How do you know when you should keep going versus when it makes sense to cut your losses and try something new? It’s a difficult decision most entrepreneurs and creatives have faced along their journey and so we asked some brilliant folks from the community to share their thoughts.

Reem Ekay | Design Strategist + Project Designer

There are several factors that can incentivize someone during a day, a week, or a month. While a deadline usually does it; the tried-and-true motivation that keeps me going, even when motivation could take some time off, is knowing my why or my purpose. I believe that the place or point I have arrived at has taken a village and wherever I go or design, I move as a representation of my family, my peers, my mentors, and my community — especially as an Afro-Arab with a diverse cultural background. I believe that any design industry thrives and reflects off of the hands in the pot, and presence and representation in that sense matters. Not simply to claim attendance, but to contribute unique richness and insight. I try to always move, learn, and grow as a professional designer so that when I contribute to the design solution at hand, I do so with a unique and telling perspective that is reflective of my diverse experience around the world. Read more>>

Jay Bulloch | Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

You have to ask yourself, “is this really what is in my heart to do?” When I was younger, I wasn’t sure what to do with my life, but once I discovered Chinese medicine, it answered a lot of questions I had been struggling to find the answers to, both about my own health and life in general. I started to study it for my own benefit, but eventually I became so enthralled that there was nothing else I was interested in pursuing for a career. There were considerable obstacles and challenges to overcome to complete my formal education, but I was always clear on the what and why, so I just kept going. I think you have to find something that is aligned with your values that you really love. If what you are doing is the thing that is in your heart to do, you will find a way. Read more>>

Andrew Mackiewicz | Olympian & Creative

I believe many of us, including myself, grapple with this question repeatedly, especially in the realms of creativity, entrepreneurship, and athletics. It’s an inherent part of our journey as we navigate uncharted territories, whether within ourselves or in the world. For me, I’ve learned to find comfort in this discomfort because, ultimately, we don’t quit. We persevere. We endure the ambiguity and challenges because we are not quitters. It’s that simple. We understand that with every setback, there’s an opportunity for a comeback, and we’ve trained ourselves to be patient for those victories. So, yes, every day we wake up and question whether to keep going, but that’s precisely what keeps us moving forward. Read more>>