“There have been times throughout my career when I’ve wanted to throw in the towel. Giving up seemed less stressful and much easier than the work that was needed to get going again,” says Julie Shepperly, a coach and trainer for beauty education provider Milady. She credits mentors, friends, faith, family, and supportive colleagues for getting her through those times. Here’s what she’s learned about moving forward and getting through those times when you just want to give up.

1. Focus on what is true: When you are filled with self-doubt, discouraged, or questioning your abilities, it is difficult to see what is true. However, in those very moments it is critical to get to the truth. Forcing yourself to focus on what is completely true will help to remove the “feelings” from the equation. The truth will set you free if you are willing to dig until you reach the truth and stay focused on that alone.

2. Take a break: You may have heard the saying, “burning the candle at both ends,” which basically means trying to do everything and trying to be everything to everyone. In time, overworking yourself will only lead to one thing — burnout. Working 60+ hour weeks, juggling two jobs, managing school, kids, etc., and never getting adequate rest is a recipe for trouble. You need to take a break. Take a nap, go for a walk, sit on a beach. Do something that allows you to stop and recharge. If you truly want to get going, you sometimes must first take a break.

3. Get a coach: Often when we are too busy we fail to see how to be more productive and successful. Whether it is at work or in life, if we are relying on our own strength, wisdom, and knowledge to push through tough times, we may miss the one thing that could save us time and money and restore our enthusiasm. Whether your coach is a mentor, a pastor, friend or colleague, find someone you trust and ask them to help you get going again. Be coachable, be willing, and then be in action.

4. Make a change: Yes, I realize this may seem counterintuitive, but stick with me. If you think about it, when you are in a rut you are only focused on the rut. You struggle day in and day out and deep down you know something is wrong, but for whatever reason you remain stuck. It is when you can’t take it anymore that you need to make a change. It could be as simple as a new workout routine, changing your work hours to accommodate the needs of your family, going to bed at a consistent time, or finally going to that education class you’ve been dreaming about. Making a change can help you to get going in a new direction.

5. Clean out the clutter: I don’t know if you are like me, but when I’m busy — I mean really busy — I’m messy! Literally everything around me starts to pile up. My car becomes my second home, my bathroom floor disappears, and I start amassing piles in my office. I become paralyzed with the work that needs to be done and then stop doing everything else. Clutter is chaos and where there is chaos there is stress. The only way to get going when you want to give up is to clean up the chaos in your life. Whether it is a physical cleaning of your home, office, or salon, or cleaning up your finances…do it! Trust me, it can bring so much relief.

6. Just say no: In times of overload, it is vital that you learn to say no. When you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t make promises you can’t keep. Learning to say no is liberating and when you get back on track you will have the time and the ability to say yes again.

7. Get a motivator: There are going to be situations that come up in life where you just have to endure long hours and extra work. When that day comes, acknowledge that it will be for a short time and then find a motivator to help you push through and finish strong. It could be a shopping spree, a day at the spa, or a weekend getaway. Find something that you can look forward to and you’ll happily do the work today for the reward tomorrow.

For more tips and insights from Shepperly and other members of the Milady team, visit www.miladypro.com.