The Power of Quitting

What feelings come up for you when you hear the word, “QUIT?” Do you feel a little uncomfortable, or maybe the thought of quitting even makes you squirm a little? Remember: YANA – you are not alone! I want to show you the positive side of quitting, and how powerfully it can serve you in moving forward in your business and in your life.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win?” or “Nobody likes a quitter?” Many of us have had this mindset for a long time, and today I want you to look at quitting in a whole new way. I want you to learn how to reframe quitting into a powerful place of starting. So let’s take a better look at what it means to quit, what kind of quitting is healthy for growth, and how you can use quitting to move yourself forward in a big way. So, to be clear, we aren’t talking about quitting your passion, we’re talking about quitting what gets in the way of your passion.

Did you know that the most successful people in the world quit all the time? That’s right – they do. The reason they quit is because they are able to say, “NO.” They use discernment and are able to evaluate and choose which things are going to help them to move forward vs. which things will not. We all have to do this every day when we are asked to take on a project or accept an offer to work with someone. Whenever we quit a job to take a new one that is in better alignment, we are STARTING. But starting requires quitting. It requires it!

Every “Yes” we give is a “No” to something else, so I want you to reframe this in a way that feels empowering instead of deflating. The word “quit” is so often associated with giving up, when in reality, it’s necessary in order to start something new. If you looked at your resume, how many jobs would you currently have if you never quit anything? I know that’s funny to think about because we might all have a dozen jobs, but that’s why quitting is necessary to move forward. So that’s REFRAME #1: Whenever you say “yes” to something, it means that you are saying “no” to something else. It’s the flipside of the same coin.

REFRAME #2: Quitting opens up space to excel in a more successful area. We all know that this is true. As we learn new skills, become better educated or master a specific skill, we do this so that we can become more successful. We want to take the next step, and in order to do that we must quit. But we must also keep in mind that when we quit, it opens the door for someone else that is a few steps behind us. It’s a win-win, and that is beautiful! You aren’t leaving a company in a bad situation by moving on – you are creating a new opportunity for someone who is rising.

REFRAME #3: You quit things before you ever start whenever you say, “no.” Remember that “No” is a complete sentence – you do not owe anyone an explanation. This is how you set your boundaries, and keep from being a people pleaser. I’m not saying that you need to refuse to help everyone or stop taking on projects. What I am saying is that you need to set healthy boundaries – think about whether or not you are the best person for the project, and how your time will best serve you and others. Is there a better use of your time? Will saying “no” help everyone at a higher level? That’s your “yes.”

Let me know how your mindset has shifted around quitting. This is a dialogue, not a monologue. This is your community; your tribe. Put your #BOL (breakthrough out loud) in the comments – I’d love to hear how you are learning, growing, moving forward, and QUITTING! Most importantly, I love you and I believe in you. Make this journey a beautiful one.

Your Sister in Abundance and Prosperity,

43 replies
  1. Gracelynn
    Gracelynn says:

    Hello Lisa!
    I hope you got my application.
    I like what you said, on your 5 ⚓ Anchor series…”If all things beneficial, use layer cake technique. ( layer upon layer upon later…etc)
    Check out everything through the ✨Holy Spirit then ~ “Keep only whats GOOD.” Throw away anything tainted with evil.
    Only the gullible think people don’t want what’s Good!
    You think!?!

    Reply
  2. Karlenr
    Karlenr says:

    Lisa, what a timely message!! I just came out a “season” where I was being pressured, shamed even, to doing something I didn’t want to do. MANY opposed me but I stuck my NO and now, by Divine inspiration I’m starting my own version of what I said NO to. In other words, doing it in the way that is right for me, in alignment with my values, principles and beliefs. Also, doing it with someone I would have not met had I gone “their” way. So, thanks for this confirmation.

    Reply
  3. Tanea
    Tanea says:

    Hello, Lisa!

    I SO needed to hear this message!! I want to respond to the question, “What are you saying YES to that’s sucking up your valuable time?” I recently decided to stop saying “Yes” to my employer and instead say “Yes” to my personal needs and goals. Not only have I gained valuable time, but I am betting on ME for the first time in my life, and I couldn’t be happier! Your message was the extra confirmation I needed. Thank you for being an integral part of my journey, Lisa.

    Sincerely,
    Tanea

    Reply
  4. Sophia
    Sophia says:

    Wow!!! Thanks Lisa!!! I so needed to hear this this morning. I interviewed for better a job this past Friday than the one I’m at now and the feedback I got is very positive. But interesting as it is, my mind started to go into this uncomfortable feeling of having to quit my current job. Especially because the department is so understaffed right now and somehow I get the in and out thoughts of letting the department down and so on. But this change will mean saying “Yes” to my dreams. I very much appreciate your wisdom, experience, strength and hope you share with the world. I love you Sis from another mother!!! ❤️ Thank you for being a part of my journey!!! ✊

    Reply
  5. Patricia
    Patricia says:

    That,s true strat saying no but when I do set boundaries it,s a issue . Sale out etc are I’m Alpha male etc..But I differently agree saying yes to everyone else no two yourself only burns me out …If there’s no peace in what ever is not for me our not what I want to do I,am not doing it ..But I understand excaltly what your saying thank you so very much right on time thank you I have do wait to purchase your course that,s what I need right now …Thank so much for allowing me to be apart of the family love you too .You are such a blessing to many many lives I truly appreciate you

    Reply
  6. teresa cecilia leyva aguilar
    teresa cecilia leyva aguilar says:

    Gracias Lisa, me llega este mensaje en un momento tan oportuno en mi vida. No existen las casualidades, gracias por compartir tu sabiduría. Dejar lo que se interpone en mi camino de mi pasión, gracias.

    Reply
  7. Ana
    Ana says:

    “No is a complete sentence”!
    Thank you Lisa.
    I’ve been both quitting to what does not serve me, and saying no this year. However, after quitting a job that was setting me back, and now in the process of quitting a relationship that is causing more sorrow than anything else, I’m having trouble in the middle of all my “no’s” to find my next step, both professionally and in life. I don’t find the energy just yet to put myself back out there and find a job, because I don’t feel like leaving my cave.
    Thank you for being so wonderful,
    Ana

    Reply
  8. Diane
    Diane says:

    sAYING YES TO PEOPLE, LISTENING TO THEIR PROBLEMS. Thank you sister for this wonderful and amazing video; it was so inspirational and growth orientated. Love you and all the best.

    Reply
  9. Annmercy
    Annmercy says:

    My breakthrough out loud moment is to realize that NO is a complete sentence. I always find myself feeling guilty cause I said no to someone. This is a feeling I have to get rid of.and realise that saying no is healthy for both parties. Thank you Lisa for this!!

    Reply
  10. Ngozi
    Ngozi says:

    Thanks for the reframe. It is nice to get reminders because we get so caught up in other people’s stuff and neglect ours. I am looking forward to learning from you again. It has been a while.

    Reply
  11. Ally
    Ally says:

    “Saying yes to something means you’re saying no to something else.” Those words really stuck with me! Often I say yes to something as a habit, resulting in a packed to-do list that ends up feeling unfulfilling to me. This is a timely reminder to only say yes to things that align with my highest purpose, and to be mindful of what I would be choosing to give up with that “yes.” Thank you Lisa!

    Reply
  12. Ophelia Murray
    Ophelia Murray says:

    I believe #3 is more relevant to my situation at work. I have a coworker who constantly calls on me for help (I’m talking 5 to 6 calls in one shift). I empathize with her because she is also a woman over 50, but she is not very computer literate and lives in fear of losing who job if the higher ups find out she is not as skilled at her job as she should be. But her constant calls, take my focus off of my own work, and frequently the questions she asks are things I have answered before. I just know how to say “no” to her without hurting her feelings. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  13. Ruweida Kwegyir Aggrey
    Ruweida Kwegyir Aggrey says:

    Thank you Lisa. Now I don’t feel so bad about quitting things that no longer serve me. So long as I’m moving towards my higher purpose, it’s all good. Lots of love from your sister in in prosperity and abundance. xoxo

    Reply
  14. Valerie Jackson
    Valerie Jackson says:

    The power of quitting, means being conscious about not wasting your precious time on something that takes away your time to do something meaningful for you! Something that will bring you growth, prosperity and a peace of mind!

    Reply
  15. Javonna
    Javonna says:

    Great message
    Quitting would give me so much anxiety….I always felt like if I started something I have to finish that’s just simply how I was raised that winners never quit and quitters never win and when you quit You short change yourself every time I’ve always been adamant about anything I start I finish. Now i would except a failure versus quitting
    Besides i feel that quitting promotes insecurity and that opens up another battlefield of the mind that will require healing in the near future. It’s not how you start its how you finish.

    Reply
  16. Sherry Fuller
    Sherry Fuller says:

    I really needed this message and I received it at the right time, in my life.I was always the yes person to everyone’s situations. No was rarely ever in my vocabulary and this message you have shared has given me such a different outlook on everything and I am inspired to start setting healthier boundaries.

    Reply
  17. Latonja
    Latonja says:

    Saying no is a complete sentence. That was an ahh ha moment for me. I think I’m a.people pleaser and saying no makes.me.feel.guilty. guilty of what I don’t know but I know it’s time for me to start saying no more.often and yes to the things that I belive will add value to my life. Thank you for this short but powerful lesson

    Reply
  18. Sheila Miller
    Sheila Miller says:

    yes Yesss. I realize Saying yes to Me , enables me to be at ease with myself. I’m starting to see me again, know I have a long way to go. It all started when I took your advice from Ur grandma by saying No. Never realized how powerful that word is”No””. Thanks a million.

    Reply
  19. Kimberley
    Kimberley says:

    Just say No! You don’t have to say it angrily. I have to practice this. Thank you god your transparency.

    Reply
  20. Jagrity
    Jagrity says:

    Dear Lisa,

    YOU MAKE LIVING THE LIFE TO THE FULLEST THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY WHICH IS ACTUALLY IS MANIFESTATION OF LIVING EVERY ASPECT OF ONE’S LIFE.

    I had quit that workplace which did not respect- the most non -negotiable. I am in phase of reviving self and starting with complete assurance of having opportunity aligned to my values and goodness.

    More power to you.

    Stay Wonderful!
    J S

    More Power to you!

    Reply
  21. Sindi
    Sindi says:

    All my life i was saying yes in order to be accepted and loved, I was saying yes to ensure that other people are emotionally okay while I was breaking down inside. This message today has shown me how much opportunities and peace of minds I’ve lost because of my yesses instead of saying no .
    Thank you for opening my eyes

    Reply
  22. Maggie Jean
    Maggie Jean says:

    My aha moment was understanding that saying yes to someone else could be saying no to me. I am over delaying my projects and giving other people projects more importance. Life is too short. Someone else’s assignment or dream job might be to assist them so I need to get out the way and say no so they can thrive. That’s Love all round!!! We all win when I am true to myself. Make room by saying no and letting it go.

    Reply
  23. Angelica
    Angelica says:

    Lisa,
    I love you!! ❤️❤️❤️
    Thank you, thank you, Thank you!!

    For years I said Yes to others because I believed that I was being helpful. I remember in elementary school, (Logan Heights – San Diego California) always being the teachers pet…and oh, that felt so, so, good!

    Then my High School days in L.A. “my helpfulness” ways continued. Oh, I was so likeable, the nice, helpful girl!

    As an adult I finally learned to say No after I started feeling the negative results…become overwhelmed with things to do for others, it startedto become too much…I felt like a Gumby doll!

    I lost myself and my loving kindness, towards doing for others for internally, it turned into resentment.

    Inside I began to feel bratty inside, saying “No!” out of resentment. “No” my inner self was waving me done to, Aha! moment…say Yes to my life, my desires, my projects, to all the things I was saying “No” to…to me

    The Aha!, so many, oh so many my beautiful sister Lisa…wish I had known you years ago…

    Oh!! Say “No” to regrets! (Babysteps in awareness, I’m learning Lisa!)

    Thank you for caring Lisa, thank you…God Bless You in Abundance of everything, I mean EVERYTHING in your amazing life!!

    Reply
  24. Kathleen Shaw
    Kathleen Shaw says:

    WOW, WOW, WOW did I need that this morning as I sit here with Covid for the first time in two and a half years. Instead of being upset, I am taking it as TIME FOR ME!!! I need to learn to say NO and that it is OK to say no! I have put myself last for the past 55 years. It is time to stop. I am learning…it may be slow, but I am reading, taking courses, watching videos etc to learn how to be ME and how to love ME. The little girl in me was abandoned at birth, so that is all I have ever known…abandonment. I abandoned myself all the time, until now. Thank you Lisa Nichols!!!

    Reply
  25. Leta
    Leta says:

    I so needed to hear this message today. I was mislead into taking a position at a school as a Sub teacher promised a bonus. Once I and other subs were hired the bonus was denied and the lies began. Even though I loved working with the youth I could not make it off of what I was being paid. I addressed the benefits office and human resources for 2 months when I did not see bonus on paycheck. I was in the process of attempting to implement E.S.P. Digging D.E.E.P. to benefit Educators, Students & Parents, However the principle asked me to meet with a coworker which I already did and shared with her the program I was wanting to implement. Then she started avoiding me after our initial meeting. I continued being blocked. They were aware of what I bought to the table and recognized the impact I had with the youth however we were being paid slave wages for what we had to endure as a substitute teacher! So I did quit but I was torn because of the connection I made with the youth. I am focusing on (E.S.P) Educators Students & Parents Digging ( D.E.E.P) Develop Empower Equip Prepared for success at home, school and in their communities. So that the ESPs’ can work as a cohesive team for the students success!

    Reply
  26. Denise Skinner
    Denise Skinner says:

    What do you get to say NO to that will open up key time for you in another area! That’s what’s struck me big!! I’m in process and starting a business and want to quit my job but am a single mom and fear has really kept me frozen!! So HOW to move past that and take the risk???

    I NEED the extra time to work on my business I’ve Tried for 2-3 years to “do it all” and can’t market or find time to work on my business so I’m tempted just to QUIT!!!

    Reply
  27. Darlene Cain
    Darlene Cain says:

    Thank you for this very neede and necessary conversation today. My take away today is keep saying no without an explanation or feeling guilty about it.
    I am still learning my self worth and need to Volunteer less.

    Reply
  28. Erica Blanchard
    Erica Blanchard says:

    Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4: 4-7
    Clear, Concise, Powerful and Quick would be wise. I was blessed by Oprah Winfrey with a $1million dollars gift from her winning list. Thanks be to God Amen However I said “no” politely declining the gift. I gave 1st first fruits to God (Proverbs 3:9-10) That was just insane to many. I understood that totally. However God almighty wanted it to cover a multitude of blessings for many with that “seed” sown in Him through Truth, Covenant of Agreement-Equality and Law of Honor… million plus billion dollars equals trillions dollars, the LordGod promoted Oprah and I to the next level of abundance. Trillionaires, OWN YOUR POWER! Best NO of my life. “The repairer of the breach.The restorer of paths to dwell in.” (Isaiah 58:12)
    Thanks you for your kind attention. ❤

    Reply
    • Erica Blanchard
      Erica Blanchard says:

      But the fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law.-Galatians 5:22-23NASB…..Brave Thinking DreamBuilder
      I have learned this, at least in my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of their dream, endeavoring to live the life they are imagining, one passes an invisible boundary. ❤
      ❤ “All sorts of things begin to occur that never otherwise would have occurred. One begins to meet with a success unexpected in common hour thinking.” ❤
      ❤ “New more Universal, more liberal Laws begin to to establish themselves around this person, or the old Laws are rearranged in one’s favor; nevertheless one begins to live with a license of a higher order of being.” ❤ (By Henry David Thoreau)
      Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it dies not boast, it is not proud.-1Corinthians 13:4
      Thank you for your kind attention. ❤

      Reply
  29. Charnyce Everythings New
    Charnyce Everythings New says:

    I’m learning how and when to say No. I usually over-extend myself as a way of people-pleasing. Saying Yes to helping others and forfeiting that time for the personal projects, that God assigned to me. So, in this season of my life, I am choosing to finish the work that God has given me and no to thongs and people that take me off my path.

    Reply
  30. Melissa
    Melissa says:

    This message is so timely.
    I recently reevaluated the time and energy I invest in shallow friendships.
    I have reframed my life and I feel great about it….this message from you confirmed I took the right stance. Thankyou Lisa. Recently I have been able to invest more time in things that are more beneficial for my future…. I will continue learning to say no to things that no longer serves me well.

    Love

    Reply
  31. AnnaTsatoke
    AnnaTsatoke says:

    I am 65 years old. I came close to losing my life last year with covid. Some say at a certain age life just becomes irrelevant, the hopes and dreams of the past are pointless and at my age give up and get ready to die. This is true to a certain extent, however at the right age of 65 I am dying to live. I have spent my whole life saying yes to everyone except myself. It started started with my sexual abusers at the age of four and I was conditioned to always lay aside myself for others. It has never given me any value, I mean though I feel some sort of virtue, aren’t even some type of obscure and twisted humility, most of the time it has resulted in me feeling humiliated, worthless, taken advantage of and never loved. And still, at my age when life should be lovely it is… Hard for me to say yes for myself, … No matter how exhausted I am feeling. I am feeling lost but yet hopeful, angry yet thankful… Constricted. This morning at about 5:30 a.m. I said yes to you. It’s not too late, though it should have been long ago… And I keep asking with every passing day, as my life draws close to an end, when will I say no to all the demands that I allow others to have and say yes to myself. When will I say yes to painting, to writing and say no to always being so damn self-sacrificing… is it too late. I am dying to live, to be, to relish in the glory of life… I said yes…this morning without regret. Thank you…️️️️️️️️

    Reply
  32. Mykevia Jones
    Mykevia Jones says:

    YESSSS!!!! #BOL I needed this breakthrough, I was saying yes to everything that gave me instant gratification even if it was NOT in alignment with my higher self. This makes me re-evaluate how my yes’s are causing me to say NO to my QUANTUM LEAP.

    Reply
  33. Deborah Rudon
    Deborah Rudon says:

    Wow, did I need that message. I was such a “Yes” person. Needless to say, it has led to so many unfavorable circumstances in my life. I recently started to say “No” to certain people and situations, and I have found it to be quite exhilarating and freeing for my very well-being. Thank you so much for shedding such light on The Power of Quitting, by just simply saying “No.” Miss Lisa, you are truly an inspiration, I appreciate you.

    Reply
  34. La Tanya Harris
    La Tanya Harris says:

    Lisa,
    This so on point with your personal and professional life.
    I’m saying no to spending time with friends to study for an exam that will be a game changer for my career.
    I’m also saying no to mindless hours of watching TV to study.
    Yes to successfully studying and passing my exam!!
    Yes to the game changing career opportunities that it will bring for me.

    Thank you for always delivering pearls of wisdom.

    Reply
  35. Ilonka Mignon Meier
    Ilonka Mignon Meier says:

    I am an international educator, but 4 weeks ago I just quit my job as a teacher.
    I like teaching but what I REALLY LOVE is motivating people, encourage them and help them finding their path. I don’t want to press students into a tiny little box; I don’t want to write grades and judge students, I want the opposite: I want to help them to fly…so I quit after a wake up call. Thank you so much for THE POWER OF QUITTING. I am all fired up and know that it was the right thing to do; I know what I know. My whole body says YES, my heart says yes and my soul says yes. Again: THANK YOU, Lisa.

    Reply
  36. Jameelah Shareef
    Jameelah Shareef says:

    Hi Lisa,
    I totally agree with you on this one. It took me (what it seemed like) forever to finally “quit/say NO” to the previous work that I was doing. Once I did this, it truly opened up space for me to work with my daughter through home-schooling and venture into several independent projects which are currently paying off. You asked the question: “What are you saying yes to that’s soaking up your valuable time?” I would also add: “What are you saying yes to that’s soaking up your valuable /mind/?” Often times, we find ourselves spending a great deal of time not necessarily doing unwanted tasks but thinking about the tasks we don’t want to do. This I’m still working through.
    – Jameelah

    Reply

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