It seems society is keen on shaming people when their dreams aren`t big enough, or quit a bad idea. The norm is to hustle, put in the time daily and keep pushing on until you succeed, regardless of whether of not the venture is successful or not. That to me is as cruel as telling a terminally ill patient that they should keep fighting even when the likeliness of remission in very low.
My friend is emotional and so am I. I have let go of many ventures, some I sold. Some I erased. Some I turned into something new. Whatever the changes, it`s never easy and it always hurts.
This is the best advice I have ever received. Continuing on an endevour that makes you miserable or has no growth is not healthy. To hustle over work usually brings success. But when the hustle spins your wheels and the passion you started out wanes, then its time to move on.
In this day and age of social media spin doctors, it`s very easy to look good even the reality says otherwise. The look of success, Photoshop diets and wrinkle jobs never will translate to who you are in real life. However, vulnerability is a very attractive quality. If you don`t believe me, consider Oprah.
Consider her public struggle with weight gain, her much publicized legal battles, her attempts to be charitable have been hampered by the scandal of abuse in her charities. Does these failures make her a bad person? No. The transparency of her life makes her real, relate-able and beautifully imperfect.
Even when she admittedly wanted to lose it, she kept on and did what she had to do, right under the public eye.
To be resourceful in the face of turmoil is a talent. When all you have constructed around you falls apart and those you could count on are no longer there, your ability to quickly switch gears and gather the help you need will mean your survival.
No one will be better qualified to say “keep on keeping on” or “let it go” than you. So when you have made the decision, stick to your guns and look for the next successful venture.
XoX, Elaine Biss
