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.

Josh Alan | Artist

I love making things and will continue to do so whether or not I’m successful. I try my best to set my own bar. I don’t gauge the value of my work by any financial measure. I gauge it by my ability to find solutions and complete work. My reason for making “art” is that I love to solve problems. The best part of being an artist is getting to invent the problems that you want to solve. If I am able to find a practical or, if I flatter myself, beautiful solution then I consider that my success. There will always be discouragements and moments of doubt. You’ll definitely want to quit at some point. Go ahead and factor that in to the equation. Stop buying in to magical thinking and you will find yourself more grateful for even the small victories. Read more>>

TOLU DADA | Musician / Music Producer / Artist

Here’s the thing, giving up is only an option when when your purpose is not aligning with your passion. I say that because in any endeavor i undertake i always ask myself is the act or process pushing me towards my purpose . I believe when you live on purpose the option to give up becomes only a temporary daydream because you know that your purpose must be fulfilled. Read more>>

Saida Carter | Style Curator & Designer

As a small business owner and creator I can spend my time thinking about giving up a lot. However, I’ve found that it wastes time that I could be gaining inspiration or focusing on a plan that would push away that doubt. I recently caught a clip of a Diana Ross interview. In that interview she reminded me that every time you create a positive thought, your mind creates a negative one. So since the mind creates both, which one are you going to give out of your time. So my thinking is, I will keep going and I will be successful on my now terms. If there is anything that gets in the way of that, that is life but I won’t waste time mulling over the negatives. Read more>>

LaKisha Mosley | Chief Blogger, Event Producer & Podcaster

Giving up is never an option!! You have to keep going. Now they may be a detour or two. Maybe even take a different path but giving up is not ever an option. I would say if something didn’t work out as planned you may have to regroup or go back to the drawing board. Or you may have to totally revamp the idea but giving up is not an option. Read more>>