As a solo entrepreneur, you probably have experienced occasions when you feel like quitting. Do you know what that makes you? Normal!
The truth is every solopreneur encounters the dilemma of whether or not to quit. You are not alone!
So, stick with us today as we uncover a strategy you can use to determine the right course of action when you feel like quitting.
TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:
[00:44] The Truth About Quitting
[02:39] To Quit or Not To Quit
[03:36] When You Feel Like Quitting, W.A.I.T.
[10:55] Sometimes When You Feel Like Quitting, You Should
[11:48] It’s Perfectly Normal to Want to Give Up Sometimes
[12:41] Bloopers
The Truth About Quitting
[Theresa] OK. So today we are going to talk about what I think is a vulnerable topic. That’s the topic of quitting.
[Meghan] Oh, yeah. That is a sensitive topic. But I think it’s a good one to cover because everyone grapples with it at some point.
And, thinking about quitting can definitely affect your marketing productivity. The psychology and emotion around indecision and doubt can slow you down and mess with your progress.
By the way, we know about quitting! In fact, I’ve even considered quitting my business quite a few times.
[Theresa] We do know about quitting. Speaking from experience, there have been plenty of times that I have quit something, be it a strategy I was trying, a goal I was attempting to achieve, or even an entire career.
And, conversely, there have been times when I stubbornly kept going with something I should have given up on because I bought into the hype that only losers quit. And I was no loser!
There’s this stigma attached to quitting, you know?
[Meghan] There definitely is! Just google “quotes about quitting” and you’ll see lots of quotes that try to convince you not to give up. Quotes that declare that quitting means you won’t be successful. Quotes that insinuate that quitting is for losers. Or, even quotes about how the feeling of wanting to quit means you should just dig in and work harder.
One of our personal favorite quotes about quitting is by Vince Lombardi. “Once you learn to quit it becomes a habit.”
That’s a big nope!
To Quit or Not To Quit
[Theresa] Yeah. We just don’t buy into that type of “inspiration.” While the intention may be to motivate you, in my opinion they just create guilt and cause feelings of inadequacy.
Are there times when you should NOT give up on something? Absolutely! But there are definitely times when it’s wholly appropriate to quit.
[Meghan] The question of whether to quit or not to quit something is highly personal.
For example, you’ve started a blog and you’re not getting any traffic to it. Should you quit? I wish I could say that the answer was a simple yes or no, but it isn’t. The true answer is, “it depends.”
There are many variables to consider when you feel like quitting. The point is to make those choices carefully and with intention.
You want to make sure you’re choosing to quit for the right reasons. And making the choice based on information and logic, not ego and emotion.
When You Feel Like Quitting, W.A.I.T.
[Theresa] Right. Deciding to quit is ok. But before you give up on that strategy, tactic, goal, or whatever, you should W.A.I.T.. That’s right. I said wait. W. A. I. T.
[Meghan] Whether you’re giving up on a content marketing strategy or feeling like you need to quit your business and get a traditional job, we believe it’s best to pause.
It’s never a good idea to make a hasty decision. The worst thing you can do when you’re feeling frustrated is to react in a way you’ll regret later. As my mom always says, “respond, don’t react.”
The W.A.I.T. process helps you pause and decide if quitting is the right move to make. It helps you respond rather than react.
Walk Away and Get Some Distance
[Theresa] Yes. And it will also help you recommit to that thing you want to quit should you decide to keep going. OK? Let’s dive in.
Step one or the “W” stands for walk away and get some distance.
When you feel like quitting the first thing you should do is take a break. This is not the kind of break we’ve shared in the past. It’s not a walk around the block or dance it out type of disruption.
It is a true, get-some-distance-between-you-and-the-thing-you’d-like-to-quit, type of activity. Walking away and creating space between you and the issue is a critical strategy that will allow you time to regroup and approach things with a fresh, new perspective.
[Meghan] The feelings that often accompany the desire to quit are frustration, anxiety, self-pity, anger and even sadness—just to name a few. And when you’re feeling these emotions, particularly over a long period of time, you can start to self-sabotage.
This makes everything worse. The consequence is that one small event can magnify that desire to throw your hands in the air and give up.
[Theresa] So, instead of making a snap decision. Take some time away from the thing you want to quit.
[Meghan] For instance, if you’ve been feeling like quitting your blog, take a week or two off.
[Theresa] But if it’s something bigger, like your business, take a couple of days away. If you can, get outta dodge. Even two days away in a new environment can help. Giving yourself a chance to have fun and play can help renew your outlook.
[Meghan] Sometimes time away offers a different perspective or a revelation that clears your head to make a wise, informed decision.
This break will be just what you need to dive into step two with fresh eyes and a renewed attitude.
Ask Yourself Why You Want to Quit
[Theresa] Step two or the “A” stands for ask yourself why you want to quit.
Trying to get back in touch with why you started in the first place is futile while you’re in the thick of it. That’s why you need time away. However, once you have some distance, it’s time to reconnect with the reason why you’re doing what you’re doing.
[Meghan] If you’ve never thought about your “why” before, it’s a good place to start. Spend time thinking about the reasons you began the strategy, declared the goal, or started your business.
What were you hoping you would achieve? What was that thing helping you do, have or be? And then ask yourself if those reasons still hold true.
If the answer is yes, you may begin to feel like you’re ready to recommit. And that’s great.
[Theresa] But, once you’ve reconnected with your “why,” you may still feel like quitting. And that’s ok.
[Meghan] It really is. At this point, it may be crystal clear that quitting is the right thing to do. There could be a myriad of reasons. For example, your “why” no longer aligns with who you are and what you stand for.
But, if you’re still feeling connected to why you’re doing what you’re doing, then it’s time to dig a little deeper.
Investigate Further by Asking the Right Questions
[Theresa] Exactly! That’s why step three or the “I” stands for investigate further by asking the right questions.
The following are some questions to consider when you feel like quitting, but not all of them will apply to every situation. So, choose the questions based on what you’re thinking about giving up.
- Why do I want to quit?
- What specifically is frustrating me about this situation?
- Am I running away from something? If so, what?
- Am I running towards something? If so, what?
- What problems do I expect to solve by quitting?
- Am I making the decision to quit from an emotional place or a logical place?
- Have I taken every action I can to solve the problems I’m having?
- Do I know what my next steps are?
- How will quitting make me feel?
- Have I asked for help?
[Meghan] This is by no means an exhaustive list of questions. Actually, as you’re thinking through these questions, other ones may occur to you. Be honest with your answers. And remember to keep emotion out of it.
As a matter of fact, if you find yourself feeling emotional, that’s a sign that you need a little more space between you and the issue. So don’t be afraid to take a little more time away.
Talk With Someone Who Understands
[Theresa] And finally, step four or the “T” stands for talk with someone. And not just any someone. Particularly someone who understands.
[Meghan] That is a really important distinction to make.
Both of us have extremely supportive families who love us and emote empathy. However, they may not understand the dynamics or dilemmas of solopreneurship.
So, keep your friends and family members for hugs when you need them and cheers when you’ve earned them. But save the solopreneur business stuff for colleagues, mentors, and coaches.
[Theresa] Good advice. Other solopreneurs, mentors and coaches can be great sounding boards. But still, you want to choose wisely.
For example, I once had a mentor who I admired and respected. But when I’d share an idea I was excited about with her, she’d point out all of the flaws in my plan. As a result, I’d quit before I ever truly got going. THAT is not a helpful mentor!
Here are some criteria for selecting the right person:
- A good listener (someone who is going to hear you and not just tell you what they think you should do)
- Honest (someone who is going to give it to you straight, not just tell you what you want to hear)
- Integrity (they walk their talk)
- Trustworthy (they honor your privacy)
- Compassionate (they demonstrate understanding and empathy)
- Impartial (they can be objective and make points based on facts, not emotions)
- Good question asker (someone who can ask the right questions to get you to think more deeply and critically)
Sometimes When You Feel Like Quitting, You Should
[Meghan] If at the end of this process, you are certain that quitting is the right choice to make. Then quit!
Quitting is not the wrong action to take if it is for the right reasons.
I left a full-time corporate job to start my own business so I could have the freedom and flexibility to help my parents when they needed me. I have never regretted it. I’ve missed the security of a predictable and regular income! But, that still hasn’t made me regret my choice.
[Theresa] And I quit a 20+ year career as a professional craft designer because I no longer found the work fulfilling. I felt sad and angry all of the time. The worst part was I kept at it for two more long years in spite of my feelings. When I finally let it go, I felt lighter and inspired to do the work I do now.
It’s Perfectly Normal to Want to Give Up Sometimes
[Meghan] The point is that everyone feels like quitting sometimes. That is a normal part of entrepreneurship.
And, while there will be times when quitting is the appropriate response to something that simply isn’t working, you always want to make the choice with information, not emotion.
[Theresa] When you W.A.I.T., you will either determine it’s time to quit or it’s time to reconnect. Either way, you can do so with the confidence that you’ve made a good choice.
And that’s a good thought to end on.
What are your thoughts about quitting? Leave us a comment below.
If you ever have a question about an episode or want to suggest a topic, please contact us.
AND…click the FOLLOW US button below to get notified when a new episode and blog post launches.
