Would You Rather Quit?

Quitting is the easiest thing to do, especially when we don’t get the desired results. But the question is: Is it the BEST thing to do—quit? The saying goes, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’

This expression can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context. I choose to interpret it as: keep working until you achieve the right results.

Even if you must repeat your efforts over and over again, as long as you are doing the right things, don’t quit. One day, your desired results will come.

Let me share the story of my friend Kenny, who almost gave up on her dreams when faced with the easy option of quitting. Kenny is a funny and creatively vibrant friend who decided to showcase her talents on social media by opening an Instagram account to sell her brand as a comedian. If you’re familiar with social media, you know that building a large fanbase is challenging, especially if you aren’t already a celebrity. She started by reaching out to her friends, family, and co-workers for support. We showed our encouragement by watching and liking her acts online.

However, that support wasn’t translating into the exposure she needed. Frustration set in as she faced disappointing numbers—“How can I post a one-minute clip that seems interesting and funny, yet only get 20 views and 10 likes?” she wondered.

To encourage her, we realized that her follower base wasn’t helping her reach a wider audience. So, we devised a plan. Some of us began sharing her skits on our pages and in different groups, while others tagged popular accounts in hopes they would find her content funny enough to repost.

Unfortunately, that didn’t yield significant results. One family member received a warning from a celebrity never to tag her in such ‘nonsense’ again. That was the last straw for Kenny. Hearing her work described as ‘nonsense’ made her feel like quitting.

I asked her, “Why did you choose to do this in the first place?” She replied, “Because it comes naturally to me and makes me happy. I also hope to make money from it someday.”

“Why do you want to quit?” I pressed. “Because a certain celebrity called it nonsense?”

“Do you think it’s nonsense?”

“No, but…”

“Add no ‘buts.’ You want to quit because one person out of billions thinks your work is nonsense?”

She had no answer, but that conversation sparked a change in her. She decided to continue uploading her skits, even though she was still only receiving minimal views and likes. She became dedicated and sought ways to improve her content. After a year of persistence with little change, she remained committed to doing what made her happy, focusing on the joy it brought her rather than the fame or money.

After two years, things began to shift. A popular account that had once been tagged in her skits started following her on Instagram. They found her content funny and began reposting it. With that, she gained more exposure, more followers, and more attention.

Just when she was trying to understand this sudden change, she received a call from a brand wanting to feature her in their comedy show. She couldn’t believe it! She was offered nearly half a million to participate in the show. It wouldn’t be easy, as professionalism would be required, but this was the moment she had dreamed of, and she was determined to make the best of it.

She did! Her story transformed for the better. She became a recognized name in the comedy industry and on social media, reaping joy and financial rewards. Ironically, the celebrity who had once dismissed her skits as nonsense not only followed her but also bought tickets to her shows.

So, what’s the takeaway? Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your dreams be realized overnight. Patience, the right hard work, and a little grace are all you need to succeed.

Obstacles may arise, but they aren’t meant to bring you down; rather, they are there to strengthen you. For my friend, the criticism she faced became her motivation to prove herself and show that her work was not ‘nonsense’.

The truth is, not everyone will appreciate what you do, but you hold the power to decide not to give up. If you stay focused and determined, even if it takes time, you will succeed.

DO NOT QUIT!