WHen You Feel Like Quitting, Remember Why You Started! | Intentional Hope

“If you can remember why you started, then you will know why you must continue.”

-Chris Burkmenn

Have you ever started something with no understanding of the true purpose behind it? If so, how motivated were you to finish what you started? When the purpose behind what you are doing is unknown, obstacles become easier to give in to. But, when you truly understand the purpose behind what you do, it pushes you to continue, despite any obstacles you may face. Purpose is like gasoline in a car, it keeps you going so that you can reach your destination.  

I remember my ninth grade year of school when my friends convinced me to try out for the basketball team. All my friends were on the team and I really did enjoy shooting basketball, so I decided to try out for the team. I wasn’t very good at dribbling the basketball but I was a great shooter and had a willingness to learn and get better. I ended up making the team and started to learn so many of the basic fundamentals of basketball. Overtime I started to get bored with everything. I wasn’t really passionate about playing and I didn’t really feel a sense of purpose in it. My only purpose was that my friends convinced me to do it. I look back at the time and I realize that because I didn’t identify a true purpose and reason behind what I was doing, I didn’t have the motivation to push myself to continue, so I eventually quit. 

This made me think of how people quit on things that they don’t identify a true purpose in doing. If I would have discovered a purpose in playing basketball I would have continued even through the hard times because I understood the purpose behind what I was doing. This example has taught me that there should always be purpose behind everything you do. When you truly take time to discover the “why” behind what you do, you will eventually discover the “what” and “how” to accomplish your why. 

My fitness journey has become such a big part of my life. It has helped me to change for the better. When I first started my journey a few years ago, I failed because I didn’t identify a true purpose behind it. I just felt like it was the right thing to do because I would hear people talk about it. In 2021, I took time to truly discover a purpose behind why I wanted to lose weight and get in shape. My purpose was to be able to have the energy and strength I needed to be able to be my best for my kids. It was also so that I could encourage my special needs daughter who has a regressive disorder known as “INAD,” to keep going. I wanted to be able to healthy enough to encourage her and help her everyday to get the exercise she needs. I was able to successfully reach my weight loss goal last year because I understood the purpose. My journey is still going strong and it has now become a lifestyle. This also helps me so much everyday to keep my mind clear and mental health strong. Because let’s be honest life is hard, parenting a special needs kid and kids in general is hard with everything else on my plate. My physical health is just as important as the spiritual, mental and emotional.

Another example I think about is when I started my blog and brand, “Intentional Hope,” my entire purpose was to help encourage and motivate people to continually grow through each season of life. I made a commitment to share everything that I was learning through my everyday personal experiences and books that I was reading. Being intentional about my personal growth has really changed my life so much. I love sharing what I am learning in hopes that it will inspire others to keep going. I started blogging four years ago, and my blog and brand has grown tremendously over the years. Blogging hasn’t been an easy experience and  i’ve had to learn so much in the process but because I understand the purpose, it makes all the hard work and sacrifice worth it. These are some things this process has taught me about remembering the “Why” behind what I do: 

1.)  Remembering your  “why” will keep you motivated 

Knowing the impact that I am making on others encourages me. When I am writing and blogging I get so excited thinking about the one person who can be encouraged by something I share. 

2.) Remember your “Why,” shifts your mindset

I feel like I really can do whatever it put my mind to. I know that no matter what obstacles I face each day is a new day and I have a chance to do it again. I have a mindset of hope and optimism because my purpose in fueling me. 

3.)Remembering your “why,”challenges you to be intentional

When I remember my “why,” I live life with intention. I know that there are certain things I need to do in order to accomplish my goal. This helps me to stay focused and not waste time on things that don’t truly matter. 

There were times that I wanted to quit because I didn’t feel like I had the support or that anyone was really reading what I wrote. Despite all the doubts that I had in the beginning I kept going anyway because I understood the purpose of why I was writing. If I could encourage one person to keep going, believing, growing and dreaming then my purpose is being accomplished.

I haven’t given up  because I understand the purpose of what I am doing. Being able to step back and see the difference I am making has continued to encourage me to push forward. What if I would have given up when things got hard? I wouldn’t have seen so much of the fruit that I am now seeing. This has taught me to never despise small beginnings when you know that purpose of what you are doing. Think about something you’ve been working hard at over the years.  What things are you now able to experience because of the hard work you’ve put in? 

Think about the “why” behind what you are doing. Do you truly understand your “why”? Understanding your “why” will help you to continue to push forward because it becomes driving force behind what you do.

“When you feel like giving up remember why you started.” Remember the dreams that you have and would like to see happen one day. Remember the people who are connected to what you accomplish today. Remember that what you do today is building the future that you will see tomorrow. Don’t ever give up on something you can’t stop thinking about. Keep putting in the work and trusting the process. Remember why you started. 

When you start to feel discouraged or feel like quitting go back to your “why.” Remind yourself of the purpose behind why you do what you do. Things wont look the same forever, always remember that this is only a season. Continue to grow through each season of your life and always remember why you started. 

Thanks for reading! I hope this encourages you. What’s one thing you dream of doing one day? What’s the purpose behind your dream? Comment below I would love to hear your story!