Quitting is often seen as a weakness in our society, especially in the fire service, where the phrase “quitting is not an option” is commonly repeated. However, the reality is that quitting is indeed an option, and it’s one that everyone is faced with at some point in their life.
But what if, instead of shunning the idea of quitting, we embraced it as a necessary part of the journey toward success? Joshua Chase, a husband, father, firefighter, author, and combat veteran, believes that quitting should not be seen as a failure but rather as an opportunity to push past the tough times and strive towards a worthy goal.
“Why do we keep shoving this down people’s throats like it makes us tough? It doesn’t. All you are teaching people to do is to be unprepared with the thoughts and feelings of quitting once they arrive in their heads,” Joshua said. “It’s time to teach people how to deal with the temptation to quit. Maybe we tell them, “quitting is an option, but I’m going to show you how to push past it.”
Joshua learned the importance of having a worthy goal early on in his firefighting career. As a teacher in an academy, he encouraged his students to envision themselves as successful firefighters, with their families pinning their badges on their chests during graduation. This worthy goal helped them push past the temptation to quit when things got tough, and it’s a lesson that Joshua continues to impart to more people through his work as a public speaker and author.
In his role as a combat veteran, husband, and father, Joshua has developed a passion for leadership and helping people own their lives, regardless of their circumstances. He has created The Chase Collective as a hub for collecting and sharing ideas, reflections, and aspirations that will motivate others to find their calling and lead fulfilling lives.
Through his experience in the fire service, writing books and speaking on fire service leadership, Joshua is on a mission to show people that quitting is an option, but it’s the ability to push past it that sets successful individuals apart. He reminds us that feeling like you want to quit is normal, but it’s the determination to keep going that will lead to success in life.
“One of the biggest contributors to pushing past the thoughts of quitting is having a worthy goal or vision in mind when you set out to accomplish something in the fire service,” he said. “A worthy goal offers you a worthy reward and the joys of sweet victory once you accomplish it! You want to deal with and push past the thoughts of quitting? What’s your goal? Better yet, what’s your purpose?”
Quitting should not be seen as a weakness but as a necessary part of the journey toward success. Joshua Chase is an inspiration to us all, showing us that with a worthy goal and the determination to push past tough times, anyone can live a life of purpose and success.
“My mantra at work is pretty simple, “Do your job.” Do the job you took an oath to do, and it’s all good,” he left off.
