Why You Shouldn't "Keep On Keeping On"

My mother claims that when I went down south last year I said that people told me I just needed to "keep on keeping on." I have no recollection of this (not surprising since I have a terrible memory), but this phrase continues to pop up in my life. Most recently, I received an anonymous note in my mailbox telling me "You rock! Keep on keeping on!" While I appreciate the kindness of leaving a note, and the pure sentiment motivating the words, there is something that turns me off from the idea of "keep on keeping on." I wonder: why is this turn of phrase appearing at every corner? Why do these silly words annoy me so? Why do I feel the need to write an entire blog post dedicated to this? Let me explain.

As an action oriented person (you know the type...maybe, in fact you are the type since you were interested enough in the title to read this) I am inclined to address any situation with a clear plan, a focus for my efforts, and a way to measure my intended results. I embrace metrics and thrive in activities where it is clear to see progression. That's not to say that I can't take a more lackadaisical approach when necessary, it's just that I prefer to be continually evaluating the success of my actions.


According to Urban Dictionary (the ultimate source of reliable information), to "keep on keeping on" means continue to do what you've always done. I don't like that. I don't like that at all. I am a firm believer that there is always room for improvement or a new approach. Just because something works for a time does not mean it will work forever. When we are faced with challenges the worst thing we can do is to go on doing what we've always done! As Albert Einstein points out, "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

While persistence and not expecting immediate results is beneficial, blind faith that what you "put out in to the universe will manifest itself" (not a direct quote, but you've probably read/heard a sentiment like this on a number of occasions) is simply not true. We have to critically think about our situation, our ideal outcome, and the steps to get there. If you're faced with a negative situation, it's all about reframing your mindset to a place of ability rather than helplessness/sticking with the status quo.

Earlier this week I shared a post with my favorite resources for self-development and strategies for maximizing your strengths. Instead of "keep on keeping on," take a look at the post and see what you can do to influence your situation. After all, you won't get different results until you change your methods.

What do you think of the idea behind "keep on keeping on?"

-AJF 

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