If You Feel Like Giving Up, Read This

10 Things to Give Up If You Want to Move Forward

If You Feel Like Giving Up, Read This

Right now, you might feel like the world is closing in on you. Maybe you’ve lost your job, you’re stuck in a role that drains you, or you’re in between opportunities, feeling like you’re treading water with no land in sight. You might be exhausted—mentally, emotionally, even physically. The fear, the uncertainty, the pressure—it’s overwhelming.

I get it.

I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to doubt yourself, to wonder if things will ever turn around, to feel like you're running out of time. But before you let that doubt consume you, I need you to hear this:

This moment does not define you. It’s just a phase. And phases pass.

1. This Is a Phase.

It might not feel like it, but this is temporary.

Life has seasons—sometimes we’re soaring, sometimes we’re stumbling. But nothing, not even this low point, is permanent.

Right now, you’re in the storm. It’s dark, it’s chaotic, and it’s hard to see the way forward. But storms don’t last forever. They pass. The skies clear. The sun rises again.

Hold on. Keep moving. Keep believing.

2. You Are Stronger Than You Think.

It’s easy to forget your strength when life knocks you down. But let me remind you:

• You have survived every single one of your bad days so far.

• You have overcome challenges before—this is no different.

• Inside you, there is a strength that is greater than any problem you face.

Think about it. The fact that you’re reading this, searching for answers, means that deep down, you haven’t given up. That fight inside you? That’s resilience. That’s the part of you that refuses to be defeated. Trust it.

3. Small Steps Count.

When we’re feeling lost, we tend to look for giant leaps—the magic solution that will fix everything overnight. But real progress? It’s built on small, consistent steps.

Getting out of bed today? That’s a win.Updating your CV? That’s a win.Sending out an application? Another win.

You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. You just need to keep moving forward, one step at a time. And if today all you can manage is a tiny step? That’s still movement. That still counts.

4. Remember Your ‘Why’.

When everything feels heavy, remind yourself why you started in the first place.

Maybe it’s for your family. Maybe it’s for your own dreams, your own self-respect. Maybe it’s because you know deep down you were meant for something better.

Reconnect with that fire inside you. Let it guide you forward.

5. Failure Is a Stepping Stone.

It’s not failure that breaks us—it’s how we respond to it.

Every successful person you admire has faced rejection, setbacks, and moments of doubt. The difference? They didn’t stop. They learned, adapted, and kept going.

You are not failing—you are learning. And learning is part of winning.

6. Practice Self-Care.

When you’re struggling, it’s easy to neglect yourself. You feel guilty for resting. You push yourself beyond exhaustion. But here’s the truth:

You can’t fight your way back if you’re running on empty.

Take care of yourself:

• Eat well. Your body needs fuel.

• Move your body. Even a short walk can change your mindset.

• Rest. Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

• Talk to people. Isolation makes everything worse.

• Do things that bring you joy, even if just for a moment.

Self-care isn’t weakness. It’s not indulgence. It’s survival.

7. It’s Okay to Ask for Help.

You do not have to do this alone.

Reach out—to friends, family, mentors, or even professionals. There is no shame in needing support. In fact, recognising when you need help is one of the strongest things you can do.

The people who love you? They want to help. Let them in.

You Will Rise Again.

I know it’s hard. I know it’s frustrating. I know it feels like you’re running on empty, barely holding it together. But I also know this:

You won’t stay here forever.

One day, sooner than you think, you’ll look back at this moment and realise it was just a chapter in your story—not the whole book. You’ll see how much you’ve grown. How much stronger you’ve become. How much wiser and more resilient you are.

Your spark will return.

Your energy will come back.

Your breakthrough is coming.

Don’t quit before you see it.

We are in this together. And I believe in you.

Now, take a deep breath. Stand tall. Keep going.

 Mark Goode

CEO Inspired Recruitment

Mark Goode is the CEO of The Inspired Recruitment Group which originated with the inception of Inspired Selections a recruitment agency primarily focused on recruitment in the optical industry before branching out into audiology and pharmaceutical recruitment. New optical opportunities are featured daily here or if you're a business, looking for help with your recruitment needs, get in touch here