Never Give Up. Ever.

Eleven years ago today I made a choice that shaped the rest of my life.

That phrase never give up is not just a motivational poster line. It is a lived reality. Tonight, standing in a hotel lobby, I saw it in action.

A man walked in with a grin so big it almost told the story by itself. He shared that after countless interviews with Amtrak he had been rejected again. With his wife in nursing school and two kids under six this job meant stability, security, and a chance to breathe. They were counting on it.

But this morning everything changed. He got a call saying the rejection was a mistake. The job was his. His wife cried with relief. His son looked up and said, “Daddy works the trains.”

For some this is just a job offer. For him and his family it is a full on ticker tape parade.

Life throws curveballs. Sometimes it even looks like the inning is over. But persistence has a way of turning the scoreboard around when you refuse to quit.

Never give up. Ever.

Darren Redmond, M.Ed.

The Darren Redmond Podcast

The Around the Ballpark Live Show and Podcast

All roads lead to accountability

2025/8/14 Edited to

... Read morePersistence is a key attribute that often determines the course of our lives, especially when faced with setbacks and rejections. The story of a man securing a position with Amtrak after multiple interviews and a mistaken rejection perfectly exemplifies the power of resilience. In challenging times, holding onto hope and continuing to push forward can lead to unexpected and transformative opportunities. Research shows that individuals who embrace a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort—are more likely to persist in the face of failure. This mindset fosters greater adaptability and increased problem-solving skills, contributing to long-term success. Moreover, support systems such as family and community play a crucial role in sustaining persistence. In this narrative, the man’s family was deeply impacted by his employment journey, reflecting how shared hopes and emotional support can fuel determination to succeed. From a psychological perspective, motivational phrases like "never give up" resonate because they encapsulate the essence of grit, a trait linked by recent studies to higher achievement across educational, athletic, and professional fields. Importantly, persistence is not about blind stubbornness but about making sustained, strategic efforts toward meaningful goals despite obstacles. In practical terms, when pursuing any goal—whether securing a stable job, advancing a career, or overcoming personal challenges—it is essential to remain patient and resilient. Approaching setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning can ultimately lead to breakthrough moments, as demonstrated by the man’s story. Ultimately, this narrative is a heartfelt reminder that life’s curveballs need not define us. Instead, steadfast persistence and accountability can rewrite our paths, turning apparent endings into new beginnings. Never giving up cultivates hope, strengthens character, and opens doors that once seemed closed.

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