, setbacks, and constant uncertainties. Building mental resilience helps you navigate these issues effectively.
For instance, every year, I set out to set a new personal record in my favorite sport, skimo. This tests not just my physical abilities but also my mental tenacity. The ability to counteract the inner voice that urges you to stop, and carry on regardless, is key. This mental battle mirrors the daily pressures in business, where the mind provides continuous resistance to progress.
Outer challenges can arrive in many forms—from team management issues, the threat of lawsuits, economic instabilities, or even internal struggles of self-doubt and fear. The key in knowing whether it’s time to quit or persevere lies in your ability to center your inner world.
Cultivating Mindfulness and Awareness
The cornerstone of personal growth and spirituality is awareness. By recognizing when your mind is trying to derail you, you gain power over the situation, which allows you to overcome internal resistance and progress towards your objectives.
To cultivate this awareness, it is important to practice mindfulness and meditation. By focusing on the present moment, you can effectively silence the persistent thoughts and imaginings of the mind.
By consistently questioning the narratives of your mind and focusing on being present, you can concentrate on the present reality, thereby facilitating better decision-making and leadership.
To Quit or Not To Quit?
At the end of the day, only you can decide what to do. Your mind will assess every possible scenario until you’re at your wit’s end. But by recentering your awareness to the present moment, you will gain the clarity you need in order to decide.
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Timestamps
[00:14] In today’s episode you’ll learn…
[00:58] Setting PRs
[03:27] The Mental Battle in Physical Challenges
[04:33] Applying Those Mental Techniques in Leadership
[09:08] Overcoming the Mind’s Traps in Leadership
[13:24] The Importance of Staying Present and Focused
[21:00] The Role of Goals and Intent in Overcoming Challenges
[24:24] Practical Steps to Gain Awareness and Control Over the Mind
[27:57] The Illusion of Time and Living in the Mind
[35:29] Understanding the Impact of Inner State on Life Experience
[36:40] Letting Go of Outcomes and Embracing the Present Moment
[37:29] Final Thoughts: Inner and Outer Takeaways
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