“Quitting is never easy.”
Well, this isn’t always the case.
There are plenty of situations when quitting is the easiest solution—the quick way out. This, of course, doesn’t mean it’s always the right way to go.
There’s a lot to consider before you decide to pull the plug on a job, a project, a relationship.
I’ve probably faced this type of situation more than the average human being, and guess what? I’m making some pretty hardcore, bold, life changing decisions this year (2015).
And so it crossed my mind, why not write a post about quitting? Here it is.
Am I really worried about myself? Or am I worried about what others will think of me?
This is a big one!
I’ve made a good amount of important decisions on the past based on what others would think of me. The fear of judgment was a heavy factor when I had to make an important decision.
I didn’t want to look bad. I didn’t want to feel bad.
It’s needless to say that making decisions based on what others may think of you is a huge mistake.
You will look bad, you will get frustrated, and you will feel terrible.. you will let yourself down.
Fast forward many years. Today I never make an important decision based on what others will think of me. I do consider what effect my decision will have on others. I don’t want to go hurting people just because I believe it’s what’s best for me.
But don’t get me wrong, in the end, I will always choose me. And no, it’s not a selfish act. It’s loving you first, always—no matter what.
Another huge point I never considered in the past was the “why’s”.
Consider your why’s.
Why do you want to end your relationship? Why do you want to quit your job? Why do you want to move to another country? Why do you want to sell your stuff and travel the world?
Considering your why’s is really important.
Although it’s a huge deal of the decision-making process, it’s also dangerous.
When you start playing around with the reasons why you want to do (or stop doing) something, your fears will kick in faster than you could imagine.
And that’s when we kill our dreams, that’s when we take the easy way out.
Why?
Because we seek the easy way out. Quitting your job, selling your stuff and moving to another country ISN’T easy. Your brain will do whatever is in its power to talk you out of it, and in most cases, it will win.
Pay attention, ask yourself the right questions. Don’t be hasty to spill out the answers. Take your time.
Think about how your decision will affect your life in the long run. It’s ok to be afraid. Really, it is.
Will it hold me back or propel me forward in the long run?
Sometimes when making important decisions we trick ourselves into thinking it will hold us back. When in reality, it’s kicking us forward.
Your decision may set you up for a season of new challenges to overcome, it may put you face to face with your worse fears.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you made the wrong decision, or that it’s holding you back. It may feel that way, but try to envision how it will look in the long run.
Many years from now, will you be happy or sad that you’ve decided to quit your dead-end job?
We’re not looking for the easy way out, we’re looking for the BEST way forward.
What are my options?
It doesn’t matter the situation you currently find yourself in. You do have options, whether you see them or not, they’re there.
Along with knowing your “why’s”, knowing your options is also a big deal.
If you can’t find your options, try to let go of the idea for now. Keep an open mind, but let go of your thoughts for a day or two. Do something fun, read a book.
The options will usually present themselves to you when you least expect. And not rarely, you will automatically know which is “the one”.
Be 100% honest.
If you’re still making decisions based on what people will think of you out there, stop.
Start being brutally honest with yourself. This is the only way to go.
No, it’s not easy. Being honest will bring your fears alive, it will push people away.
But in the end, it’s the only way to go if you want to make the right decisions in life.
It comes with a price, indeed, but it’s worth it.
A chance to do new things, make new mistakes.
Always remember when you’re deciding if the time is right to quit. Starting over is a great opportunity to create new things, experience new moments, make new mistakes.
This is all part of being alive.
We’re conditioned to believe that we should follow the path that someone laid down for us. And if we dare to wonder outside of that path bad things will happen.
That’s a load of crap.
Keep an open mind, don’t let your emotions cloud your thinking when making important decisions. Know that feeling afraid is normal, but never allow it to keep you from making a decision.
If anything, feeling fear can be a huge indicator that you’re moving in the right direction.
Remember:
There’s always an opportunity to start over.