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?

MaryLanae Linen | Filmmaker, Writer, Costume Designer

I always think about my past self and my future self. My past self could be that child in me that was bullied, wasn’t listened to, always felt lost, and always felt lonely. But she had so many dreams. She wanted to be everything: a lawyer, a fashion designer, an actress, etc. And she worked so hard for so long. Putting relationships on hold, moving across the country away from her family, her safety net, and the life she’s always known. Read more>>

Kiley Ames | Artist & Swim Coach

I’ve been asking that question every since I was professional athlete prior to pursuing my art career. What I realized through athletics and carried over into the arts, is that sometimes the amount of work you put, the heart and passion you put into something, doesn’t always give you the outcome you want. When I’ve been frustrated or upset, whether it was athletics or art, I ask myself would I be happier if I didn’t try or put myself in those positions to risk “failure”. And the answer has always been that I would be miserable without it so I keep going and know, especially in the arts, it’s all I want to do. Read more>>

Kostas Siozos | Musician

Keep going or give up? Well I don’t like to give up easily. When someone tells me “oh man forget it, it’s never gonna happen”, that moment I am “I’ll prove you that you’re wrong”. Usually you know when is time to give up and move forward with something else. You know, your heart and your guts can tell you exactly what to do. So just trust them and don’t pay attention what other people say, they speak with their own experiences. I mean I know sometimes some of our goals are hard to achieve and you might be tired keep trying, but the moment that you’ll think to give up, this is the right time to keep going. Read more>>

Charlie Bellarose | Actor & Filmmaker

I don’t think anyone should give up on something they are passionate about, even if sometimes it feels like the path towards our goal is never ending. Most things take time and I think we should learn to enjoy the journey. Sometimes it’s tough when we see others with similar goals succeed before we do, but it’s important not to compare ourselves to others because we are all on a different life path and what might work for one person, may not work for another. Read more>>

Ulato Sam | Actor & Performing Artist

When I question whether to keep going or to give up, I take a moment to reflect, zone in and listen. I’ve found that in this stillness the smallest and most subtle affirmations find me and often lead to large and obvious ones. The affirmations can take different forms like a message from a stranger or loved one who saw my work and sent a quick message, or a gentle smile that hugs my face when I think of the personal accomplishment I didn’t share with anyone. Read more>>