What to Do When You’re on the Verge of Quitting

Being an entrepreneur and living life on your terms isn’t always the dream it’s made out to be. The reality? It’s a path filled with challenges that test just how passionate you are about what you do. Sometimes, it gets really hard—pouring your heart and soul into an idea only to watch it fail can be crushing. In those moments, bouncing back feels anything but easy. No matter how many people cheer you on, if you’re not your own biggest cheerleader, staying the course becomes almost impossible. That self-belief? It’s the key to persistence.

Here are some powerful examples of people who refused to quit—and changed the world because of it:

Steven Spielberg: The Dream That Wouldn’t Die

Did you know Steven Spielberg was rejected not once, but three times by the University of Southern California’s film school? Rather than letting that stop him, he forged his own path, creating films that have shaped generations. Today, Spielberg is one of the most successful filmmakers of all time. Imagine if he had given up after those rejections—would we have E.T. or Schindler’s List?

Michael Jordan: Fired Before He Could Fly

Michael Jordan is synonymous with greatness, but in high school, he was cut from his basketball team. Instead of quitting, he doubled down on his efforts, famously saying, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Without his perseverance, basketball—and sports history—would never have been the same.

Dr. Michael DeBakey: The Rejected Heart Surgeon Who Gave Others Life

Dr. Michael DeBakey was told early on that his ideas were impractical, but he persisted. As a surgeon, he developed the first artificial heart pump, saving countless lives and pioneering modern cardiovascular surgery. If he had let rejection define him, we’d be living in a very different world of medicine.

Jack Canfield: From 143 Rejections to a Billion Copies

Jack Canfield, the author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, faced 143 rejections before a publisher finally said yes. That “yes” turned into a global phenomenon, selling over 500 million copies and even being used to teach English in China. Jack’s story is a testament to sticking with your vision, even when others can’t see it yet.

Kate Winslet: Rising Above Doubt

Kate Winslet’s drama teacher told her she’d never make it as an actress. She could have given up, but instead, she pushed forward. Fast forward to today, and she’s an Oscar-winning actress, known for iconic roles in films like Titanic and The Reader.

Oprah Winfrey: Fired But Unstoppable

Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first television job and told she was “unfit for TV.” Can you imagine a world without Oprah? Her resilience turned that rejection into an empire, and today, she’s one of the most influential women in the world.

Albert Einstein: A Genius Misunderstood

Even Albert Einstein was seen as a failure early in life. He didn’t speak until he was four years old and was rejected from academic jobs after university. But he didn’t quit. His persistence led to groundbreaking theories that transformed science forever.

Colonel Sanders: Fried Chicken After 1,009 Nos

Colonel Harland Sanders was rejected 1,009 times before someone finally agreed to invest in his fried chicken recipe. He started KFC at the age of 65, proving it’s never too late to succeed if you keep going.

These stories aren’t just inspiring—they’re reminders that every rejection, every roadblock, and every challenge is part of the journey.

So, what should you do when you feel like quitting?

1. Remember Why You Started: Reconnect with the passion that set you on this path.

2. Take Risks: Bold moves often lead to breakthroughs.

3. Find Your Allies: Surround yourself with people who believe in you.

4. Learn from Failure: Every setback is a lesson.

   
   

Above all, remind yourself that you are not alone. Even the greatest achievers faced moments of doubt.

Quitting might seem easier, but staying the course? That’s how you leave a legacy.