Why Quit?
Redefining What It Means to Quit
“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” - Vince Lombardi
You’ve probably heard this quote before.
But is it always true?
Honestly, I don’t think so. In fact, I believe that sometimes quitting is not a sign of failure—it’s a bold step toward discovering something better.
Let me tell you a quick story.
When Quitting Led to a Win
As a kid, I was determined to become a dancer and a gymnast. I joined classes, showed up week after week, and gave it everything I had.
But here’s the truth—I wasn’t particularly good. I was clumsy, awkward, and… well, let’s just say my gym coach might still remember the time I accidentally hit him in the nose with my knee while attempting a backhandspring.
My tap dancing? In my parents’ words, it was “painful to watch.”
Still, I stuck with it—for two whole years. And eventually, I made the decision to stop. Not because I gave up on movement, but because I realized those activities weren’t the right fit for me.
And that choice led me to discover a different sport—one I truly loved, and that loved me back.
The Real Message: Try, Reflect, Choose
Starting something new can be exciting, but it’s often challenging too. We’re not always great at things right away, and that’s okay. What matters most is that we try with an open heart.
Quitting doesn’t have to mean failure. Sometimes it means pressing pause to reflect. Sometimes it means gracefully stepping away to make room for something else.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, life gives you many chances to try, evaluate, and pivot. That’s part of learning and growing.
Especially When It Comes to Moving Your Body
Think about physical activity. Years ago, if you wanted to dance, the options might’ve been limited—ballet, jazz, or tap.
Now? There’s a world of choices: hip hop, Zumba, salsa, aerial fitness, and more. You can try a few, see what makes you smile, and let go of the rest. That’s not giving up—it’s making space for what lights you up.
And when you find something you truly enjoy, it’ll feel like a win—because it is.
How to Know If an Activity Is Right for You
Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself when evaluating a new habit or physical activity:
Do I look forward to it?
How do I feel while doing it? How do I feel afterward?
Do I need this right now—for my body, my energy, my peace of mind?
Am I constantly making excuses to avoid it? (If yes, that might be a sign it’s not the right fit—at least for now.)
Be Brave Enough to Begin, Brave Enough to Pivot
Starting something new can feel scary—and that’s okay. Don’t let fear stop you.
Let’s say you want to try dancing but feel awkward or self-conscious. A gentle first step might be private lessons instead of a group class. One-on-one instruction lets you ask questions, go at your pace, and build confidence in a safe space.
It’s also perfectly okay to switch directions, to say, “This was worth trying—but now it’s time for something else.”
You’re Brave Either Way
It takes courage to quit something you’ve always done.
It takes courage to try something you’ve never done.
Both are brave acts. Both are worth celebrating.
