Stuck and Frustrated? 4 Steps to Keep Going When You Want to Quit

Sometimes, the toughest work we’ll ever do isn’t what’s out there in the world; it’s what’s happening inside us. And one of the hardest things to do? Love ourselves better.

It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and struggled to be kind to the person staring back at you, you know this isn’t easy work. Learning to love yourself isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a necessity. It shapes how you love others — your friends, your family, even your community.

But what happens when you feel like you’re failing? When the progress feels too small or too slow, and you’re tempted to throw in the towel? That’s what I want to talk about today. I’m sharing four key practices that have helped me when I felt like giving up. Whether your goal is weight loss, a career shift, or building a better relationship with yourself, these practices will help you keep going.

Practice #1: Patience

Patience isn’t something you lose; it’s something you stop practicing. I had to learn this the hard way.

At the start of 2024, I set a goal to weigh 140 pounds. I was 156 at the time, and I knew the journey would take work. For months, I weighed myself daily, logged my meals, and followed my protocol. By May, I had lost a little over a pound. Yup, just 1.2 pounds after all that effort. Frustration took over, and I quit. I stopped weighing in, stopped logging, and stopped trying. By September, I weighed 165.9 — more than when I started.

Here’s what I learned: Patience means sticking with the process, even when it feels like nothing is happening. It’s showing up daily, doing the mundane work, and trusting that your actions are leading somewhere. More importantly, it’s being patient with yourself. When frustration bubbles up, let yourself feel it without reacting. Sit with it. Acknowledge it. This simple act of feeling your feelings — without letting them derail you — is a game-changer.

Practice #2: Trust

When frustration creeps in, trust can be hard to hold onto. But trusting the process and trusting yourself are non-negotiable if you want to reach your goals.

After my September wake-up call, I decided to recommit to my plan. I didn’t change my protocol; I simply trusted it. That meant weighing myself daily and logging my food, even when I didn’t want to. It also meant trusting myself to follow through. Keeping promises to yourself — no matter how small — builds trust. And trust is essential for growth.

Here’s the thing: We’ll bend over backward to show others we’re trustworthy, but we often fail to show up for ourselves. That has to change. When you honor your word to yourself, you reinforce your ability to create the results you want. Trust isn’t just a feeling; it’s a practice.

Practice #3: Loving Yourself

When you stumble, it’s tempting to beat yourself up. Your brain might say, “You failed before; why even try?” or “You’ll never get this right.” But this kind of self-talk only makes it harder to keep going.

When I looked back at my weight-loss journey, I had every reason to be harsh with myself. I had gained 11 pounds after giving up on my plan. But instead of dwelling on my mistakes, I chose to learn from them. I asked myself, What went wrong? and How can I do better? Then, I loved myself enough to get back on track.

Loving yourself means having your own back, no matter what. It means silencing the inner critic and choosing compassion instead. Remember: There is no failure unless you give up entirely. Every twist and turn in your journey is an opportunity to grow stronger.

Practice #4: Seeing God’s Provision

When you’re stuck, it can feel like God’s forgotten you. But let me assure you, He hasn’t.

Isaiah 43:19 reminds us of God’s promise: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” God’s provision may not look the way you expect, but it’s always there.

For me, it came in the form of a nutritionist I found in September. Her guidance helped me lose the 10 pounds I had gained, and it reminded me that God works through people, tools, and resources to help us fulfill His plans. Whatever your goal is, invite God into your process. Pray about it. Be open to His “new thing” and trust that He will make a way.

Final Thoughts

Transformation isn’t quick, sexy, or easy. It’s a daily practice of patience, trust, love, and faith. Wherever you are in your journey, know that you are not alone. Keep showing up, keep practicing, and keep trusting. You’ve got this.