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.

Akar Green | Content Creator & Brand Collaborator

1. Tell us more about your art:
• I’m a fashion and lifestyle influencer, and my art lies in the way I present these elements through content creation. My journey into this space has been a huge learning experience, but it’s also what has shaped me into the creator I am today. From trying on different fits to exploring new places, I share it all with my audience, giving them a glimpse into my world. Read more>>

Maria Sole Quintili | Actress

If you like the person you are or the person you’re becoming, then you are on the right track. I never wonder if I have chosen the right path or not because I cannot imagine my life without acting: giving up is not a feasible option. More specifically, I only do what makes me grow: reading, studying, meeting people, exploring new places, experiencing new emotions, facing challenging situations, getting out of my comfort zone… Read more>>

Jacqueline Plante

I think this is a great reflection for every business owner to consider periodically. There are a few meters that I use to determine whether to keep moving forward or not: Am I still passionate about this work? Is my reason for starting this company still relevant? If I stop doing this, what would I do next? Do I feel like I’m still challenged to grow in new ways? Read more>>

Shane Soloski

More than any other place on earth, Los Angeles is truly the land of the dangling carrot. And that carrot is always right there in front of you, and just like in a cartoon, most of the time it’s ever so slightly, and incredibly painfully, barely out of our each. To add to this cosmic cruelty, nearly every time you consider giving up, almost without fail, fait steps in and allows you to ever so briefly grab a tiny piece of the carrot. Read more>>

George Tsereteli Ortiz

Too many times throughout my life I was *this* close to giving up on my dreams. But if it wasn’t for my great work ethic, my dreams would just be that – dreams. When people ask me how to convert those dreams into reality, I give them one simple word – work, work, work. Do not ever stop working. In the words of my mentor Hritik Mehta – “Work until the day you die, and when you do, work until you come back to life!” Read more>>

Tareq Alkhudari

Giving up is never truly an option for me. That’s not at all due to any blind confidence in my ability to accomplish everything. Being an Arab immigrant whose family survived an invasion [Desert Storm], I am rarely in situations where Flight or Fight are both equally possible options. It can be a privilege to have the choice to give up, let alone be presented as equal to the option to persevere. It’s what we call a Hobson’s Choice. Read more>>

Cristina / Andrea Ortiz

This is a question that speaks to everyone, whether you’re chasing athletic dreams, building a business, or tackling any kind of challenge. It’s something that touches all of us and is relevant no matter where you are in life. For us, we began with some clear promises. We set commitments to keep ourselves accountable and guide our choices. As long as we can stick to those promises, we know it’s not time to give up. Read more>>

Maka

Over the years I’ve experienced plenty of roadblocks and setbacks and problems when it comes to pursuing my music career. Of course at times the idea of doing something else (something easier) comes to mind, but at the end of the day, there isn’t anything else out there giving me the feeling of fulfillment that music does. That’s why I will never stop.Read more>>

Patrice Hodge

For me, giving up is something I have no desire to ever do because I know I have a purpose. However, that’s easier said than done sometimes. When you have so many trials and tribulations piled upon you, it could happen to you or a family member, and you carry a burden. Then it becomes a tough trial to handle while following your dreams, and at that point, you might want to give up. But there’s something about believing and trusting, having faith in God if you believe in God, and trusting in yourself. Read more>>