There are moments in life when I want to give up. All it takes is one discouraging phrase, one disgusted look, or one disheartening experience. I’m done. Throw in the towel. Pack it up. Let’s go home.
But then there is a unique moment. A moment when I can choose to believe the discouragement or I can choose another direction. I can choose belief, faith, hope, trust… It’s a critical moment. Don’t give up!
Photo Courtesy of Lara Cores (cc)
It’s hard to put yourself out there. You never know what people are going to say or do. But you can’t let that stop you. You are a leader. You have a voice. You can move forward! During those critical moments before giving up, these 5 things that run through my mind.
#1 Remember your first day
Go back to that day of decision. The day that you decided to take on this challenge. Whether it’s fitting into a new role, speaking up, writing, or loving your family, just take a moment to remember. The first day is a special day. It’s the day of vision, calling, and commitment. You dug deep and knew this was the right road. Sure, you’ve faced discouragement. But the call has not changed. Stay the course!
Never despise the day of small beginnings. Zechariah 4:10
#2 Reflect on your progress
Look how far you have come since that first day. Quickly list all of the new ideas, new skills, and new opportunities that have developed since then. Isn’t that amazing? It may be 1-2 things, but that is still more than before. One word of discouragement does not take away all of the growth and progress that has happened. Be thankful. Trust in God.
If God is for us, then who can be against us? Romans 8:31
#3 Recommit to the dream
There is a reason that you started. It is the dream to make a difference in the world. Sure, someone can say you are insignificant. But that doesn’t change the dream! Dreams rarely come to pass in one day, one year, or even in one decade! Most dreams are accomplished through small incremental steps each new day. Keep your eyes fixed on that attractive picture of a new reality. Recommit. Work hard.
Let us run with endurance, the race that is set before us! Hebrews 12:1
Photo Courtesy of Josiah Mackenzie (cc)
#4 Resist the voices of failure
It’s crazy how everyone has an opinion! Seriously. The moment you put yourself out there, the peanut gallery works overtime. Well, that’s just life. Don’t worry! Take the voices of discouragement and drown them out with the sound of everyday commitment. Sometimes the voice is in your head. It is your inner critic. Resist the urge to linger on those words. There is only one opinion that counts anyway…
Well done, my good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:21
#5 Rely on God
God gave you the courage to start on that first day. God guides you as you make progress. God gives you strength as you recommit to the dream. God has the last word in the chorus voices in your mind. If there is anyone that deserves credit at the beginning, middle, and end of this journey… it is God. Rely on Him — even in the midst of discouragement. God never fails. God is faithful.
He who began a good work in you is faithful to carry it to completion. Philippians 1:6
Don’t Give Up!
Discouragement is going to come your way. It is guaranteed. But what will you do in that critical moment. Will you listen to discouragement? Or will you lean in and stay the course? It is hard to live a life that is contrary to status quo. But you represent the Kingdom on earth. You can do it. Don’t be afraid. Don’t give up! You are an Everyday World Changer. Start today!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go! – Joshua 1:9
