The Don't Quit Poem

This famous poem-a portion of which was embedded in this video presentation by Fernando Productions-is a subject that we can all relate to. Hitting bottom-at least from our individual perspective-happens to each of us in different ways, whether it be a broken heart, death of a loved one, addiction to drugs or alcohol, loss of a job, an incurable disease. The list is infinite, and those who are able to surmount any overwhelming loss almost invariably state that while they would not have wished for the experience, it changed their view of life: created character where none existed, enabled love where it had been shut out, empathy where it had been deemed irrelevant.

As with fitness, it is the parts of life that hurt, the last few repetitions that you struggle to attain, that make the difference. Those who can move past the pain, the hurt, the loss will have gained immeasurably.

While we seek to avoid pain, it is inevitable. Embrace it for the lessons it provides, and never consider quitting. If you need inspiration, there are hundreds of figures throughout history--perhaps even one living next door.

The poem's author is anonymous. Here is the original in its entirety:

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown

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