How to Keep Going When You Feel Like Quitting
Whether it’s a bad day, a tough deadline, or one too many curveballs, the urge to throw in the towel is real. I’ve been there (more than I’d like to admit). But I’ve also learned a few ways to push past that feeling and keep going, without losing my sanity or my sense of humor.
I wouldn’t tell just anyone what I’m about to tell you—and only because we’re like family. At least several times a week I want to quit. Seriously. The thought crosses my mind, and not when things are going great. It’s when I face a challenge: a tough writing assignment, a book deadline, an early morning interview, or a snarky message in my inbox.
The temptation to quit has been a steady companion in my life. And if my own inner critic isn’t enough, the world around me is more than happy to chime in: Why bother? There are fresher voices out there. Take a break. Enjoy life.
But here’s the thing. I’ve been in this mental tug-of-war long enough to see it coming. I can spot the warning signs, and that means I can do something about it before it drags me to the quitting line. Over time, I’ve built a short list of tools and mindsets that help me hit pause, recalibrate, and get back on track.
My Personal Strategies for Pushing Through
I talk back—to myself. Forcefully, with confidence and conviction. I ask: Why are you doing this? Because truthfully, there are plenty of other jobs that would require less work, less time, and certainly fewer snarky emails.
My answer changes from day to day. Some mornings, it’s because this work brings me joy and I get to be my own boss. Other times, it’s because, yes, I work 50 to 60 hours a week, but I have the freedom to choose how and where those hours happen.
But most often, the answer is short, simple, and steady: It’s because of you. And me. Without you—the readers, supporters, and cheerleaders—there’d be nothing to quit. And without this work, I’d lose the very thing that keeps me on my personal financial straight and narrow. This job is my maintenance plan, my financial sobriety. It’s what keeps me out of debt and moving forward.
I’ve had tough jobs before. I’ve been a process server, delivering subpoenas in the kinds of neighborhoods you don’t stroll through after dark. I once juggled 52 piano students a week—half an hour each—while raising two babies under the age of three. And yes, I’ve been married to the same man for over 50 years, which is its own brand of beautiful hard work.
But this? This daily work—sharing, writing, connecting—is by far the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. The benefits go beyond a paycheck. They’re measured in freedom, purpose, and the joy of helping others reach financial peace.
Still, I’m no stranger to those “end of my rope” moments. You know the ones—when you just can’t see a way forward. And looking at today’s economy, unemployment rates, rising costs, and unsettling headlines, it’s no wonder we all feel that weight.
3 Practical Steps to Keep Going
Pulling the covers over your head might sound tempting, but it’s not an option. So instead, I lean on three proactive steps that have kept me going time and again, and they might just work for you, too.
1. Verbalize How You Feel
I’m not suggesting you post a blow-by-blow on social media. This is for you and maybe God to hear. Grab a journal, a notepad, or even the notes app on your phone and write it out: I’m angry. I’m scared. I don’t want to face today. Be honest. Don’t pretty it up.
Getting those swirling thoughts out of your head and onto paper is like opening a pressure valve. Your circumstances might not change right away, but the way you feel about them will. It’s amazing how simply naming your feelings can take away some of their power.
2. Accept Help From Others
You were never meant to carry every burden alone. Once you know where you’re stuck, take the brave step of asking for help.
If you’re drowning in credit card debt, visit NFCC.org to find a certified credit counselor in your area. Then make the call. If you can’t afford medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist; they often know about programs and discounts most people never hear about.
Reaching out isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. And you might be surprised at how quickly resources and support show up once you ask.
3. Choose Joy Over Defeat
Even when life has you hanging on by a thread, there’s one thing you always control: your attitude. That’s not toxic positivity. It’s a conscious choice to steer your thoughts in a better direction.
You can dwell on what’s missing, what’s gone wrong, and what might fall apart next… or you can focus on what’s good, even if that’s as small as the air you breathe or the sunshine on your face. Joy doesn’t mean pretending problems don’t exist. It means choosing to notice the blessings that still do.
The Power of Gratitude and Perspective
I’ve yet to meet a single person with a perfect life. We all carry our own mix of blessings and burdens, and the road we travel will have its share of potholes. Over the years, I’ve learned that I have a choice: let life’s challenges beat me down and make me bitter, or use those experiences to help someone else keep going.
Gratitude has a way of shifting the view. When I look at what I’ve been given instead of what I’ve lost, I find strength. And when I remember that my story—bumps and all—might give someone else hope, it makes the hard days worth it.
Many Thanks
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for showing up, for reading, for sharing your own stories, and for your determination to live below your means. Your loyalty and commitment to finding smarter, simpler ways to save time and money inspire me daily. You’re not just the reason I keep going. You’re living proof that this work matters.
Question: When quitting sounds tempting, what’s your secret for pushing through? Share your best tip or personal trick in the comments. I’d love to hear how you keep going.















Thank you for this article! And for all of your great advice both in the newsletter AND your books! I appreciate the work you do.
Dear Mary
Keep up the good work! Really enjoy your e-mails and tips!!!
Thank you for keeping it up! I love your tips today and look forward to your email daily we appreciate you⭐️
Aw, thanks Laura! Clearly we need one another. You have encouraged me. I’ll be right here, you can count on it.
Your rewarding job is so rewarding to me and to all of your readers. Thank you for doing it, and please keep on. I’m sure that with the rest of us, I check in every day and feel grateful for your wisdom.
Thanks so much Pat for your kind words. I think we need each other, and quite equally!
Hi Mary! First time to post. I have been following your advice for years but never thought about chiming in. Thanks for being honest and open sharing your highs and lows with us. I think of the proverb, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” You really do make a difference in people’s lives as evidenced by all the comments. I am older and retired but not really. I take care of my 92 year old mother. We all have our blessings and challenges. My tip would be to take it day by day realizing today is a new day and I have a clean slate. I think it was another Mary….. Mary Engelbreit who famously said, “Life is so daily!”
Thanks for your encouragement, Darla!
I have followed your advice and wisdom for the past 20 years. Without your knowledge, experience and advice I would still be under a mountain of self entitlement debt! Please keep the advice coming! I look forward to your article daily. You are doing the Lord’s work and thank you for your ongoing mission!
Thank you for your vote of confidence, Cindy! Stay tuned … lots of plans on the horizon !
Mary, I loved your comment about self-talk. We can be so hard on ourselves! Here are three words I learned to eliminate from my mind, my mouth, and my vocabulary… WHY, IF, and SHOULD. These words have no present tense; they are always about the past or the future. When I am using any of these words, I am not in the present, not in the reality of the present. Eliminating these words eliminates much worry, much stress, much angst, which, by the way, is another word for sneaky low-grade anger. Catch yourself using these words and you will see what I mean. I am a very old lady who has followed your column for decades. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Excellent advice, Ellen! I’m sure many of your fellow ECers are thanking you, as am I!
Mary, we thank you from our hearts to yours. We read with anticipation and rejoice when you give us an answer.
Stay firm and know you are loved.
Thank you for all you do and please keep up the good work!
MARY, YOU ARE LIKE NO OTHER IN INTERNET LAND! I’m so glad so many of us wrote with the same sentiment. I, too, have been a fan of yours for many years. You are a breath of fresh air in all of this madness. I posted on my FB page a quote from CS Lewis: When the whole world is running toward the cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind. You, Mary, talk me off the cliff everyday with your wholesome, common sense decency and values. Thank you.
Mary, What you teach is TIMELESS. I have passed it on to my kids. How many times have I thought, “If I had only learned this stuff as a child…?” I watch my kids make financial decisions based on what you taught me. They are now empowered and can choose to learn from my mistakes because YOU gave us the timeless tools. You are a gifted encourager. Again, Thank you, Mary.
No Mary,
Thank you for helping all of us stay on track. Financial sobriety? I’m going to remember that one. Seriously, thank you so much!
MaryLou
Mary, my name goes on the very long list of folks who are grateful that you don’t quit. I have followed you for many years, and have learned so much. You have taught us about budgeting, but also about attitude and charity and faith and family and cooking and giving and so much more. You have helped me through the aftermath of a divorce that left me with tens of thousands in debt, through the Recession, and through the current crisis. Thank you.
Mary,
Thank you. You are a GREAT source of information and I really appreciate you.
Dear Mary
I was relieved to learn that you are listening to your own pep talks to carry on! You provide such good insight and helpful hints. Also valued opinions on many products. Thanks for being there and staying the course. Take care.
Mary, you are one of the hardest working people in the blogosphere. Perhaps you could reduce your workload. Maybe we don’t need a post every day, including holidays. I would be fine with Monday-Friday posts. Speaking for myself, I would prefer fewer posts than no posts. Keep up the great work. You really are a treasure.
Thank you, Mary, for your advice, humor, hints, insight, and faith. I appreciate you! Vonnie
Mary, thank you for being you! I keep a file of your daily emails so I can quickly look up what I want to refer to…sure, I could go to your website, but…there you are, right in my Inbox! We all have those days, weeks, maybe even months of wanting to throw in the towel, but you have become essential not only to me, but to many, many others. Hang in there!
Mary, I must tell you how much you’ve inspired me throughout the years. I’ve told countless people about your website. I have yet to have a discussion with a person, man or woman, where I didn’t mention your name. I’ve always wanted to come to an event of yours but that is a dream of mine. After my husband died in the line of duty I’ve depended on you to guide me and keep me accountable. I got out of debt and I became a more satisfied person because of it. My husband now is all on board with your message, your “calling” really. Through valleys is sometimes where we learn our real destiny and gifts from the Lord. God Bless You and your family and I will say, do Gods Will even though that may mean losing your voice in my life but anything out of His will would be a bad idea. He will give you your strength and joy. Nothing can ever take that away, not even a dark valley. Believe me I know this to be true!
Thanks for sharing your story. While very few of us face the same issues you do, I am sure we all want to quit from time to time. Thank you for what you do!
Let us not grow weary in doing, for at the right time we shall reap a harvest! You are appreciated and valued.
I look forward to your newsletter every morning❣️
You share your life skills with all of us, and you share from your heart ~ it shows!! And we all love you!
Dear Mary,
Thank you for your years of service. Yours is a legacy that will never be fully measured. I, like many others, have benefited greatly from your research, writing, and guidance. After using your Rapid Debt Repayment plan to become debt-free myself, I have recommended it to many friends and family members. I even “coach” people through how to use it, helping them set it up and being an accountability partner for them as they make their way through the process. I read your email every day, and just like your readers are your financial sobriety plan, you are mine! I give your book, “Debt Proof Your Marriage,” as an engagement gift, and “Raising Financially Confident Kids” to new parents. I’m proud to say my financially confident daughter is buying her first home at age 25. You taught me how to teach her. You share in such a straight forward, common sense way that people of all ages can hear your message. The ripple effect of your work is generational, and I wouldn’t know what to do without you! Your gift of communication makes all of us feel like we’re sitting at your kitchen table sharing a coffee and a chat! I love how God took a challenge in your life and in His healing made it a gift to all of us. I will always be thankful for you! Keep up the good work and know you are so appreciated and loved by all of us.
Mary, this post made me reflect on my own job. I tutor high school students, and it is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. Yet every day, those voices you referred to try to tell me that it’s too hard and that I’m too tired and what I’m doing doesn’t make a difference. But I know that what I do does make a difference. It’s hard to see it sometimes, because my students don’t always show gratitude or give feedback. But I know it’s there; I absolutely know I am making a difference in helping them. I think you are the same way in your job, because you reach many who never say thank you or provide feedback on how much you help them. Anything offered freely like that will always have recipients who don’t express gratitude; however, that doesn’t mean that you’re not helping and making a difference in people’s lives. I believe we will someday find out, perhaps not until our interview with the Lord, exactly how much difference we made, and that moment will be full of wonder and amazement at the shear numbers of those who we helped and guided. You hang in there and keep doing what brings you joy. I have been reading you for decades, and you’re always my go-to for down-to-earth money management. I have also been one who has benefited from your wisdom and not said thank you. So may I say here today, Thank you for all your efforts to help us manage our money more wisely and be more frugal!
It’s how and why information is delivered that makes the difference. Your appeal is your God given personality and the openness from your past experiences that has built my trust in you. Your a great virtual neighbor that always seems to have timely tips and advise when you start up a conversation. Keep ignoring those voices; they always get louder when you’re doing something right!
Dear Mary,
With tears in my eyes as I’m writing this. Thank you for all you do. Please don’t leave us. I save your articles, refer others to your web site and search your site often.
Out of debt
Reformed clearance addict
Still downsizing
Your Friend
Brenda
Since I began reading your newsletter, I have learned to make laundry soap, floor cleaners, fabric softener, bath oil, and many other products….swiffer refill liquid, disinfecting wipes….to name a couple. My house is full of homemade products! Thank you, Mary. Thank you very much!
Thank you for everything you do! I know a daily commitment can be difficult. I have a hard idea updating a work Instagram account myself! We sure appreciate all your efforts and because we are probably in the same decade (I’m 61), you are an inspiration to me!
My husband has gotten used to me telling him “Mary says…” or “Let’s see if we can find Mary’s advice on this!” And no kidding, we have never been disappointed in following your tips. We love you 🙂
I would be lost without you. I would feel soooo abandoned if you would quit. NOT YET PLEASE!
THANK YOU for your vision of helping other people avoid the mistakes of debt/over spending! I appreciate you, and the folks who contribute to this newsletter!
Hi Mary, I’ve been reading and enjoying and using your articles for over ten years. This one on not quitting has inspired me to ask you to write about the opposite problem – fear of getting started.
Mary, I must admit I had not thought about how hard being there every day for us takes its toll on you. I can say that it means the world to me. Like others I too look forward to your emails & great advice more than any other mail I get. I have followed you from almost the very beginning and have learned so much. Life is better for me because you do the hard work of researching how to live better & more frugally. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Much love to you & your family.
If your column stopped coming into my inbox, I’d feel like I lost a family member. I quote you so often that people tease me about it. You are my most trusted source of information. And, I often get a laugh from your column. Thanks for ALL that you do to keep me inspired.
Mary – I agree with the positive responses. Your email is one I read – as emails come – I glance and delete many but not yours. I glance to see – do I read now or save for later. I love how you recommend certain products and have purchased many because of your recommends. I love your hints. You are encouraging and a friend that comes to my house on the daily. Thank you – be encouraged! We appreciate you!
I always look forward to your emails. I have purchased so many things recommended by you. Thank you for doing all of the leg work for your readers. It’s saves us so much time. Please, please continue to guide us, your faithful and devoted readers.
At age 84 I am still learning from you and often forwarding to my family and friends.
Your readers love and appreciate you.
God bless you!
I appreciate all your helpful hints, advice and knowledge. As a matter of fact I recently bought a Shark Vac based on your intel! And I LOVE IT! My husband even loves it too (he’s vacuuming!!),lol. Over the years I’ve come to rely on seeing you in my inbox knowing that I can count on the truth of what you write. That in itself is becoming a rarity. Thank you so much Mary! I can well appreciate the thought pattern to give up, quit and walk away, and maybe you do need a short rest to regenerate but please know how much we value you and hope to see you in the inbox. xo
Dear Mary, you are the example of the Proverbs 31 women, so needed in this time in our lives. Quitting is always an available option. Reminding yourself of your value To God, to other women on an everyday basis is the key here. Gratitude for your giftings from the Father & keeping on, keeping on in this battle called life. I am so grateful for all that I have received from you to keep my 64 year marriage going.
I so enjoy reading your your helpful hints and tips every day. I have used so many of them. I also have a folder on my computer to save them in and I refer to them often. I have told so many people about your blog and they have come onboard too. I live in Canada and sometimes we can’t get the same products there or buy some recommended items because they don’t ship to Canada. Even so, there is much much more that we have in common than we are different!
Something in the way you seem to be on point with all of us every day.
You are helpful, encouraging and have a gift for telling it like it is, with grace.
If you think it’s only women you connect with,
You might be surprised how often you come up with the boys at work.
Your husband is a lucky man. Jim Fischer
Dear Mary, today, June 20, would have been my 51st wedding anniversary! My dear husband passed away ten years ago, after which I learned about the 10/10/80 system from you which changed my life.
We always tithed but never had a contingency account so, from the first moment I began paying myself after tithing, I felt able to face the unexpected…
Thank you for teaching me during the past ten years to live below my means, have money for travel as well as the peace of mind to face unexpected expenses and the ability to bless others. Lyrrem
I second & third ALL the messages left so far!! Yes, Mary, we do NEED you … daily!! and SO appreciate the fact that you are a Godly woman! Please keep up the good work! (and, I too, have clippings from long ago and paperback books with very yellowed & underlined pages! 😉 LOVE YA, Vivian from NJ
I appreciate the way you helped me remove emotions from my spending and savings. I like the methodical approach to becoming debt free you shared. The resources you provide, your insight into making logical decisions, and the friendly tips you provide to ensure we don’t overspend for necessities have ALL been life savers! You are a true gem and I’m so thankful I found your Cheapskate Monthly many years ago. The peace of mind you have given me? PRICELESS!
Mary, the job you do is so very important and I believe ordained by our creator. It is so nice to have a godly voice of reason to help us along each day. I look forward to you staying with this job as long as God allows it to be of help to you and to others. I have been gleaning wonderful information from you for years!
Mary, I love your blog and all the wisdom that you bring to all of us. I look forward to what you have to share daily. I will be celebrating my 50th wedding anniversary this year and I still look for ways to do things better! Your work is much appreciated
Dear Mary, Thank you for so many years of honesty, encouragement, great ideas and practical solutions (literally- many “solutions”)! We trust you. I love that your advice and ideas come from your own, tested experience. I love that you never suggest something without explaining HOW to accomplish it. If you need to slow down or scale back, please do. God bless you!
I have a folder that I send all your posts to each day, and refer back to them often, thank you for sharing your knowledge
Mary,
I echo what so many others have said!! I look forward each day to your wisdom, insight & tools to make life easier! Your faith is a connection linking you even more closely to so many of us!
We appreciate that you keep “fighting the good fight” for us but please don’t burn yourself out!!
Thank you for all you do!!
Thank You Mary Hunt for all your wonderful encouragement and frugal tips, recipes and etc etc! Please don’t quit doing this! We have been retired for 4 years and Retirement is not all it is talked up to be! I miss several things about not working. 1.) Work friends, 2) Paycheck 3.) A sense of being a part of the workpkace and training opportunities. 4.) You miss the mental challanges of the job. I feel like my mind is not as quick and comprehension has slipped on certain tasks. 5.) When retired everyday is a Saturday, you loose track of what day it is! I could elaborate more but I am sure you get the message. Please hang in there Mary Hunt we Love you and your encouragement, tips, recipes, frugal money saving ideas. Stay in the game and stay sharp! Or at least do it part time like a once weekly post!
Mary, I have a huge photo album/recipe keeper that always sits on my desk. I have articles of yours I have cut out for as long as I can remember!!! You also have a special cookbook with your recipes in my bookcase!!! You are my “go-to” for advice, information, best products etc. My house is stocked with products you have tested and recommended through the years. I just hit 70 this week, and I thought you needed to know what you have meant to me!!!!!
You have helped me so much! Thank you for everything.
Thank you, Mary, for posting this.
It helped me so. Different circumstances- same urging and desires to quit. You’ve helped me through some incredibly tough times and I loved it when you shared about your faith. It seems like much of the world is telling me to shut up and go away and take my values with me.
Please don’t quit- just for today… one day at a time.
Gratefully,
Lynn
Thank you Mary for all the years of advice you contributed to my life. I needed this newsletter today as I venture into becoming a home based small business owner. I am quite the procrastinator. But, I am encouraged that I can choose to make a plan in steps to achieve my goals. We all have naysayers in our lives. We don’t have to pick up others issues because they don’t add to or take away from our life. Bloom where your planted and continue to grow.
Thank you for not quitting! You make my life better in so many little ways that add up to a big difference. And that is especially important now, during this pandemic, when everything is a challenge. Thank you, Mary!
I second what everyone else is saying. Thank you for reminding me that the most important job we do is helping others and ourselves. It encourages me to remember what makes life meaningful.
Mary, you are actually the only email that I look forward to reading almost every day. And I have encouraged all my family and friends to your website as well. So many ideas about so many things with encouragement and uplifting words. We’re in this together and I fell that you really care. Thank you!!
I’ve been following you for years! I even have articles I cut out from Women’s Day or Good Housekeeping, long before you began writing your newsletter and books. So I’m really glad you don’t succumb to those feelings of quitting. Your loyal readers appreciate your efforts. I personally know how difficult writing is, so thanks and keep up the good work!
Mary, PLEASE don’t quit-i’ve been following you since Focus on the Family days in the 1980’s. We’ve also just celebrated 50 years of marriage and I continue to struggle with my spending addiction. The pandemic has been good in a way that I stopped frivolous buying-but the FOOD charges became outrageous! How much extra food and paper goods do we REALLY need??!! Mary, I still need help! Please keep pointing us in healthy directions and following the Master.
Eve been married 55 years and like others I’m still overspending
I tell everyone about my dear friend,everyday cheapskate. Just love everyday, a new tip to start the day.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. INVALUABLE
Thank you Mary for everything you do and everything I’ve learned from you. You have blessed and encouraged me, especially in these discouraging times. Only God knows the extent of our influence. I know you know this.
Praise God for people like you that show know matter what age,we can apply the knowledge that you have experienced to people like me (77) and benefit from it and pass it on! God’s Blessings
You are a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father that’s choosing to serve her fellowman. There is no greater service than serving your brothers and sisters. We all thank you!
When the day does come I pray that God will have you “train up” another woman to continue this work. It is so IMPORTANT!!! I have grown so much from all your insight and I know my family has been blessed by it too. The times we are living in know seem more uncertain than ever but the bottom line is everyday is uncertain. We can always count on God to be there with us the WHOLE time!
LOVE Ya!
Mary, you are the best! For many, internet has answers. My go to for answers is always you!! You guide me in so many ways. Thank you SO much for all you do❤️
Thank you for all the work you continue to do to help us! You would be amazed to know how often it’s just what was perfect timed!
Mary, your work is SO valuable! A godly woman who mentors others to serve their families by getting finances and money issues under control is what this world needs. Keep marching, Sister in Christ!
You are very welcome!