If not giving up was always the right answer life would be so easy. History shows us that sometimes quitters prosper and sometimes they miss out. Knowing when to quit and when to keep going is one of the most difficult questions and so we asked folks we admire to tell us how they think through this question.

Lucas Aoki | Visual Artist

I think identifying our fears is key. By taking the moment to go through our emotions and understand whether the block (whatever it may be) is a form of escape or an actual way to protect ourselves from a hurtful experience. I believe that most creative situations present some sort of challenge that we can benefit from or learn something new that turns into self-growth. Now, the biggest problem is to get stuck in self-analysis and overthink. Even though the first step is the hardest, I often feel the answers come with the act of doing, making, taking one step at a time. If something feels really foreign to you or too strange, you will know. Then you will have to ask yourself whether the thing you are doing has a connection with you, your way of thinking, your goals, etc.. Read more>>

Kari Breitigam | Artist & Jeweler

I guess my decision to keep going rests in three questions – do I have passion for what I am doing? do I believe in myself and my work? and do I get satisfaction from doing the work? If the answer to all three of these is yes, then I know I should keep going. It can be difficult to keep at it when it feels like the work isn’t getting the attention, financial payoff, or whatever it is you’d ideally like to see result from the work. But I don’t think a lack of results is reason enough to give up on something you love to do. You may need to re-strategize – keep a day job for the time being, take some classes to hone your craft, do your market research, figure out supplemental income, etc. – but as long as the passion is there you keep going. I think that’s the only way to live a fulfilling life. Read more>>

Loretta Rodman | Owner & Head Baker

A business, is a lot like a relationship. You have to view and weigh out all your options before you throw in the towel It is definitely not easy and people will always have opinions on how you should run your business. It is important to keep focus and remember the reason why you decided to take a chance on yourself. If you need help, ASK! Find a Mentor or connect with local Small Business Owners to take advantage of free courses and information that is available to you. If you never try, you’ll never know. Read more>>

Kelanie Watty | Small Business Owner & Flight Attendant

As a young child, it was always instilled in me to finish what I started. I was always surrounded by people with great work ethic and a can do attitude. If you’re truly passionate about you craft or anything in life in general, you’ll find certain ways/things to not allow you to get to that “giving up” mindset. Working diligently on your business and knowing things aren’t going to happen overnight. If you put in consistent work, you’ll soon begin seeing positive results. Slow and steady wins the race. Don’t give up, keep going. Read more>>

Christene ARchie | Executive Artistic Director

Starting a business comes with its own difficulties. Many times a business is started out of a desire to fulfill a need or a desire to be an answer to a need. But when you are a creative being, the business mechanics can often adversely effect your creativity. In the beginning phase, it often feels like you have been “grounded” for a season. That’s why it is important to keep the “why” in the fore front of your mind, especially at the beginning. You will have to continue to ask yourself, “Why am I doing this” or “Why should I continue to do this”. As long as you always have a answer to your “why”, then the answer to your “why” will always be the reason you should keep going and not give up! It’s also important that your “why” is not primarily financial gain. Success is not only measured in profits, but also through impact and effectiveness. Read more>>