I will start this editorial by quoting my previous article “Getting started when you don’t feel ready”, where Barbara Baron said:
“Don’t wait for your feelings to change to take the action. Take the action and your feelings will change.”
Now I hope that some of our readers have started their journey to act and to learn by doing. I wish you have followed your inner compass so that you can strive to grow.
The challenge is that, in our pursuit of dreams, we encounter many obstacles that can lead us to discouragement. We get tired of trying repeatedly without seeing results.
We believe we’re on the right path, only to discover the method was flawed. We’re motivated and hardworking, but our support network collapses when we need it most. Just as we approach a breakthrough, we run out of time or resources.
As tenacious as we may be, we all have our breaking point — that moment when the effort no longer seems worth the potential reward. That moment is often the hump that separates your best attempt from your best reality.
Before giving up and retreating to something safer and easier, ask yourself this:
HOW TO WORK ON MY DREAMS AND NEVER LET THEM GO?
FIRST: Know Why You’re Doing It
Verify your motivation. Maybe you’re aiming for the growth of your scout group or community. At this point, define individual and team contributions by leveraging your team’s complementary skills and strengthening team spirit.
Also, balance planning with action: don’t spend more time preparing to act than actually acting.
SECOND: Reevaluate the Goal
Ask yourself: Would my life be better without this goal?
Sometimes, letting go is the right thing. Maybe your goal is unrealistic and is constantly making you feel anxious or inadequate. Or perhaps it’s not in your or your team’s best interest, and quitting early could prevent further losses.
Be cautious though — don’t use this as a way to deceive yourself. Be honest. Does this goal still make sense considering all the consequences of achieving it?
There’s a concept in psychology called the sunk cost principle: the more we’ve invested in something, the harder it is to walk away from it. Think clearly — how much have you truly invested? Is giving up really your best option, or just a reaction to temporary doubt?
THIRD: Support Your Team
Find every way to support your team. Being a Servant Leader should be the foundation of your journey. Put service first — focus on your team members before yourself. Lead by listening, by healing, by building together.
I believe Servant Leadership is a topic worth exploring in a future editorial.
Often, when I want to give up, it’s due to fear — fear of failure, fear of being judged, or fear of wasting time. In truth, no one judges us as harshly as we judge ourselves, and we always grow through the effort, regardless of the result.
If you stop, you’ll never know how far you could have gone — or who you could have become. But if you continue, remember this quote:
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”