How to Develop a Mindset that Doesn't Quit

By Roger Crawford. This was originally published on Roger's blog.

Have you ever wondered why some people, when pursuing their goals, face adversity, get knocked down and then knocked out? While others, encountering similar circumstances, bounce back from their challenges, stay motivated, and remain focused.

The difference between these two types of people is a never quit mindset.  No matter what you do, challenges in life and work are expected; giving up, however, is optional!

In over 33 years of speaking to organizations worldwide, here’s what I have found. You can develop and improve a never quit mindset, and it will become your competitive edge.

People who refuse to quit are driven by commitment, not by their feelings.

If you allow feelings to determine your actions, then motivation will be sporadic. When you feel good, you’re inspired; when you feel bad, uninspired.

This is not what I’ve seen in people with a never quit mindset. At times they may also feel like giving up, but they choose not to. Here’s why. They have made a commitment to stay the course, no matter what. Our feelings may not be consistent, but our commitment can be. Consistent action with consistent commitment is what can set you apart from everyone else.

To maintain a never quit mindset, remember that commitments are more powerful than goals.

We have all set goals, faced resistance, and then decided to give up. When we make a commitment, however, we are emotionally connected to the outcome. A commitment is an unbreakable promise to yourself that you will find a way to succeed.

The next time you feel like quitting, try looking at it from a different perspective.

Giving up will surely deny you a valuable learning opportunity. Whether you succeed or fail, you can learn and grow from both experiences.

A key to sustaining perseverance is staying focused on the rewards of never quitting, regardless of the outcome. Your dreams and vision of what you can accomplish are too important for you to give up. When your path to success is clear and commitment to stay the course is rock solid, you’ll find a way to go from where you are to where you want to be.

Now a never quit mindset doesn’t mean you won’t have to alter your plans to get where you want to go. Kayambila Mpulamasaka, cofounder of LinkedIn, said, 

“When things don’t go according to plan, plan according to how things go.” Because we live in a world of constant change, be prepared to adapt and adjust.

Resist thinking about a setback in global terms.

In other words, don’t believe that since you failed in one area, you are an overall failure. This causes self-doubt, thoughts of quitting, and disabling self-pity. When you feel sorry for yourself, you tend to blame others and overlook your own responsibility. Certainly, we all encounter difficulties that are not our fault, for which we’re not responsible. Regardless, all of us are responsible for our responses to life’s ups and downs. Embracing responsibility for our attitudes and actions is central to a never quit mindset. My cherished friend, W. Mitchell, says,

“How you respond to your circumstances determines the course of your life.”

Decide today that you won’t quit. Don’t let challenges or another person convince you that you can’t do it.

To do something incredible, give yourself something incredible to do, and never give up!

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