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 has ramifications far after an answer has been chosen 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?

Skylar Lunardi | Ghetto of Space lead singer

When you are as passionate about music as we are, it feels impossible to give up. We have gone through multiple lineup changes over the past 4 years, but Mas (bassist) and I (guitarist/vocalist) have kept moving forward with the band. It is so important to us to make music and to share it with people from all over. Read more>>

Jamar Silvers | Fine Art Photographer

In reality, there is no set feeling of recognizing when to give up or keep going; it depends on each person as well as their desire or will to give up or keep going given that in life, we all have different timing and different circumstances; you could have someone who is genuinely at rock bottom who doesn’t give up, or you could have someone who had a minor mishap at their first job and immediately wants to quit and give up; if you have that mentality, you’ll never succeed. And that individual whose hit Rock Bottom is nowadays doing so much better because they experienced it refused to give up when the cards were all stacked against them, because at the end of the day, you never know what’s in store for you, especially if it’s your passion on this planet, don’t ever walk away from it, do your absolute best. Read more>>

So Sincere | Public Relations Specialist & Consultant

Working in the music industry can be very hard to navigate through sometimes and to be fully transparent my first few years I absolutely wanted to throw in the towel many times, but, when you love what you do quitting is never an option. If you can pivot well and be open to learning new things and can keep moving forward in whatever you do then you just keep going. It’s hard to explain but you find the will when you finally find the thing you were meant to do in life. I take it one goal at a time sometimes and other times when I am juggling 5 things at once and have to hit the goal at the same time with all 5 things I just find a way, and when I do, the feeling is like nothing else! Read more>>

Christina Holloway | Natural Nail Specialist & Business Owner

Your intuition and your faith will give you the answer to how you move in this life. We listen to others in regards to many things but one thing others cannot dictate is the gut and heart feelings. I’m not one to say give up because it sounds harsh. However, it’s not a bad thing to know when it’s time to let go and let live or keep going. Both moments can change your life but the best thing is it’s your decision to figure out which one is best for your life journey. Remember giving up doesn’t mean it’s a set back it can it’s set forward to something just as amazing as it can be when you keep going. Go with the journey. Read more>>

Corwin Levi | Artist & Designer

In the middle of a project (or sometimes even before I start!), I can get to a sticky and frustrating point where I’m not sure whether to keep going or cut my losses. I’ve learned that it’s a fine balance between doing what I’m excited about (the only way to make creative work) and also understanding that *any* work will require a bit of perseverance after the joy wears off. Now, in most instances the joy does come back at a certain point! That said, there is also a difference between “giving up” and “stepping away.” I am all for stepping away. A nap, a shower, a roadtrip across the country—these things all help with perspective and can move or transform a suddenly-troubling endeavor into a much improved one. In other words, I don’t believe in giving up so much as I believe in transformation. Read more>>

Angelique Wong | Fashion Designer & Digital Marketing Specialist

I think you know if you should keep going if you’re able to adjust your perception of success. Success can be measured in many metrics such as followers, likes, financials, clients, hiring someone, etc. If you do not have one way you view success such as money, you’re guaranteed to fail and feel compelled to give up. Sometimes we forget that, we must be open to change to better understand the specifics of our ventures. It may not look like what you imagined and it could be a success but trying something may also help you realize that it’s not a viable idea. Read more>>

Jennifer Felice | Franchise Store Owner- Women’s Clothing and Accessories

My business is a bit like my baby, I created it, I nurtured it from humble beginnings, I stayed up late may nights. I also returned to work a full time job to continue to build through covid and now inflation. All my costs are up including payroll, rent, utilities, shipping and inventory. I quickly realized I was managing too much from my heart and not my head. I was scared that if I took my prices up I would lose customers yet it was the only way I could start to make a profit vs. just bringing in revenue. Owning a business has a weight of emotional attachment. I have to ask myself if the losses were to continue long term, how would I feel about it? Read more>>

Dawn Rivers | Yoga Teacher & Mindset Coach

I’ve discovered that within me lies an unwavering determination, a resolve that refuses to entertain the notion of giving up. Instead, I embrace the concept of ‘pivoting.’ When faced with challenges or something that doesn’t quite align, I embark on a journey of reimagining and restructuring. A pivotal moment occurred in October 2022 when I made the decision to close my yoga studio. While it wasn’t yielding the desired profits, I recognized the need to reassess and evolve. I had two choices: to persist in reviving the studio, investing immense effort, or to bet on myself and explore new, uncharted business horizons. I chose the latter path. Read more>>

Jaiquai Wright | Recording Artist

Here’s a simple answer to that… you don’t. You never give up. If you are truly pationate about something that’s no option, we all have ups and downs, and makes mistakes but that’s what makes us who we are today. You have to believe in yourself and keep going. Always remember your why, and if your why is big enough you will always fight through adversity. Read more>>

Cha’Nice Gunn | Custom Fashion Designer

I know when to give up when I’ve given something the benefit of the doubt multiple times and it still has not worked in my favor. However, I will choose to keep going before choosing to give up. I explore my different options and take into consideration any possible benefits and effects before I proceed with my decisions. If it is something that I know can and will benefit me in a way, I will keep working towards it. Read more>>