Never give up. It’s advice that is thrown around daily – but is it always right? We asked some folks we admire about their thoughts around how to know when to give up and when to keep trying

Andy Contreras | Photographer & Small Business Owner

Deciding whether to keep going or give up is one of the toughest calls to make, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I’ve faced this dilemma many times, and it’s never easy. While we’re often being told to “never give up,” the reality is that sometimes stepping away is the healthiest choice. Before making any decision, it’s crucial to give your all. Pour everything into your project so that, whatever the outcome, you know you did your best. However, if you find that your efforts are draining more from you than they’re giving back, whether that’s in terms of energy, happiness, or mental well-being—it’s worth pausing to reassess. Read more>>

Goldie Moretti | Artist

I feel like giving up is such a negative term, I don’t think giving up is really on the table. For me, a key is knowing when it’s time to change course, redirect focus, or adapt. I find that when life throws obstacles in front of our goals they’re often meant to test our determination, Sometimes it takes a little craftiness and problem solving to work out solutions. If you gave up you’d never get to see your intention manifest. Read more>>

Jennifer Basile

As an artist there is no choice, there is no “giving up” there is only moving forward. It has not been an easy road trying to balance a successful art career and a teaching career. None the less, I have been driven to be a successful artist since high school when my father told me I needed a “real job” because he said, “You’ll never make it.” That was all I needed to hear to know I could never give up, I am who I am which was born an artist. Read more>>