Tag Archives: emotions

Why It’s OK to Give Up… Sometimes

Me looking very tired in my motorcycle gear.

Me looking very tired in my motorcycle gear.

This past weekend I attended my first motorcycle class. I was nervous and excited, but to be honest, I didn’t have much time to think about it. I’ve had an insane week.

Prior to going into any new situation, I like to prepare myself– mentally and physically. (Amy Cuddy has an amazing TED talk about body language and confidence.) But this time, it just didn’t happen. I went into the class unprepared.

I’ve been wanting to learn to ride a motorcycle for a while. And when the college I work at started offering classes, I jumped at the chance– just like I usually jump at every chance and opportunity that comes my way.

But jumping at every opportunity has its disadvantages. George and I had a long talk last night about how we spread ourselves too thin. We were taught at a young age to go for every opportunity because it might not come our way again. We were also taught the art of perseverance and to never, ever, under any circumstance give up.

The older I get, the more I think I need to stop jumping at every little opportunity that passes by. I also am beginning to think that sometimes it just might be ok to give up. I was feeling disheartened, unenthusiastic and worn out by the end of my motorcycle class on Saturday. I was dreading attending class on the following day.

I had several people try to convince me that I shouldn’t “give up” and that I should “push through.” But at the end of the day on Saturday, I wasn’t having fun anymore. So I listened to my body and my instincts and I quit the class. It is the first thing I can remember ever consciously quitting.

Yesterday I let myself sleep in and relax all day with George. And it felt good. Really good. I experienced a little twinge of guilt when my alarm went off in the morning, but I hit the ignore button and kept on sleeping. Because that was what I needed at that moment.

I will attempt to learn how to ride a motorcycle again. But next time I’m doing it at my own speed. When that next opportunity or project rolls around, I am going to think twice and remember that sometimes it is ok to quit things that aren’t important.

Have you ever been a “quitter?”

love,
melanie

Potential is More Important than Experience

potential

 

The job market is tough. I’ve been attempting to relocate for over a year, but it is much more difficult than I ever imagined. I’m just trying to remind myself that things happen for a reason and I have infinite potential. It just seems that quantity of experience keeps beating me. I have a great quality and variety of career experience, but my limited years of experience seem to be a hard thing to look past.

In the past year I’ve applied to almost 100 jobs. I’ve had the pleasure of one interview and zero job offers. It is a struggle. Some days there are feelings of inadequacy followed by hope, followed by hopelessness. I’ve tailored my résumé to each job and spent countless hours researching and filling out applications. And it’s hard to remain positive.

I thought the job market was better than it was 4 years ago when I completed my undergraduate degree. I went back to school because the job market was so tough. Now I have a job and I am incredibly thankful for it, but my job is in a rural location with very little potential for growth. George and I have big city dreams.

I thought of the quote in the picture above when I was trying to be cheer myself up. I want it to be true. I want my potential to outweigh my limited quantity of experience. I don’t want to work with someone who can’t see the amazing person that I am, the amazing work I currently do, and the amazing work I have the ability to do in the future.

I also think the above quote applies to all aspects of someone’s life– not just career life. You shouldn’t be romantically involved with someone who can’t recognize your potential. You shouldn’t be friends with someone who brings you down and doesn’t see the amazing person you are.

What do you think? Is potential more important than experience? Are you struggling in the current job market? Let me know in the comments!