don’t quit

I was listening to an audio program by Brian Tracy today morning while taking my daily walk outdoors and in that particular segment, he talked about the importance of perseverance and persistence in achieving our grandest goals. He recited the famous poem “Don’t Quit” and I felt inspired to share the same life-changing piece of work with you to keep you going no matter what you’re facing or might encounter in the coming week or month.

It’s a gentle reminder to not get disheartened when we find ourselves engulfed in challenging times and adversities, and an encouraging nudge to gather the last few ounces of courage within us and keep going. There’s a popular adage that we all must consciously choose to live by: “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” This poem brilliantly resonates with that idea and conveys the beautiful message that nothing is permanent, not even darkness, and the sun will shine upon us again and the skies will get better and brighter; it’s just a matter of time.

I kindly instruct you to take a pause sometime today and read the following poem aloud to yourself (or even to a friend or loved one if you like) for a potent dose of inspiration.

Don't Quit

— Edgar Albert Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low but the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many failures turn about

When we might have won had we stuck it out.

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out –

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

You can never tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –

It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.