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?

Terrance Sims | Actor

Man where to begin….Well I’ve been pursuing acting for over 9 years now and I’ve been through it all. Financially, emotionally, and physically. It’s been times I really wanted to give up but my faith in God and family kept pushing me. I love them all dearly and can’t wait to show them what all my hard work has been doing. Read more>>

Monterio Caldwell | Actor

Personally, I feel like if you’re pursuing something that you can quit then that’s not your purpose. I believe everybody on this Earth has a calling or a purpose. Sometimes it takes awhile to find what your purpose is in life. It might take failing at different things to find your true purpose. Your purpose is something you need to do no matter what the outcome may be. That means being persistent even if you’re being told no thousands of times. When you find your purpose, you’ll know it. It’s a special feeling you’ll get inside every single time you do it or think about it. Nothing and nobody can steer you away from your purpose when you’ve found it. You just have to have tunnel vision and go at it with full force. I’m a firm believer that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to see it through. Read more>>

Essence To Crux Theatre | Theatrical Productions with Grit

There have been many junctures where we have wrestled with the idea of liquidating Essence To Crux and hanging up our production hats, but each time we were able to convince ourselves to try one more time with new tactics in place in order to rectify previous shortcomings. When we are met with struggles and strife, we reconnect with one another, have honest discussions about what we need on an individual level and what our partnership is lacking. We discern what needs to change. Then, we dive deeply into the art that recharges us most and collaborate with new artists in refreshing ways. We try again but differently; fail again but grander than the time before, and suddenly the magic is back. In this time of COVID-19, we are certain now more than ever that life without Essence To Crux is lackluster at best. We have had countless talks about how much we miss theatrical production and how hard this community-wide “intermission” has been for everyone. Read more>>

Michael Gudger

There are many factors to consider on whether to keep going or to give up. From a business perspective, if the funds are available to continue it can take time for a new idea to bear fruit. If the funds are not available, I don’t believe it is wise for a business owner to go into personal debt on an experiment. You need some portion of the business producing enough revenue to cover the cost of experimenting with new ideas. Once the funds for a new idea are available, I give new ideas at least 1 year of effort. If after a year there appears to be nothing in the pipeline from the efforts, I would give up on the idea. If there are solid leads and potential sales in the pipeline, I would continue. Bottom line, you have to be honest with yourself as to whether or not you have real leads and prospects for any new business idea. Read more>>