To persevere or to pivot is a question that do-ers have been asking themselves since the beginning of time. It’s never a straight road when you are doing something new, blazing a trail, breaking a ceiling, or pushing boundaries, so it’s only natural to wonder whether to give up midway. How do you know whether to keep going or to give up?

Asia Mills | Singer /Songwriter

If you truly love something or have a dream, why give up on it? Don’t let the thought of quitting ever cross your mind. It’s alright to take a step back and reevaluate your plans and goals to achieve what you desire. Always keep moving forward and remember that anything worth having requires hard work and perseverance. So, don’t ever stop fighting for what you want, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. Read more>>

Jamilia Thomas | Entrepreneur

Nothing worth having seldom comes easy. I was always taught, if you want something bad enough, you will work hard enough to get it. Your mentality should be forward focus. A tunnel vision. A “nothing can stop me” type of mindset. The reason being, so that you can pep-talk yourself through those times where you feel like you want to give up, to throw in the towel, or to second guess if your purposed for this. Read more>>

Sam Qavah John | Servant, Performer, Author, Leader, and Learner.

I ask myself what my 16-year-old version of me would want me to do. My story was bound by fate to end at 16, 18, 21, 23, and 25. So, when I question whether I should keep going in a project, in a challenge, or a new role, I always go back to that North Star. If he didn’t give up then, who am I to dishonor his choice and give up, now? Read more>>

Thomas Dear III | IT Professional & Author

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of middle schoolers at a Black Excellence Expo Event. I encouraged them to follow their dreams because you never know how far it will take you in life. I shared with them my journey as an author and how my children’s book, ‘Teddy Makes Cents,’ derived from a need. I was driven to write the book after witnessing students struggling with basic financial concepts during my time leading a Junior Achievement program. There were times when I wanted to give up because I had never written a book before in my life but that little voice in my head wouldn’t let me.  Read more>>

Safira | Independent Artist

I just know there is nothing else in the word that can make me as happy as making music. I can’t see myself doin anything else for the rest of my life, therefore giving up is not an option. Read more>>

Shenika Marie | Holistic Therapist. Shaman, Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Doswer, Sound Healing, Sacred Movement Specialist, Author, Arch-Angelic Practioner

When deciding whether to keep going or to give up depends on where the inspiration originated from. Having a heart to heart with yourself is essential asking, “Is this motivated from or born out of the need for money? Is it a need for help? Is it a passion that stems from my heart?” It is imperative to be still, meditate and listen for a response from God to know which direction you need to go. Allow yourself to go back to Source and determine is this in alignment with my life’s purpose at this time. I feel everything stems from the foundation of love so am I still feeling the love? If not, can the passion be reignited? Recognizing that motivation and reason behind the things we do can be lost if expectations are not met. Sometimes we get caught up on a thing because we invested so much time and money and stay there because of it. Sometimes we push when we need to flow and let go. All experiences allow us to grow and birth ourselves over and over again. Allow yourself to go and grow with the ebbs and flows of life. If love guides you to it, keep going, even if you have to pivot a time or two. That thing may need to be tweaked and shifted just a little to be able to succeed. Anything else outside of love, redirect and check-in is a must so you are not in a position of turmoil or regret. With love, you can keep going or give up and know the other side is ok. Read more>>

Bonnie Mosby | Master of Social Work Student & Mental Health and Performance Coach

I popped out of the womb playing sports. I am a black belt in taekwondo, blue belt in Brazilian jiujitsu, retired D1 Elite college rugby player, and have experience running track, playing soccer, cheerleading, weightlifting, and wrestling. Commitment and dedication were instilled in me at a very young age. So, knowing when to give up is something I have worked hard to learn. Here are my thoughts: Don’t wait until giving up is your only option, and nothing is important enough to sacrifice your favorite parts of yourself. Read more>>

LaKita Steele | Doctoral Candidate, Housing Mobility Board Director & Community Advocate

I believe at some point in everyone’s life, we’ve contemplated on giving up on something in life. Life often tests us and it’s during those challenging times our true strength emerges. My commitment to keep moving forward, even when faced with defeat, is commendable. “It’s got to get worse before it gets better.” This displays growth and transformation. Sometimes, the darkest hours pave the way for brighter days. When I feel like giving up, it’s essential to remember the impact I have on others—the inspiration I provide, the encouragement I offer, and the example I set. Read more>>