What to do when you feel like giving up!

Have you ever wondered what to do when you feel like giving up? Follow these 5 tips that have helped me combat the feelings of wanting to throw in the towel and quit.

(Need more encouragement and inspiration? Check out my be inspired posts here.)

There have been many times when I’ve felt like giving up. It’s not a good feeling at all and I want to share with you what I’ve learned through the years that has helped me I feel like this way.

1. Remember how far you’ve come.

When I feel like giving up, remembering how far I’ve come always helps me.

For instance, think about paying off debt. You start with a little bit of extra cash and begin throwing it towards your debt. At times during this process you may feel like you’re never going to get out of debt and wonder why you should even try.

Losing weight or trying to live a healthier lifestyle also comes to mind. You have a weak moment and slip up and eat an entire bag of chips or cookies. You feel terrible afterwards and just want to throw in the towel and eat everything in site.

We’ve all been there! But when you feel like giving up I want you to remember where you started and how far you’ve come. In the debt scenario, have you paid off $5 or $1,000 of debt? In the weight loss scenario, have you lost 5 pounds or 5 inches?

Take some time and reflect on how far you’ve come and remind yourself to continue walking on the path that you’re on. This time of reflection will make a huge difference mentally and may very well pull you out of the funk that you’re in.

2. Share your feelings.

I’ll be the first to admit that it feels much easier to squelch things and hold them in, but I promise that this is a very unhealthy practice.

Find someone healthy and safe to share your feelings with.

There have been many times when I’ve called one of my sisters and shared how I was feeling. She may not have a solution for my problem but she’s there to listen.

The simple act of her being willing to listen and allow me to “get it out” makes me feel so much better.

Sharing and getting your feelings out in the open is not only healthy but it’s also freeing.

Share your feelings with the Lord.

I know what you’re thinking. He already knows my thoughts, why should I share with Him?

Just like a parent wants their child to share a story or how their day went, even if they’ve already heard it from a friend or teacher, the Lord wants us to share with Him.

There will be times when you don’t feel like sharing, but I want to encourage you to push through those feelings and share anyways.

You may also find yourself angry with the Lord about the situation you’re in, tell Him how you’re feeling. I promise He can handle it!

Keep in mind that it’s okay to be angry. The Bible clearly says, “in your ager do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26) Just like it’s okay for an angry child to go to his parents and respectfully share what they’re feeling, the same is true of your relationship with the Lord.

The key is to have a respectful attitude.

Sharing honestly helps us move towards an abundant relationship with Him.

3. Do something for someone else.

It’s amazing how simple acts of kindness make a big difference in someone’s life.

Make a loaf of banana bread for your neighbor. (I do this often and they’re always so appreciative.)

Go through the drive-thru and pay for the person behind you.

Smile at someone.

When you’re at the register checking out, ask the cashier how their day is going.

You just might be amazed at the difference you can make in someone else’s life, and in doing so it’ll make you feel better too!

4. Get out of your normal.

If I’m having a down in the dumps day and feel like giving up and I know it’s time to get out of the house. There have been plenty of times when Dalton and I have gotten in the car and driven to the playground or Discovery Center. It’s amazing how different I feel just getting out of the same crazy environment that I’ve been in.

Getting out of your normal will look different for each and every situation.

If you’re at work and working on a project and feel like throwing in the towel maybe you just need to go outside. Take your 15 minute break, go for a walk, get some fresh air and rejuvenate your mind.

Wherever you find yourself, figure out what your normal is and do something different!

5. Throw a pity-party for yourself.

I know, I know! This seems counterproductive but I’ll be the first to admit that this really helps me when I feel like giving up.

Yes, I’ve thrown myself a pity- party quite a few times and I always feel so much better.

Here’s the secret. Don’t stay there!

If you stay in your pity party it will get ugly. Take a few minutes or even an hour to yourself and get it out of your system, then move on.

As long as you don’t stay there, you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel. Try it!