THERE IS A TIME TO STAY PUT... AND, THERE IS A TIME TO QUIT




















If everything in life is in a state of constant flux – ever changing, I would be a big fool if I hold on to my state, forever!

As a young man, I, too, was hugely influenced by the famous lines:

“A winner never quits… and a quitter never wins.”

Today, when someone comes to me with that quote, I tell him, “Dear, in Life, there are times to stay put, and there are times to quit… A winner knows when.”

No doubt, holding on is the mark of a successful man, a winner. They call it perseverance, persistence… the staying power… the stick-on strength. Well, the brave have it in their heart. They don’t give up easily… They endure… They stay long in the battle ground. It is only when we are challenged, driven to the wall, we tap on our reserves… the strength hidden within. Yes, unless we are challenged, we will never know what a powerhouse the heart is!

Still, it is wise to know when to quit… when to give up.



In Life, some struggle is just futile… If we don’t exit, it is a sure road to our self-destruction. Such a struggle is induced by our ego and arrogance… by our false belief that quitting is cowardice, a weak sign… It is, also, induced by the fear that the world will laugh if we do that…

It is, really, funny!

Just think of it: Why should the world laugh? And, even if it does, why should we fear the world and its opinion? What does, finally, matter – appeasing the world or the quiet peace within?




There are times, in Life, to quit… 

 and, quit it for our own good. 

And, knowing when to do it is wisdom…



Holding on is good... as long as it serves good to our inner peace. Else, it is a proverbial millstone around our neck!

Winners quit… Yes, when they should…

And, yes sir, quitters do win… when, for peace, they would!



GERALD D’CUNHA

Pic.: Anand Ashokan




Comments

Pooja Shetty said…
Great truth! ---- Pooja
August 3, 2013 at 7:11 PM
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