To pivot or to persevere? Or more bluntly – to give up or to not to give up? This is a haunting question, a question that has ramifications far after an answer has been chosen and it’s also a question that almost everyone in our community has had to face at one time or another. How do you know when to give up and when to keep trying?

Michael Champitto | Wanjangnim / Owner: White Tiger Taekwondo & Martial Arts

Wow! This is a very poignant question. I took over White Tiger in December of 2019 and there have been many times since when I have questioned whether or not I could successfully continue. COVID shut us down for months. A large number of our students couldn’t continue. We had issues with other schools running us down on social media and difficulty with the lease in the space we rented. Not to mention some additional personal issues at home that compounded my stress levels. But I know what my training at White Tiger, under Grandmaster Rondy, meant to me. It got me through some very difficult times and I want to be able to share that with my students. We’ve developed a credo that has become our own recognized Kwan. SISU. Read more>>

Rachael Hansen | Studio Manager

After nearly 10 years in business, we have seen both successes and failures. We pull ourselves through the hard times with the promise of positive things right around the corner. While there are many days, we feel like giving up, we know that we have a wonderful community supporting us. Another thing that keeps us motivated is our amazing staff, we have a great team that is always coming up with new ideas for how to grow as a company. Overall, we know that we have the support of our customers to back our business, and for that we are thankful. Read more>>

Johnny Niko | Artist/ Creator

The way I’ve treated anything of it still feel good to pursue it on any level the moment it doesn’t it’s ok to take a break and try again later. Read more>>

Wes Harper | Business Owner and Naked and Afraid Survivalist.

Unless you are faced with a life threatening health situation or there is an evolutionary shift in the narrative, you never give up. You may need to change your plan, amend your strategy and tactics, but do not waver from your goal. The saying ‘when your backs against the wall, your only option is moving forward’ applies here. The difference between success and failure is your desire and tenacity to succeed. Read more>>

Dr. Terrance Ruth | NC State Assistant Professor | Creator of the Podcast Illogical by TRUTH

I live by an old wise saying, “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly”! At the core of my actions, my decisions, and my leadership philosophy I try to uphold these three principles: justice, mercy, and humility. My hope, my desire to continue, rest on a much deeper purpose than wealth accumulation or popularity. In doing justice, I seek to do what is right and what is right for the collective. My personal ambition and success should never overshadow my desire to do what is right and that gives me hope. That hope rest on the fact that my ancestors, those before me, were passionate about justice and there will be others after me. Read more>>

Dr. Terrance Ruth | Assistant Professor at NC State University & Podcast Illogical by TRUTH

I live by an old wise saying, “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly”! At the core of my actions, my decisions, and my leadership philosophy I try to uphold these three principles: justice, mercy, and humility. My hope, my desire to continue, rest on a much deeper purpose than wealth accumulation or popularity. That hope rest on the fact that my ancestors, those before me, were passionate about justice and there will be others after me that are compassionate about justice. Also, mercy is a powerful term. Actually, if we love mercy then we can uphold democracy. We can compromise and critically think even in an effort to understand opposing views. This ability to forgive gives me hope to continue. Read more>>

Alejandro Contreras | Chef/Owner

You gotta find motivation in the small things. See what you’re doing right and take the best out of it to have that encouragement to keep going and getting bigger Read more>>

Willis Buie | Owner of a Wedding and Professional Events DJ company

Giving up is not an option. Why even start if you’re going to give up if it doesn’t move in the exact way you thought it would? Who knows what you’re missing out on. Read more>>

Jose Lopez | Architect

This is great question. I started my practice by setting parameters. The first one being why do I do this? The second parameter what is my timeframe to test my business idea? The third, what would be my worst case scenario? Could I live with that scenario? The “why do I do this,” was easy. I got into architecture because I wanted to impact our society and create beautiful and functional spaces for our communites. It is the most rewarding thing I could choose, I have been practicing architecture over 20 years now and this life-style is very enriching. I get to help people and do what I love. Read more>>