Just Give Up

I find myself submersed in the can-do subculture of constantly working toward finding balance, where "to get something done" one should "give it to a busy person", always thinking "of others before myself" and in all I do "NEVER GIVE UP". Except- I don't think there's anything wrong with giving up. It just has a bad name.

"He's in a dead end job because he gave up on high school."

"That old woman is bitter because she gave up on love."

"That girl wasted her talent because she gave up piano practise."

Shaming aside, let's take a moment to think about always, forever, never. Life doesn't need sold boundaries. It's ok if you eat unhealthy food now and again or go to bed really late once in a while. Memories aren't made by always going to bed at 9 o'clock. Similarly there's "too much of a good thing"- you can drink too much water or over exercise. If you never contact germs your immune system mightn't be as strong. Never say never (just because it's a cliché, doesn't mean it isn't true).

Absolutes aside, the whole idea of "Giving Up" isn't exactly embraced either. If (insert genius here) had given up, they wouldn't have achieved (the greatest thing since sliced bread). Only they did give up. Just not on their dream. They probably gave up relationships, sleep, even other possible life paths. Blind perseverance doesn't achieve anything.

This afternoon, I was trying to crack an old combination lock I'd lost the code for. Turns out it was a lot more difficult than the youtube videos made out. I could've kept trying, maybe if I hadn't given up I'd have opened the lock. More likely I'd still be trying now and I wouldn't of written this post, finished that homework, done that drawing or watched that documentary. Giving up allowed me to take control of my time and feel satisfied with my day.

I think the real way to be successful is to know what you want and go out and get it.  And never forget to give up anything standing in your way!

xx