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“How I Keep Going When I Feel Like Giving Up”&

Practical steps to find hope, clarity, and motivation during tough times.

By Ghalib KhanPublished 3 months ago 3 min read

There are moments in life when the weight of challenges feels unbearable. It may be the disappointment of a failed plan, the exhaustion of chasing a goal for too long, or the heartbreak of unexpected setbacks. In those moments, giving up often feels like the easiest choice. But through experience, I’ve learned that these very moments can shape me the most—if I choose to keep going. Here’s how I find the strength to move forward when quitting seems like the only option.

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1. Acknowledge the Struggle Instead of Ignoring It

The first step is always honesty. When I feel like giving up, I don’t try to suppress it or pretend I’m fine. I admit to myself, “This is hard.” By facing the struggle head-on, I give myself permission to feel tired, frustrated, or even hopeless. Paradoxically, this makes me stronger, because ignoring pain only makes it grow louder. Naming the problem makes it manageable.

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2. Remembering My “Why”

Whenever my motivation slips, I go back to the reason I started in the first place. Whether it’s a dream I want to achieve, a promise I made to myself, or the people who believe in me, reconnecting with my “why” reminds me that the effort is not wasted. For example, when I once struggled with a career project that felt too big, I reminded myself of the long-term vision—financial stability and the chance to prove to myself that I was capable. That deeper purpose reignited my drive.

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3. Breaking Goals Into Smaller Steps

One of the reasons I sometimes feel like quitting is because the end goal looks impossibly far away. The mountain feels too high to climb. To overcome this, I break the task into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of saying, “I need to finish this entire project,” I tell myself, “Just complete the first page today.” Those tiny wins create momentum, and momentum is powerful—it transforms impossible into possible.

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4. Leaning on Support Systems

No one succeeds entirely alone. I’ve learned that when I feel like giving up, it helps to reach out to people I trust. Sometimes it’s a close friend who listens, other times it’s a mentor who offers perspective. Simply sharing my struggle with someone else lightens the emotional load. They remind me that setbacks don’t define me and that strength can be borrowed from others until I find it again in myself.

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5. Practicing Self-Compassion

One of the harshest enemies in my journey has always been my inner critic. That voice that says, “You’re not good enough” or “You’ll never make it.” Over time, I’ve learned to counter that negativity with kindness. I speak to myself the way I would to a close friend: with patience, encouragement, and grace. Self-compassion doesn’t mean I stop trying; it means I acknowledge that mistakes and slow progress are part of the journey.

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6. Taking Rest, Not Quitting

I’ve realized that sometimes when I feel like giving up, it’s not because I can’t do it—it’s because I’m exhausted. Instead of quitting, I allow myself to rest. Rest is not laziness; it’s recovery. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a short break, or even a day of doing nothing, giving my mind and body time to recharge makes me come back stronger.

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7. Celebrating Small Wins

It’s easy to overlook progress when we’re focused only on the big goal. I’ve learned to pause and celebrate every little victory, no matter how small. Finishing a chapter, improving slightly, or even just showing up when I didn’t feel like it—all of these are wins worth celebrating. Recognizing them reminds me that I am moving forward, even if the progress feels slow.

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8. Trusting That Tough Seasons Don’t Last Forever

One of the most comforting truths I hold onto is that no season of struggle lasts forever. What feels unbearable today will eventually pass. Looking back on previous hardships, I realize that many times I thought I wouldn’t survive, but I did. That memory becomes proof: if I overcame then, I can overcome now.

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Conclusion: Choosing Strength Over Surrender

Feeling like giving up is part of being human, but choosing to keep going is what defines resilience. I remind myself daily that progress is not about never stumbling—it’s about rising every time I fall. When I face those dark moments, I hold onto my “why,” lean on others, show myself compassion, and take one small step forward.

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About the Creator

Ghalib Khan

my name is Ghalib Khan I'm Pakistani.I lived Saudi Arabia and I'm a BA pass student

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