Don’t Quit on Yourself—You Deserve to Keep Going

Issue #14

Sep 15, 2024

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of our BeKarnya and Co newsletter!

Today, we're diving deep into a topic many of us grapple with the temptation to quit when the going gets tough.

We'll explore why it's often easier to give up on ourselves compared to the unwavering support we give to others. Through personal experiences and reflections, we’ll remind you of the importance of being your own biggest fan and the power of perseverance. You'll learn how to celebrate your progress and keep pushing forward, even during challenging times. Let's empower ourselves to keep going, because you truly deserve it!

Let’s be honest. Quitting sometimes feels like the easiest option, doesn’t it? The idea of not having to push yourself through another difficult task, of taking a break instead of making that extra effort, or even of staying in bed instead of hitting the pavement for that early morning jog it all seems so tempting. There’s a certain sense of freedom in deciding to walk away from the things that challenge us.

We’ve all been there. The day when motivation is nowhere to be found, the moment when the effort doesn’t seem worth it, or when the mountain feels too high to climb. On those days, it feels like quitting is almost a relief. No more trying, no more struggling, just… stopping. And sometimes, stopping feels like the most liberating thing we could do.

But here’s a question worth asking: Why is it that we so often give up on ourselves, but never hesitate to cheer on others? We show up for celebrities, stay glued to the screen to support our favorite sports teams, and get excited for people we’ve never even met. We are their biggest fans, celebrating their victories and feeling disappointed by their losses. So why is it so hard to be that way for ourselves?

Think about it. You cheer for your favorite athlete when they’re down, willing them to get back up and keep fighting. You’ll chant for a singer when they’ve given it their all, and still want to see more. You believe in their potential, even when they’re struggling. So why don’t you give yourself the same energy? Why don’t you believe in yourself with that same enthusiasm, that same fire?

I want to share a personal experience from my first year at university. The second semester had me feeling overwhelmed and lost. I remember calling my mother to express how tough things were for me. Instead of pushing me to do better or chastising me for my struggles, she listened with complete understanding and reassured me, saying, “Whatever happens, I’m here to support you.” That reassurance lifted a tremendous weight off my shoulders.

After speaking with my mother, I reached out to a friend who reminded me to just keep showing up for myself. At that moment, I felt like a zombie—confused and unsure, not knowing whether I was coming or going. But I made a conscious choice to keep showing up. Despite my doubts, I refused to quit on myself.

And you know what? Those efforts paid off. I managed to pass that year, achieving two distinctions. In that challenging journey, I learned a powerful lesson: whenever the going gets tough, don’t give up on yourself. Lean on your friends and family for support, and trust that every step you take will be worth it.

Be Your Own Biggest Fan

It’s time to change that. It’s time to realize that you deserve the same dedication you give to others. You deserve to be your own cheerleader, the one who believes in your abilities even when the road feels long. The truth is, no one is going to show up for you the way you can show up for yourself. Sure, people may encourage you, but at the end of the day, it’s your own belief that will push you to keep going.

Imagine what would happen if you took all the energy you pour into others and started investing it in yourself. What if you loved yourself enough to show up consistently, even when it’s hard? What if you encouraged yourself to push through, even when you don’t see immediate results? What if, instead of quitting, you chose to remind yourself that you are capable of more?

You Deserve to Keep Going

It’s easy to quit on yourself because no one else will know. No one will see the moments when you choose to let go of a goal or dream. But deep down, you’ll know. And the truth is, quitting might feel like a relief in the moment, but in the long run, it only robs you of the progress you could have made. It steals away the version of yourself you are meant to become.

Loving yourself means recognizing that you are worthy of effort. It means believing that you deserve the same commitment you give to others. It’s knowing that you are worth fighting for, and that you owe it to yourself to keep moving forward, even on the hardest days.

Sometimes, life will knock you down, and that’s okay. The key is not to stay down. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. You don’t have to have all the answers. But you do need to keep going. One step at a time. One small action after another. Every day that you choose not to quit is a day closer to the life you deserve.

Celebrate Your Progress

Here’s the thing about showing up for yourself—it’s not about perfection. It’s about persistence. It’s about learning to celebrate the small wins along the way, no matter how insignificant they may seem. The fact that you didn’t quit today is worth celebrating. The fact that you got out of bed, even when you didn’t feel like it, is a victory. The fact that you’re still here, still trying, is something to be proud of.

You don’t have to wait until you’ve achieved all your goals to celebrate yourself. Every step forward is progress, and that progress deserves to be acknowledged. Be proud of yourself for the effort you’re putting in. You are building something beautiful—something worth cheering for.

So, the next time you feel like giving up, stop and remind yourself: You are worthy. You are capable. You deserve to keep going. Love yourself enough to know that the best version of you is on the other side of perseverance, not quitting.

In closing, here’s a challenge: Cheer for yourself this week. When you feel like quitting, tell yourself, “I’ve got this.” When doubt creeps in, remind yourself of how far you’ve come. And when you reach even the smallest milestone, celebrate it. You are deserving of the same love and support that you so freely give to others. Show up for yourself like never before.

With unwavering support,

Warm regards,

Khanya Mgwebi

Founder, BeKarnya and Co.