The Art of Giving Up: How to Know When It’s the Best Path

Giving up isn’t always bad. It’s great to know when to give up, even if it feels wrong because of the expectations placed on us or sometimes even the expectations we create for ourselves. It’s not healthy to continue something that we know doesn’t make us happy, whether it’s a relationship, a course, or anything else.

"Don't give up, you've come so far." "Don't give up, you're strong." These phrases can be encouraging in certain situations, but in others, they just make us keep going in places that no longer serve us. We’re taught to push forward, not to be weak, never to give up. But this can lead to exhaustion, or worse.

For me, giving up no longer has such a negative connotation. Life taught me this. Maybe not in the easiest way, but perhaps in the necessary way. Walking away from people and leaving relationships is extremely difficult at first, but if it’s beneficial for us, we must do it. You have to think about what’s best for you, and yes, it is. It’s not being selfish; it’s having self-love, it’s part of self-care.

When I first entered university, I started having panic attacks and anxiety. The best thing was to give up. And it really was. I put myself first and went to take care of myself. Because of that, the direction of my life changed, and now I’m here, finishing a degree and a post-graduate in areas that are more aligned with what I want to pursue in the near future.

Now, how do you know when you should give up? Don’t do what I did at first, letting things go on until your body and mind can’t take it anymore. Be alert to the signs. What you’re doing—does it make sense with what you want? Are you happy where you are? Do you think about how your life could be different? Do you feel passionate about what you’re doing? Is it having a negative impact on your life, your mental and/or physical health? Do you feel stuck? Maybe it’s time to change.

Sometimes, giving up isn’t the end, but the beginning of something better.

Maybe it’s time to change.