Tips 040: What You Need To Know About Give Up Triggers

It is a hard question to ask – When do I give up? And Why?

But, if you have the courage to ask, you may discover an answer in the self-analysis that is worth the effort.

When I was 9 I gave up playing the saxophone. I was a pretty obedient kid. So when I did give something up, it was a big deal. Now I can break down the decision in hindsight and analyse the reasons why.

Saxophone wasn’t the only thing I gave up. I also gave up on Boy Scouts. A singing group. Karate. And a long distance running group.

But, there were things that I did carry on with. I played the piano for 20 years. I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years.

I have been learning and practicing Spanish for 6 years.

So what separated the activities that I continued with from the ones I gave away.

In today’s podcast episode I start by looking at the differences between the saxophone and the piano.

Why did I stick with the piano? Why did I give away the saxophone?

Then I took a look at the long distance running group and the swimming squad. I was able to stick with swimming for a long time despite the effort it took to get up at 5 o’clock in the morning week after week.

The running group was different. I could run at lunchtime. I didn’t have to get up early. I didn’t have to get wet. And there were rarely sessions that involved spewing into the side of a pool.

But why did I stick with swimming and why did I give away the running group?

Mentioned in today’s podcast is the saxophone song that I really wanted to play.

The quick summary of what I discovered from the self analysis and what I know is true for myself and my give up triggers is:

• I’m less likely to give up if I have connection with other humans.
• I’m less likely to give up if I have accountability to others.
• I’m less likely to give up if what I am doing is convenient.
• I’m less likely to give up if there is sufficient internal reward.
• I’m less likely to give up if I’m not worried about how long it is going to take or how hard it is going to be.

Quote from today’s episode:

“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy – I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” – Art Williams

What are your give up triggers?

Podcast: Play in new window