Ten Reasons Not To Quit In 2014

The path to prosperity—however you define it—was never paved with Krispy Kremes, and we all need extra motivation now and then. Here are ten reasons not to reach for the remote control, linger on Facebook, or smack the snooze button in the new year. Best of luck!
1. Because a company founded eight years ago that still hasn’t turned a profit is worth $15 billion.
At a recent $82.50 a share, Workday —a Pleasanton, Calif. purveyor of cloud-based software that automates corporate payroll and human relations departments—trades at 35 times its annual revenue. Insane—and yet nothing caffeinates quite like a mugful of zeroes.
2. Because nobody wants to subsidize your unhealthy lifestyle.
Health care costs aren’t rising quite as fast, but with or without Obamacare, demographics dictate that reprieve likely won’t last. If we’re all in this together—and given the fiscal implications, we most definitely are—then we should start acting like it. Fewer donuts, more dumbbell presses.
3. Because you might find yourself out of a job for a long time.
The double-digit unemployment rates of the last recession are gone. (We’re now at roughly 7% in the U.S.) However, 40% of the unemployed—about 4 million people—have been sidelined for at least six months. That’s the highest long-term unemployment rate since the Great Depression.
4. Because Peyton Manning just set the NFL single season record for touchdown passes.
He’s 37 and had four neck surgeries. What’s your excuse?

5. Because a 71-year-old Beatle can still bring down the house.
Last summer Paul McCartney had 65,000 fans singing at the top of their lungs for nearly three hours at the Bonnaroo music festival near Nashville, Tenn. Many in the audience looked barely old enough to legally order a beer, yet they knew every lyric. Now that’s a legacy.
6. Because Kim Kardashian made $10 million in 2013, according to Forbes’ list of the Most Powerful Celebrities.
Imagine what you could do with actual talent, vision and execution.
7. Because the world is ready and willing to outwork you.
The first of three exams to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is six hours long and covers everything from economics to derivatives. The test is given in English. It’s hard enough in one’s own tongue, but tackling it in a second language—as did many of those who took it with me in December—is something else entirely. My Forbes softball cap is off to them.
8. Because you want to go here:

9. Because your efforts mean something.
There’s a reason “It’s A Wonderful Life” is still everyone’s favorite holiday movie.
10. Because you can.
Nearly four years ago, my dear friend’s Dad—hewn from stone in his early-60s—was diagnosed with ALS. He was a model father, husband, friend and entrepreneur. After a tortuous fight, he died in July.
Each day is an opportunity: Honor and cherish it. And never quit.