There’s an old Chinese saying that states: “The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.” That is so true, I believe.
Whether you set to achieve a tough goal or a get a simple task done, most people follow a very common pattern. I often find myself in exactly that situation. Let’s take an example to make this a little bit more clear: You want to start up your own business, and of course you want it to be successful. Then, it goes like this. First there is the easy part, like registering your company, getting your phone contract arranged, having a logo, business cards and a website to design, etc. Often more time-consuming than you think, but not hard.
But then, elephants show up on the road. Actually, I would like you to imagine that. There is a one-way road (your road to success) with canals on both sides (that represent failure). Suddenly, as you drive through the night, an elephant shows up on the road. Probably it is sleeping, and it blocks most of the road. What do you do?
- You wait until the elephant wakes up and leaves. Risky, because it might crush you! That means game over
- You turn around and go back. You won’t reach your destination then. Game over
- You drive into the canals. Game over (and a wet suit!)
- Kill the elephant (bastard!) And you’ll be sure it keeps blocking most of the road
- You try to get passed the elephant. Difficult, but it might work
Of course you will try to get passed the elephant! However…
Why is it that in life’s big and small challenges, people usually give up and do not try to get passed the elephant? Simple: because the Chinese are right! It is easiest to quit just before you are about to succeed. Remember that, when you face a challenge! Do you go for the challenge, and take the sweet taste of satisfaction, or do you give up simply because it’s easier than facing the challenge?
How often did you give up? Think about it. And why did you give up? Because it was easy!
Photo by Lisa2324
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