Why Top Performers Are “Giving in” and Why You Should Too

The road to breakthrough results isn’t paved with smooth stones.

Nor is it a journey devoid of challenges.

You’ve undoubtedly faced innumerable obstacles, sometimes so insurmountable that they might have prompted you to consider walking away. But, if you reflect on it, consider how your success today hasn’t come from avoidance, it’s come from what you’ve embraced. Top performers know that growth isn’t about ‘giving up’, it’s about ‘giving in’. 

Let's define our terms here. 'Giving up' indicates resignation, a loss to circumstances, a belief that the problem at hand is bigger than our capacity to solve it. On the other hand, 'giving in' doesn't mean admitting defeat. It means accepting the reality of the situation, recognizing its complexities, surrendering to all of it and making informed decisions to move forward.

I’ve been talking to a lot of massive companies lately and it has become especially evident that in many highly competitive environments, vulnerability and adjusting course is often perceived as weakness. But in the paradigm of 'giving in', vulnerability is actually a strength. It's about acknowledging that you don't have all the answers and creating space. Space for reflection, for new perspectives, and for innovative solutions. Remember, your biggest growth often comes from your most challenging moments.

Change is taking place at breakneck speed with technological advances and market shifts taking place almost daily. You already know that. Clinging to old ways of doing things and existing models will leave you behind the curve. Giving in, accepting and surrendering to change, adapting to new dynamics, and being flexible in your approach is the pathway forward. It's not about giving up on your principles, but rather adjusting your strategy or approach to fit modern realities.

I’ll give you a personal example… Years back when I ran my first marathon, about ⅓ of the way through my left quad cramped up. The pain was almost unbearable and of course I thought about quitting. But instead of giving up, I gave in and adjusted my speed, stopped at medical tents and even engaged with other runners for support. 

You know what I think the hardest part about this is? That 'giving in' sometimes means unlearning things we've held as truths. Old paradigms, beliefs and practices need to be shed in order to make way for the new. Freeing yourself of how things were “supposed to go”. The most successful and high performing individuals understand that to move forward, one sometimes has to let go of what was planned or what worked yesterday.

To be clear, giving in is far from being passive, it’s a proactive act. By truly understanding the intricacies of a situation, inviting diverse opinions, and perhaps even questioning your long-held beliefs, you’ll be able to change faster than the world around you.

The results?

Growth.

Performance.

And of course, actual results. 

There are many things you can do to support your ‘giving in’. A walk in nature, inspiring music, meditation, time with those you hold close or maybe reflecting on your own. I’m curious, what has worked best for you? I invite you to share in the #NoMatterWhat Community about what helps you let go of resistance and ‘give in’. I might have to borrow an approach from you as I always struggle with this one. 

If you’re going to grow – as an individual, a team or an organization – it must be a journey of continuous learning, adapting and collaborating. It’s not a game of unyielding stances, defense or relentless resistance. It's about being fluid, dynamic, and open. So, the next time you're faced with a challenge, don't give up.

Instead, give in, embrace it wholeheartedly, and watch as you grow to that next level.