Giving Up ≠ Stopping

I finished Shoe Dog this week. An awesome memoir that chronicles the journey of Nike’s co-founder Phil Knight on the path to build a global sportswear empire.

Given the heights Nike has reached, it was humbling to see Knight’s early struggles and bold decisions. For many years, things were hanging in a balance — precarious to fall apart any moment.

Near the end of the book, there’s a reflection that Phil writes that hits home:

“And those who urge entrepreneurs to never give up? Charlatans. Sometimes you have to give up. Sometimes knowing when to give up, when to try something else, is genius. Giving up doesn't mean stopping. Don't ever stop.”

We have come a long way to destigmatize missteps and setbacks: remembering you didn’t fail, you just fell.

And if a hard fall feels like giving up for a bit, that’s okay too. Life is long, and everyone needs a pivot or rest. I’m continuing to internalize this: 1% is better than 0% — as long as you continue to wake up and face the day.