I Tried It and Gave Up: Maybe You Will Too?

Life is sometimes less about persisting on paths we assume are “right,” and more about discovering paths that suit us. Here are the moments when I tried popular trends everyone praises—and ultimately let go of—and what these “lettings go” taught me:

Trying to Wake Up at 5:00 AM and Become a Productivity Hero

After reading everywhere that “successful people wake up at 5:00 AM,” I set my alarm for that time for two weeks. Here’s what happened:

• In the first few days, I felt like a superhero,
• By the third day, I found myself gathering every ounce of willpower just to get out of bed,
• By the fifth day, I was so exhausted in the afternoon that I could barely make simple decisions.

Why did I give up? Because I realized every body has its own unique biological rhythm. My most creative and energetic hours were actually in the late afternoon. Instead of forcing myself into the mold of a “morning person,” I learned to work in harmony with my natural rhythm.

This taught me: Others’ recipes for success won’t work if they don’t align with your biology. What matters is not being an “early riser,” but being a “productive worker.”

The Vegan Diet Experiment

Two months of trying veganism for health and ethical reasons:

• In the first weeks, I felt amazingly light,
• By the third week, I began experiencing constant low energy,
• My blood tests clearly showed a significant iron deficiency.

Why did I give up? I learned to listen to my body’s signals. Taking iron supplements and constantly tracking my nutrition wasn’t sustainable for me. I saw that finding balance is healthier than rigidly following strict rules.

This taught me: No matter how popular a diet may be, your body’s needs always come first. Flexible and balanced eating is more valuable than rigid dietary restrictions.

The Obsession with Minimalist Decoration

My attempt to transform my home into a simple, white, nearly empty space:

• In the first week, the sense of openness was wonderful,
• By the second week, my home began to feel not “warm,” but “sterile,”
• I realized that a home devoid of color and memories brought me not peace, but sadness.

Why did I give up? Because I learned that minimalism isn’t about giving up the things you love—it’s about valuing them. For me, a home filled with meaningful photos and small souvenirs from my travels feels more like a “home.”

This taught me: The best way to adopt a life philosophy is not by following someone else’s definition, but by adapting it to your own needs.

The Most Important Lesson

These experiences taught me this: Sometimes, letting go is not giving up—it’s self-awareness. Being able to try something and say, “This isn’t for me,” is actually the most valuable way to understand your own values and needs.

Perhaps until now, you’ve blamed yourself for failing at things that are simply not aligned with your nature. Sometimes, the greatest success lies in the courage to recognize what doesn’t work for you—and to carve out your own path.

Because true happiness lies not in walking someone else’s path, but in discovering your own.