To pivot or to persevere? Or more bluntly – to give up or to not to give up? This is a haunting question, a question that has ramifications far after an answer has been chosen and it’s also a question that almost everyone in our community has had to face at one time or another. How do you know when to give up and when to keep trying?

Riane N. Sharp | Chief Inspirer at RianeInspires & Attorney

There is power in both decisions. Giving up is not a sign of weakness as it might sound. Instead lets reframe giving up as “pivoting” or “changing direction.” We will encounter many experiences and embark on many endeavors for reasons and seasons, not everything we will do is meant to last a lifetime. Understanding and embracing that is part of the secret sauce. While we may learn lessons, gain insight, and prepare for the next experience, we often cannot get to the next level if we are afraid to let go of where we currently are. Similarly, someone who keeps going when they should pivot or change direction could simply be wasting valuable time trying to do something that was not meant for them to do, or rather not meant for them to do forever. So how do you know when to pivot or persevere? You have to take be honest about why you are inclined to do either, because there are good and bad reasons for both. Read more>>

Allen Witcher | Artist, Director, Editor.

If you are truly doing what leads you to the accomplishment of those goals and dreams you have set for yourself, if you are focused purely on that purpose, that vision of your future, then there is nothing that could deter you from that path or end goal. No force that could stop you from moving forward in your purpose. You overcome all things that would appear as obstacles. Even the difficult parts are a necessary part of the whole. There would be no highs without lows, no light without dark, that is the universal balance. The ebb and flow of the universe. To see from that angle one would have to watch from above and be detached from the current situations of thought. In those small moments of doubts or emotional overloads you have to ground yourself and breath. Zoom out, in a sense, and re examine the big picture.. the big goal.. the end result you have envisioned for your journey. And focus on that. What keeps you going? If it’s rooted in your truth. No need to waiver. Go be great. Change the World. Read more>>

Lillian Lee | Writer | Producer | Director | CEO

At the age of 20 when a curve ball disrupted my life’s plans causing a new journey to begin with many detours to follow. Becoming pregnant at the age of 20 while in the thick of chasing my dreams changed the trajectory of my pursuit. The many obstacles and challenges I faced led me down a spiraling patch into the land of being lost and overwhelmed. I lost my sense of self and purpose. The once confident young girl that was very sure of who she wanted to be and what she would be doing in life didn’t quit carry over into my adulthood like I had planned. I became a SINGLE mother with NO help, never has there been a co-parenting situation for me. It was all on me to figure out how to survive and provide for my son who later was diagnosed with autism. The journey to my dreams became more further and further into the distance, seeming as if I would never catch my dreams. I would cry and pray to GOD because it felt like I had been forgotten and counted out. Read more>>

Sean Robinson | Cinematographer & Photographer

I find that giving up is a fairly simple thing to do. If you’re meant for something, or find a true passion for something, it almost consumes you. It’s on your mind before you finally fall asleep at night, and right there in the morning when you open your eyes. I’ve found that when it comes to things I can’t be fully invested in, I tend to allow my concentration to sway in another direction very easily and slowly start to lose interest. However, just because you find that true interest doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t run into pitfalls and bumps along the way. Absolute perseverance will always push through when doubts and negativity start to block your path. Read more>>

Jada Haynes | M.B.A & Entrepreneur

“It’s hard to wait around for something you know might never happen; but it’s harder to give up when you know it’s everything you want.” – Karan Gaur As a young female baller growing up, I refused to believe that I was not going to make it to the WNBA. For 14 years of my life, I dedicated blood, sweat, and tears to the game of basketball with hopes of becoming one of the best woman players in the country. I was committed to outwork my competition and practice every single day to perfect my skill set. So, it was only right, as I felt, that the reward of my hard work would be recognized publicly and nationally on a larger platform in the league. However, the more I strived for perfection, the tougher it became for me to navigate. As I elevated to next levels of basketball, the challenges and adversities became more than I was equipped to deal with. Read more>>

Princess DeGreat | MUA

I personally believe giving up is NEVER a option ! Why start something if your not going to commit and go through with it. Read more>>

Mallorie Robinson | Web Designer

Just understand that there is an exchange for every decision you make in this lifetime with deciding between the two. If you give up to early you never get past the trials and into the capacity where your hard work has paid off and celebrated. On the other end, I have learned that failing to quit is a failure to learn. Not evolving and staying on the same detrimental path can cost you a lot more than just your pride and ego. However, if you are one of those people like me who don’t take no for an answer, understand that you cannot serve from an empty cup, especially if you have come into your purpose. I am a firm believer in maintaining a healthy environment for growth and guarding your state of mind. Just simply put, protect your peace. I can’t create if my cup is empty. If something in life has drained you spiritually, physically, and most importantly in my book, financially, my friend it may be time to take a break and re-strategize. Read more>>

Prophetess Cassandra Rainey | Minister of The Gospel, Entrepreneur, Author, Intercessor & Prayer Warrior

I am a firm believer that whatever is in my heart that I will be committed to seeing it through. I will remain determined to completing any task/project as long as it is in my heart to do so. Once my passion or I should say my desire to keep pushing has left then and only then will I withdraw from moving forward. One thing that I have discovered and know for sure is that my passion fuels my purpose that gives me the power to keep on moving forward. Once my desire to pursue anything task, project or assignment, my motivation/drive is no longer there. Therefore, I know longer have any interests in pursuing something where I have no desire or heart in obtaining these goals. Read more>>