Why We Quit Before the Finish Line

Understanding Why We Give Up Before Success

Feb 28, 2025

Ever started a new project with full excitement, only to leave it unfinished?

You’re not alone.

It’s something almost everyone has experienced at some point.

Whether it’s a fitness goal, a creative project, or a new habit, we often find ourselves dropping things just when we’re about to reach the finish line.

So, what’s going on?

Why do we quit just before the end?

Before we dive in...
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The Temptation of the Easy Road

One reason we quit is that we’re drawn to comfort.

It’s human nature.

At first, starting something new is thrilling.

There’s a burst of excitement, like the first steps of a marathon.

But as time goes on, things get harder.

The excitement fades, and the real work begins.

It’s easy to back off when things get tough, especially when we’ve been conditioned to seek comfort and instant gratification in our daily lives.

In the U.S., we’re constantly surrounded by fast food, quick fixes, and instant results. We’re conditioned to think that success should come easily.

Real growth, both personal and professional, needs patience, perseverance, and sometimes discomfort.

The Fear of Failure

Another reason we quit is fear.

Fear of failure.

Fear of not being good enough.

Fear that our efforts will go unnoticed or unappreciated.

The moment we hit a roadblock or fail to meet our own expectations, it’s tempting to throw in the towel.

The Stoics, however, offer us a different perspective.

Marcus Aurelius, one of the great Stoic philosophers, reminds us that failure isn’t something to fear—it’s a part of the process.

He wrote, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

In other words, obstacles are not barriers to success—they are the very path to it.

The Illusion of Perfection

Perfectionism also plays a big role in quitting before the finish line.

We start out with an image in our minds of how things “should” be. But when things don’t go as planned—when the project isn’t perfect or the progress is slower than expected—we get discouraged.

But here’s the thing: Perfection is an illusion.

In fact, the pursuit of perfection can be a form of procrastination in itself.

We think we need everything to be perfect before we can finish.

In reality, it’s the consistent effort, even in imperfection, that leads to success.

The Stoics teach us to focus on progress, not perfection.

Epictetus said, “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”

Meaning: Stop worrying about making everything flawless and just keep moving forward.

How to Keep Going

So, how do we avoid quitting?

How do we push through when the excitement fades, the fear sets in, or the progress feels slow?

Remember Your Why – Revisit why you started in the first place. Whether it’s a goal, a passion, or a mission, remind yourself of your purpose. The bigger picture will help keep you grounded.
Embrace the Process – Success isn’t about the finish line; it’s about the journey. When we focus too much on the end result, we lose sight of the valuable lessons we’re learning along the way.
Break it Down – Big tasks can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small.
Give Yourself Grace – Progress takes time. Don’t beat yourself up for mistakes or delays. Treat each setback as part of the learning process.

The Stoic Reminder

At the end of the day, quitting before the finish line is part of being human.

But we don’t have to accept it as inevitable.

The Stoics remind us that we have control over our actions, regardless of how we feel in the moment.

We can choose to stay focused, keep pushing forward, and embrace the journey.

So next time you feel like quitting, ask yourself: What would the Stoics do?

Keep going.

Finish what you started.

The reward isn’t just in the completion, but in the growth that happens along the way.

Stay strong,

Stay Stoic,

Stoic Journal

Stoic Journal