When you feel like you can't do it anymore

“I can’t do this anymore, I feel like I am running but not getting anywhere and I want to quit.” “I can’t do this anymore, I feel like I am running but not getting anywhere and I want to quit.”

It’s really hard when you’re clawing your way through something and you just don’t seem to be getting anywhere. The number just isn’t moving fast enough. Or you work and work you’re really getting somewhere and then life comes and knocks your feet out from under you.  I have been there more times than I can count.

It feels so overwhelming when you’re working so hard and not getting ahead. And it can become so easy to look at what another family is doing and what is working for them and feel like a total failure. But you’re not.

Take stock

Sometimes when we get overwhelmed it becomes easy to throw a pity party and only think about what we haven’t accomplished, rather than focusing on what we have. We often stand in the middle of the road and cry about how far the finish line is when we could simply turn around and be shocked by how far we have already run. Instead of focusing on the battles, you haven't started fighting yet, focus on the war you have already won.

Take an honest look

Sacrifice can hurt. It’s not easy. It’s uncomfortable and we just don’t want to do it. But sacrifices are usually short term. We are trading in what we want right now for what we want long term.

Take time to respect where you are

It is so easy to look at what someone else is doing or read a blog about someone else’s life and feel like garbage. But you are not someone else. You are you. Don’t fall into the trap of comparison and get so stuck you can’t find your way out.

You don’t know that person’s income. They may have less debt than you. They may have been at it longer. They may not have kids with food allergies. They may live in a place where the cost of living is less. There are a million little reasons why someone else’s path won’t be the same as yours. Yours might be longer and more frustrating. You’re not asked to live anyone’s life but your own. Give yourself grace. Move forward.