I was given an assignment two years ago that I thought would be a great growth opportunity in a part of my life that definitely needs some Miracle Grow.

 

Today I’m totally overwhelmed with that same assignment, and I want to quit.

 

I would love to send out a mass email and say, “Nope, sorry, wrong person, I’m out.” But since the assignment is just ramping up and the difficult part is just beginning, I can’t quit.

 

I’ve realized I’m in a cycle of defeat. And this is how the cycle goes: I face failure, I feel hopeless and then I want to quit.

 

And in the middle of all that failure, my mind runs while wild with negative thoughts that consume me.

 

I’m wondering if there is anyone else out there who hears these same recordings running through their mind as they face a difficult path:

 

You’re not as good as others think you are.

 

You’ll never get this done. Why would anyone trust you with this assignment?  You’re not good enough to get this job done. You don’t know enough to do this job. You won’t do this project justice. But now you have to do it, and you will settle for mediocrity, like you always do. Anyone? Can anyone relate?

 

So today, as I feel totally overwhelmed by the project, I will starve those thoughts of defeat and replace those recordings playing in my head with the truth. I was not created for defeat. I am more than a conqueror. I will reach out for help. I’m not too proud to admit I struggle. This will not overtake me. Take one intentional step at a time. I will not quit.

 

Instead of lying down and allowing my thoughts to chew me up and spit me out, I will take those thoughts captive and move ahead. A list will be made. A phone call will happen; and little by little, this job that seemed so overwhelming will suddenly be something I look forward to working on instead of pushing it to the back burner.

 

Whatever you’re facing today, a busy spring planting season, low milk prices, no milk market, a graduation open house, an unlikely diagnosis, don’t listen to the failure running through your head. Starve the defeat and take one action toward a solution. And if you think you’re the only one who struggles, re-read this and know that I’m right there with you.

 

When you quit quitting you will starve the defeat and success will follow. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.