How do you know when you should keep going versus when it makes sense to cut your losses and try something new? It’s a difficult decision most entrepreneurs and creatives have faced along their journey and so we asked some brilliant folks from the community to share their thoughts.

Ashley Lewis | Blogger, Singer, and Natural Hair Beauty Microinfluencer

In a fast paced world that is social media centered and everyone looking for the next big trend, you can feel the pressures of, “where do I and what I do fit into all of this?” There’s also insecurities and comparison that comes into play and not to mention the pressures of trying to keep up. But what keeps me going is remember my “why”. Why do I operate in any of my creative outlets? at the core, I want to help people, even if it’s just one person. I want to help them heal, grow, learn, find hope and purpose. That is at the center of all that I do. Read more>>

Anthony LaFleur II | Photographer & Creative Entrepreneur

I believe obstacles are inevitable to come our way in life. However, with unmerited grace and favor from God’s almighty hand, why would you give up? There have been times when I wanted to give it all up; I felt completely overwhelmed with all of the things I’ve let become an issue. And — that’s because I (emphasis on the “I”) let it become an issue. It takes a lot of reflection, humility, talks with God, and meditations to notice the amount of stress we place on our eown self. We’re blessed with a life that has unlimited possibilities. Giving up is just not a choice. Read more>>

Tiffany McKinley | Professional Photographer

Owning a small business is stressful and challenging, especially when you give up your lifelong career to pursue it. Your world is suddenly focused on ‘what ifs’ and ‘just in cases’. I think the giving up thoughts cross all small business owners minds, especially in the beginning when things haven’t really picked up or aren’t yet steady. I, personally, stand by the old cliche ‘if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life’…and here we are. I love this. I love being creative and I love creating something that people will cherish for their entire lives. I mean, how cool is it that photos I have created hang on walls across the US? Seriously, so rad. Read more>>

Rachel M. Abrman | Licensed Professional Counselor

Keep on Going vs. Giving Up. Well, we have to evaluate and then again reevaluate our situation. Many times, we find ourselves going, and going, and just going yet not getting anywhere. A BIG part of my therapeutic approach is supporting my clients in being aware and observant in their decision making skills and how it effects them whether it is short term or long term. Many years ago, I had a unique dilemma myself and I had to revaluate on what decision to make. Read more>>