Knowing When to Quit
It doesn't matter when you started, as long as you know when not to stop.
Note: This is a re-mastered article from 2022.
A privilege of coaching is getting to know an amazing variety of incredibly talented, driven, creative people.
I had no idea how satisfying this would be when I started. I certainly did not foresee how critically important it would be in helping me understand myself.
I want to share something that I’ve noticed from working with entrepreneurs, executives, and other successful people over these last few years.
I have some clients who make great money, and I have some who are really frustrated.
There’s something the successful people have in common: They started sooner than the rest. They’ve been at it longer, cranking out the work. They’ve overcome more defeat, and they’ve seen more shit, they’ve been at it longer than folks who are struggling.
It’s not about age, although inevitably you’ll gain some of that, too, along the way. It’s about patience, consistency, and perseverance.
Jeff Bezos said something like “Overnight success takes about 10 years.” When I ask my most successful clients how they got where they are, their story often starts a decade or more years ago.
Sometimes when people ask me for advice when switching careers, I tell them “start earlier.” That sounds sarcastic, but it’s not.
The lesson is this: Every day that you stick with it, every project that you finish, every client you delight — you’re a day stronger than someone who hasn’t started yet.
There’s always going to be someone out there with more age, wisdom, or experience. And every day, some of those people quit, and you’ll move up a rung.
So decide right now to stick with it, at least until tomorrow.
That’s one thing my most successful clients all have in common: None of them have quit yet.
You can’t decide to start earlier, but you can decide to quit never.