To pivot or to persevere? Or more bluntly – to give up or to not to give up? This is a haunting question, a question that have ramifications far after an answer has been choose and it’s also a question that almost everyone in our community has had to face at one time or another. How do you know when to give up and when to keep trying?

Tiffany Jo Baker | 3x Surrogate, Speaker & Strategizer

It’s hard to know the difference between real life ups and downs that try to throw us off course and when it’s time to throw in the towel and move on… At the end of the day, I have to decide (and help my clients determine) if the opposition and obstacles are a “Deterring Distraction” or a “Divine Detour.” Some key things I always consider (and I can’t help but utilize my faith to help guide me): #1 All-In Decisions: The best way to stay strong and focused during a storm is to have made the decision in full faith and “all-in” status to begin with. Read more>>

Jennifer Glenn | Quincey & Company Photography LLC

I recently read a crazy statistic that said photography businesses have an 85% turnover rate! So many people jump in not knowing all that the job entails. In this kind of market you will see someone opening a photography business all the time and it does get discouraging. Novice photographers really don’t understand their CODB {cost of doing business} and charge extremely low prices which devalues the art and can’t sustain their businesses in the long run. Read more>>

Paige Davidson | Painter, Potter, Designer & Gallery Owner

Our family motto is “Davidsons are quitters.” I even have it chainstitched on the back of my favorite jacket. I often hear that you are supposed to finish what you start, but in my world, if what I’m doing isn’t bringing me fulfillment, if it is sucking my joy, if it is stunting my relationships, or if its not flourishing as I’d intended, I reevaluate. I do want to keep the commitments I have made to others, however I do not want to spend my life doing something simply because I started it. I was raised to find my bliss. Read more>>

Lori Vann, MA, LPCS | Professional Counselor, Coach, and Consultant

It is often said that the majority of people give up right before they are about to make a significant breakthrough. There are many reasons why people quit, or for that matter, never try at all. One of the most common reasons is negative or emotionally unsafe people in their life. Why these individuals are unhealthy is beyond the scope of this question, but they often feel threatened at the possibility of someone else’s success. If you succeed at your task, then they may feel jealous or threatened. Read more>>

Alexandria Angel | Owner of Ms Painted Lady [professional makeup and hair artists serving the globe]

I believe in the power of pursuit and passion. There is an irreplaceable sense of worth that you gain when you work hard to establish your value. It is the determination of proving yourself to yourself that builds most character. John DiMartini says your true calling will embody the top 5 things you value the most. You won’t view things as in the way, but on the way. I have certainly had my number of disappointments in business, especially the first 8 years; but my perseverance has birthed the biggest sense of accomplishment and growth. Read more>>

James Schaefer | Founder of DeliveryMaxx

Due to the Coronavirus and all of the contradicting information our media continues to give, businesses; especially small businesses will have to make some very difficult choices on whether to keep going or giving up. As an entrepreneur, giving up is not in our vocabulary. Therefore we must adapt to the environment around us. Plato once said, “Necessity is the Mother of Innovation”. As government continues to order businesses to close and people to stay home, as business owners, we have to focus on staying alive. Read more>>

Setara Monzon | Artist & Jewelry Designer

I will always say keep going! Unless what you’re doing is making you miserable or stopping you from being your best self, keep pushing. In the past, anytime I felt like I should call it quits on one of my creative ventures I looked for alternate ways to make it work and I’m always researching anything I’m into to feel confident in my work and processes. To build a following and a strong support system you need to first believe in yourself. Read more>>

Nadim Ahmed | Owner of coworking space, Venture X Dallas by the Galleria

It’s probably one of the most essential question to keep in the back of your mind when starting a new venture. Some give up too early and some never give-up. There is bravery and respect in not giving up and that’s why we tell our kids “Just keep swimming” -Dora, Finding Nemo. But the question is not about the person, it’s about the business. And the answer depends on one thing, The Customer. Read more>>

Francisco Sanchez | Artist

The option of giving up is to not try anymore, if your dream is a big giant star and you want it to be bigger then the universe, then the only option is to keep going and reach your goal, otherwise, all the work and effort mean nothing. Read more>>

JaNae Brielle | Licensed Esthetician/ Professional Makeup arist

I say never give up! You might have to go back to the drawing board. But continue to do what you love to do. Read more>>

Carly Alexis | Financial Representative

You know when to give up when all odds are against you and you have no choice but to take a new route in life. In reality you’re not giving up completely, you’re just giving up one path in life to take another which may be even better. In the end, it keeps you going. Read more>>