Do quitters sometimes prosper?

If not giving up was always the right answer life would be so easy. History shows us that sometimes quitters prosper and sometimes they miss out. Knowing when to quit and when to keep going is one of the most difficult questions and so we asked folks we admire to tell us how they think through this question.
As a startup, the odds of success are stacked against you. Rad is definitely no exception. I think being a startup CEO I’ve learned how to be “blind” to rational thought. While everyone has a different journey, I believe the path is what reveals the next steps. What I mean by this is when you’re tinkering, learning or doing whatever…. This “new idea” needs the failures to create meaningful feedback. And continued feedback into an idea or new business concept is what creates success. Oftentimes people quit too early for whatever reason. Sometimes the answer is that the original business idea was wrong. If your mindset is “feedback based” opposed to “failure based”, then pivoting the business based on specific learnings is a great way to win. Read more>>
I think it’s safe to say every self-starter lives this question on a daily basis. Perhaps that’s presumptuous of me, but I feel for most people at the beginning, our brains and our hearts are in constant battle. We live in a culture groomed specifically to idolize stardom and wealth, and those ideals can sometimes stand at complete odds with the realities of the creative process. We turn to our idols for inspiration when we lack personal assuredness, but forget that it’s easy for successful people to champion tenacity — they’ve already done it and are there. I’d argue in those moments of self-doubt, it’s more important to tap in with yourself than with famous people for this very reason. Read more>>
This really is the big question, isn’t it. When do we say, “I can’t take this anymore, for once I just want to pay a bill on time.” I might be a good person to answer this question, because I did give up; twice in fact. I think my best approach to answering this question might be by sharing a bit of my personal experience. My pursuit of the arts started at 18, right after high school, I had no interest in post-secondary education, music superstardom had been the only thing on my mind since I was 14 years old. I was lucky, I came from both a musical and encouraging family, I had a positive support system from the get-go. But even with a solid group of friends and family rooting for me, the next 12 years in music didn’t result in a sustainable career. Read more>>
I would say to make sure that what you are doing is something you are truly passionate about. I’ve held many jobs throughout my life and moved on from them if I didn’t feel they brought me true happiness. It’s okay to step away and start from scratch, it doesn’t matter how old you are, there is no limit, as long as you are willing to continue and start again. Once you find what you feel is your true calling, you’ll know it because the long nights and overtime won’t feel as heavy. Even then, you’re bound to face some obstacles along the way, perhaps even shift away from the original plan, and that’s okay, as long as it’s something you are passionate about. Read more>>
When you are passionate about something with talent, drive and determination, giving up is not an option. Of course, when things get difficult, or seem impossible ,the thought may enter your mind. However right at that moment, you must find that inner strength to keep going and remember that the goal is within reach. Surround yourself with genuine people who will guide, uplift and motivate you to greatness. There were many times I was afraid and wanted to give up but as I look back at my career, I’m so happy I didn’t give up. If I had , I would have missed out on so many amazing opportunities. Lastly, just because you fail doesn’t mean to give up , it means to get up and keep going until your craft is perfected. Read more>>