A struggling entrepreneur was pitching the idea of media hubs at doctors offices. While sitting in the waiting room patrons would be able to get online, watch t.v., and read e-magazines. The product would be supported by ads. The sharks (investors) didn’t think it was a good idea because it was expensive to install and most people could access all of this information on their cell phones anyway. Sensing his chance is slipping away the entrepreneur begins to break down (literally tearing up) and confesses that he’s put everything into this idea over the last few years. He’s mortgaged his home, emptied his kids college funds, and is on the verge of bankruptcy. The investors let out a collective gasp and then start to lecture him basically saying, “What the heck do you think you’re doing? This is lunacy. You need to stop immediately. Nothing is worth you’re kids college fund.”

What struck me was that none of them admired him for the risk he was taking. They didn’t congratulate him on his courage or give him platitudes about his big break being just around the next corner. They told him to quit and focus on his family for awhile.

Most rah rah business books always promote a never give up mentality. Apparently, when the chips are down is when you’re supposed to go all in! I agree that most people give up far too easily but there comes a time when it’s okay to say “I’m out.” Then cut your losses and move on.

We need to learn the art of quitting well.

Photo Credit: mattgrimm

Many dream of having 20,000 twitter followers but only a handful post interesting links, create good content, and engage conversation like crazy so that one day they can.

Lots of folks dream of creating a million dollar company but very few are willing to become a person that has the capacity to run one.

Plenty of people dream of having a blog read by thousands each day however only a handful get up each morning and write a post.

Anyone can dream of starting a non-profit but only a minuscule number ever fill out the paper work to get the process started.

The good news for you is that you’re not most people, which gives you a massive head start. if you’re willing to get up a little earlier, stay up a wee bit later, if you’re willing to pour blood, sweat, and tears into your dreams, then someday they’ll be your reality.

A true dreamer isn’t someone who has them, it’s someone who respects them enough to take action.

Photo Credit: h.koppdelaney