We connected with some of the most resilient folks in the community and one of the most insightful questions we had an opportunity to ask centered around whether there was ever a time they almost gave up. Highlighting some of the responses below.
Brandon Day
Yes, and it was fairly recent. I had a stretch where nothing seemed to go right. Weather delays threw off shoot schedules, projects were pushed back, and I was still processing the loss of my dad. Then I got sick—the kind of sick where you have no energy, no drive, and you just want to sleep until it passes. Read more>>
Lina Kaplun
Absolutely! There have been many times when I’ve felt like giving up. Like I mentioned before, those childhood beliefs about “how hard it is” to run a business? They weren’t wrong. Starting something from nothing is never easy. There are rough patches, self-doubt, and moments where it feels like you’re pushing a boulder uphill. Read more>>
Zoe Rogers
There have been a bunch of times I almost gave up. Thankfully, I didn’t. I have terrific people in my life who help me refocus on what matters. When you are trying to affect change, there are going to be people that do not like you. That’s just a reality of life, but it’s important to focus on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Read more>>
Debbie Sam
There was a time when I almost gave up the business, tempted by the idea of taking a different path-one that promised fewer hours, less stress, and the financial security that seemed easier to grasp elsewhere. For a brief moment, the opportunity to leave behind the long days and heavy responsibility was real, and I considered walking away. Read more>>
Aubrey Stevens
There are several times I have almost given up. For the last several years, I have had the misfortune of dealing with a multitude of health issues. From chronic migraines to having my gallbladder removed, they have been quite serious and difficult to deal with. About 1.5 years ago was probably the darkest period of my life. Read more>>
Chaz Faulhaber
Part of the joy of being an entrepreneur is how many times you quit your company just to wake up and try again! But seriously, it’s not for the faint of heart, and I’ve met enough people to see a pattern of resilience in those that continue to show up for their business. Read more>>
Brandon Douglass
Almost? Haha I have given up on many things and many times! I know a lot of people have resistance to giving up. They think it makes them weak, and in fact sometimes that’s true. But people fail to recognize that an inability to give up is another kind of prison. Read more>>
John Martinez
A couple of years ago I dealt with great trauma. The turmoil in my life boiled over. I thought I couldn’t go on with the Hauntaholics on my own. Read more>>
Bruno Cardoso
Many times, it’s not easy being an entrepreneur. One time I read this quote: ‘Instead of giving up, just take a break.’ And that kind of stuck with me. I usually ask myself, what’s the purpose of what I’m doing right now? Do I want to give up because it’s hard or because it’s not taking me to where I want to go? Read more>>
Dylan Bellerose
Yes. It was during my apprenticeship to learn how to tattoo. The shop I was working at was hosting an art show where we would be drawing live models in costumes. We were doing a rehearsal so the models could try on their outfits and the artists could practice some live drawing and get prepared for the event. Sounds fun right? Read more>>
