Don’t Let the Quit In

One Big Idea: Don't let the quit in

Quitting becomes a habit. So does NOT quitting - persevering.

When we "let the quit in," it becomes much easier the next time we are tested. And we are CONTINUALLY tested.

"I let a bit of inertia and weather and a general case of the morbs get to me for a bit. It’s been super hard to get up in the morning since it’s like 35 and pitch black out. I think the biggest thing is not letting the “warm bed vs cold and dark outside” get to me."

A cut-and-paste from a recent text thread with a member. She went through a brief slump. We all do.

Why this matters: Reminded me of a quote I heard from fellow West Pointer, Lisa Jaster, the third woman to graduate from Ranger School. While she was suffering through that crucible, Lisa remembered a quote from UFC legend Rhonda Rousey, "Don't let the quit in." That simple sentence helped Lisa close her mind and soul to any notion of quitting. She simply refused to allow "quit" to gain a toehold.

We all face Resistance - a kinda dark force that, I think, exists inside us. Resistance impedes, disrupts, and distracts every effort we make to become better. It wants to keep us stuck. Or worse. Ask any entrepreneur, creative, athlete, or salesperson about Resistance. Or any addict. Or yourself, when it's a battle between "the warm bed vs cold and dark outside."

By refusing to even contemplate quitting, by not letting "the quit in", we punch Resistance in the face, toss the covers aside, roll out of that warm bed, gear up, and head out into the 35-degree pitch black.

We are stronger than our excuses.