Never give up? – SHOUTOUT LA

Never give up. It’s advice that is thrown around daily – but is it always right? We asked some folks we admire about their thoughts around how to know when to give up and when to keep trying

Avon Rosales | Singer, Actress, Host, Performer, Livestreamer, Content Creator

This is a great question! This reminds me of the challenge I faced from the most recent decision I had to make recently which to come back here in the US with my family and leave my ambition in the entertainment industry behind. At that time, I had to ask myself this same heartbreaking question. I was torned between the unguranteed sustainability of my career in the Philippines and the security of opportunities the US could offer me together being around wiht my family. It was a tough decision to whether I continue (keep going) on the journey of pursiong my dreams with all the risk that goes with it or finally stop or give it up because it seemed to be not going anywhere after I have invested so much time, effort, and money. Read more>>

Hellena (the Karbdashian) | Food Blogger

Deciding whether to keep going or take a step back is often about finding alignment between purpose and wellbeing. When it comes to continuing, I remind myself of my purpose and the passion that sparked this journey in the first place. I focus on the vision and end goal, knowing that meaningful things don’t just unfold on their own — they’re nurtured with time, intention, and persistence. Staying connected to that purpose helps me stay grounded, even when the path feels challenging. Read more>>

Penelope Oliver | Activist, Policy Leader, Nonprofit Exec Director & Founder, Journalist, Human Rights advocate, Artist & Poet

As cliche as it sounds, I would say never give up. Instead, take time to use rejection as redirection, take time to rejuvenate, and then rest, rise, and resist. If something sparks ambition inside your heart, and gives you a glimmer and sparkle in your eyes when you talk about it, it’s still worth saving or fighting for, even if it takes a while. It is the darkest times when hope emerges more powerful than ever, as our ember of persistence, blazing the light for us to move forward and progress. To keep going is a form of resistance and a reflection of passion; to have the courage to keep trying and caring about what matters to you. Read more>>

Brett Ellen Block | Author, Screenwriter & Entrepreneur

Giving up isn’t failure. It’s giving yourself permission to bookmark the moment and come back to it if or when you’re ready. I’d published five novels, which had won awards and been translated into a number of languages around the world, then my mother suffered a medical tragedy. I shelved my writing career and spent the next decade as her caregiver. After she passed, I assumed I’d never write again. Being an author felt like a long-forgotten version of me. Then I read about a contest for unpublished novels, dusted off an idea I’d started ages ago, entered and won. Within two weeks, I signed with a new literary agent and we started preparing to shop the book. Read more>>