Sharing The Spirit Of Perseverance On The Annual ‘Never Give Up’ Day

By Alain Horoit

My name is Alain, I am based in Belgium, and I am the founder of ‘Never Give Up’ day, observed annually on August 18. On this day, millions from across continents and cultures will unite to celebrate the annual global event that honors, inspires and motivates those who are driven and determined to overcome all obstacles as they relentlessly keep going and never stop in pursuit of their dreams and goals.

I am humbled to share a piece of my journey with all of you, and talk about what launching this day means. My personal journey has been filled with countless trials, heartaches, and unexpected detours. But it’s also a journey that has taught me invaluable lessons – lessons I wish to impart to the future generations, standing on the cusp of their own odyssey.

In the comfort of this moment, it’s easy to proclaim that every setback was a stepping stone, that every stumble was a lesson learned. But would I have said the same when darkness loomed large, when hope seemed distant, and despair clouded the horizon? Likely not.

I confess; I, too, wished for an expedited journey to success, a life built without the weight of setbacks, anxiety, or troubles. Yet, that’s the essence of ‘Never Give Up.’ It’s about persevering in the face of adversity, even when the road ahead seems shrouded in uncertainty.

The world’s most remarkable achievements bear the fingerprints of individuals who were prophesied to fail. Yet, they didn’t succumb to the predictions; they defied them. They stood tall amidst the storms because they refused to surrender their dreams.

My journey, much like many of yours, was marred by failures – in relationships, in business, and in the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Dreams I held dear seemed elusive, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand.

But here’s the crux – amidst the failure and amidst the darkness, my dreams didn’t dwindle; they flourished. The more I stumbled, the more resolute I became. It wasn’t about the magnitude of success; it was about embracing the enormity of dreams while navigating the depths of despair. The truth is, true victory isn’t measured by the grandeur of one’s achievements; it’s about the tenacity to dream big even in the smallest of circumstances.

Never Give Up Day began as a summer beach party, created to celebrate those who succeeded by defying the odds and overcoming obstacles. It was designed to make people feel proud of their perseverance and their determination to never give up on their goals.

Establishing Never Give Up Day truly embodies the spirit of perseverance. The journey to creating a global celebration day is, in itself, a testament to never giving up. As I wrote in my book ‘365 Reasons You Should Never Give Up’: “The road to success looks like madness. If you succeed, people will call it ingenuity; if you fail, you’ll be seen as a madman. The challenge lies in the uncertainty of the journey, not knowing which you’ll become.” This perfectly captures the ambitious process of making Never Give Up Day a worldwide recognition.

Never Give Up Day plays a crucial role in promoting mental health awareness. It reminds people that they can fight back and recover from setbacks, emphasizing the power of perseverance. This day inspires individuals to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get, and helps them realize that simply not giving up is a significant achievement in itself. By celebrating this day, people feel a sense of accomplishment and value, knowing that their determination positively impacts their loved ones and colleagues.

The day also draws inspiration from role models who have overcome adversity, reinforcing the idea that getting back up after a fall makes us stronger. As I once wrote, “The one who falls and gets up, is so much stronger than the one who never fell.” 

Never Give Up Day encourages us to keep going, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

Many who celebrate Never Give Up Day have reached the top of their game and aim to inspire others to pursue their dreams. These individuals don’t just seek recognition for their achievements but want to highlight the perseverance that led them there. Never Give Up Day plays a crucial role in fostering admiration for each other’s life journeys and the resilience that fuels success.

Never Give Up Day aligns with the core mission of every school, business, and organization. Hosting an event on this day reinforces their goals and serves as a powerful call to action. Schools, businesses, and communities can participate by organizing events—virtual or physical—that inspire and unite people around causes where giving up is not an option. It’s also a chance to honor those who’ve supported us in our struggles. 

To maintain the spirit of Never Give Up Day year-round, it’s essential to keep the inspiration alive. This day plays a crucial role in reinforcing the theme of perseverance, and the determination instilled on this day can have a lasting impact. As I often say, the right words at the right time can change lives. By continuing to focus on these values and sharing messages of encouragement, we can inspire ourselves and others to never give up, every day of the year.

Never Give Up Day embodies the essence of my journey and I’m certain it echoes the tales of many.

You can follow Never Give Up day on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and Linkedin. Head over to the Never Give Up Day website to learn more about its origins and the message it promotes today.