My wife and my daughters just before a pitch.
As I’ve recently shared I’ve been spending a lot of time traveling, speaking with the intent of building interest around the startups that I lead – it’s tough and there’s nothing easy about it. As a result I look to shortcut as many things as possible, streamline the work so that it can be done optimally, and find the support that I need to continue pressing on.
But nothing supports as well as my family – those that know me the best and know how to provide just the right touch at the right time. For example, just before a critical angel investment pitch my wife texted me out of the blue stating that she was going to bring the girls up through Atlanta traffic and grab me some dinner to give me that extra boost.
I nearly melted – it’s exactly what I needed (and she intuitively knew it). It had been an incredibly rough week with more than a few ups and downs, with a bunch of side-to-sides in the mix as well. I had been in the middle of rehearsing my pitch and been nervously re-calibrating the points when the text came in and from then on all I could think about was seeing the smiling faces of my family.
And that made all the difference. I gave them the biggest hugs and kisses I could muster without tears and held my smallest for as long as I possibly could. They only stayed but 15 minutes although they had made an hour drive just for me. It’s these types of things that keep me inspired, keep me going, and help me to remember that I can’t give up on my dreams.
My family is counting on it.
That was 2 weeks ago and that feeling has long-since evaporated. That’s just part of being human – you easily forget the deep rooted sources of passion and energy as life takes it’s inevitable toll on you, your schedule, and ultimately your emotions. Every week you need to get that support, again, and again, and again.
Like this past week which totally kicked my butt. Sheesh, I feel like someone threw me under a lawnmower or something.
Thankfully the support that I needed came but this time it came via my father who has given me some of the best advice in the world (he modeled it, never explicitly sat me down and taught me it):
Don’t ever give up.
It was just what I needed this week because this week I had gotten seriously beat up – lots of work and the challenge of making very difficult choices. The circumstances were set to create a perfect storm.
And instead of the storm completely swallowing me whole I was able to make it out in the clear, in really good shape. What’s great about this little token is that I use it for my weekly runs – I try to do about a 4.5 mile circuit near my house and it takes me about 50 minutes or so. Half-way through, without fail, I want to quit, turn around, and walk back home.
I hate running. But, I love it too. It’s not just good for my health – it also provides me context and the freedom to think clearly and some of the best ideas for the businesses that I run and the applications I get to build have come to me on that 4.5 strip. It’s now an essential part of my week.
But isn’t it crazy that although I’m so dependent on that run and need it so badly that I still want to quit, every single time, around the half-way mark (and especially the last 10%). Sure, it’s just simple physical fatigue but our desire to quit isn’t just limited to that experience; we are challenged to quit spiritually, emotionally, and relationally all the time (and sometimes for good reasons) – especially when it’s getting tough and when you’re near the end.
You can’t give up. You must never give up. Your dreams, your passions, and those that you love are counting on it. This isn’t about being stupid and blindly running down a path with no clue as to what you’re doing – just like a scripted and planned jog around my neighborhood I know where I’m headed and I see the end in sight. I have a clear picture of where I want to be and I want it badly.
I just can’t quit before I get there and neither can you.
Your blog, your startup, your business – they all exist to challenge you to stick with it. Will you?
Very very nice write and thank you so much for sharing
it holds so many good advices and lessons 
sure thing naved!
Your blog was very inspiring! I recently wrote a blog about never giving up, as well.
where is the post?
You are so right. I’ve only been blogging for a few months and gone through a couple of stressful, discouraging periods during that time, wondering if it was wort it.
I have found that it is, you just have to keep pushing through, that’s what successful people do.
don’t ever stop.
Such an encouragement. Thanks John.
sure thing ben! hope things are going well!
You bet! Extremely important to remember those three words: Never give up.
can’t forget!
Thank you for the post and the reminder that we do this for our families and to make a better life (besides the fact that I blog because otherwise my head would explode!!)
i think the same thing at times….!
Thanks. Needed this today! Well-timed inspiration.
sure thing jo!
This was great encouragement. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. I love it when I find sweet notes and drawings in my notebook right before I speak. “I Love You, Mommy” goes a long way and keeps me focused and motivated.
right on my door before i leave the house is a note from my girls that says “I love you daddy.”
#swoon
Sometimes I wonder if decisions I’ve made even make business sense. But then I look around and Evaluate and see my family counting on me. Working full time can’t be where GOD needs me, and I’m sure it will be revealed and I will continue to move forward, push forward. Keep it going John, your an inspiration to many.
thanks lincoln. our families are our legacy.
Great post.
I just experienced a disappointing, extremely frustrating weekend trying to move my free starter blog to the fancy new paid host blog. I work full time and have 2 small kids, ie I have very, very little time to “play” blogging… but I long to be a writer, and my blog is my version of that dream right now.
So tonight, pretty much ready to throw in the towel on my dream/hobby – I read this great advice. (And the engraved iPod from your DAD almost made me cry!)
So thanks. I hope you reach your dream, too!
tami,
i believe in you! the blog is a great place to start. you’re doing it right!
Dear Tami,
Do you need help moving your blog to the new solution?
I’m a graphic web designer and use WordPress. Check out my web portfolio.
Warm regards,
Daniel
“Never give up” saved my marriage and my life. The support of my husband and kids constantly recharges me. “Never give up” keeps me going when I am writing and feel stuck, when I am running and dealing with an injury, and when others let me down and disappoint me. My faith is built around never giving up on the One who never gave up on me. Very inspiring post.
kari,
amen and amen!
Thanks!
Hi John,
I was going through Google Reader and looking down through your writings and found this one to read. I’m on the edge of a new project and the only thing holding me back is the money question, should I pay out this much for hosting of three years, just to try a new idea. I live in Waxhaw NC and follow me @wxwnc and there a ton of woodturners all around me. I thought; last year in November when the economy was still tough as it is now for me, getting a freelance job, etc.; how can I make money when I reach my older years, what can I fall back on when I’m old and decrepit. I’m invested in the domain name, my old hosting is still there and I’ve got two projects recorded already. It’s been two weeks since my last recording and I’m still lacking confidence to start, why? How can I start writing, will people care if my first article is rusty about explaining the process?
Thanks for making your blog, it’s been helpful for me.
keep rocking it out bro! don’t give up!
Totally understand.
I was just at The Writing For The Soul Conference in February and had to pitch my novel. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my soul mate there to help balance my overwrought nerves. The emotional strain was terrible. But it was his note left in my suitcase that I found later which encouraged me. That, and so many people who prayed for me.
Spouses are wonderful, aren’t they? Even if we became more successful than Trump, our families could never be replaced by that affirmation.
wow. this is the truth! i love finding notes like that!
great article..i started blogging in 2011..most of my friends said i wold not get adsense approval since am from India..But i strongly believed that i would get the approval..and i got approved by google last month…”I never gave up ”