Deciding to quit a job or project or anything in life can be a challenging and emotional process. Before you quit, follow these 3 tips to help you overcome the obstacles and determine the best option for you if or when you find yourself in this position.
The problem is that many people try to solve all their problems by themselves. I catch myself falling into this trap sometimes. Many reasons have been given from trying not to show weakness to overrating ones problem solving capabilities.
Sure, the strategy works but it isn’t applicable to all situations as we will see in this post. Before I discuss these strategies, examine yourself.
When you get what you want, are you ready to handle all the responsibilities that come with it?
Refocus your thinking
If you are like me who identifies as a not being a quitter, you will find that you have the tendency to stick to things for a little too long. While it is good to not quit at the slightest inconvenience, there are chances of over investing in something that in no longer a good idea. So you have to bring your thinking back to line especially when you realise you’ve fallen off track.
Ask yourself “What might I gain b cuttin gmy losses now? Will I be happier or have time for another (better) opportunity? Then, answer this question honestly,
What will it cost me to soldier on, to keep pushing, to stay on course?
Is there a chance that you’ll be putting good money or energy after what you’ve already lost? or that you may not have the energy and headspace to capitalize on other promising possibility?
Seek other perspectives
Wouldn’t it be easier if you talk to someone who has had similar experience?
It is also helpful to seek external sources of information rather than relying solely on your thinking and instincts. The problem is that many of us, expecially those who consider themselves intellectuals, try to solve all their problems by themselves.
It works in some cases but it will be much easier, perhaps faster if you talk to someone external. Albeit, the people you consult can make or mar your decision making process. As such, think through whose opinion you solicit.
Ideally seek out people who are less invested in your decision than you are but are also wise or learned enough to provide relevant guidance. For instance, if you are looking for love advice, you could ask someone who doesn’t know much about your relationship rather than relying solely on your bestfriend. Same principle applies to entrepreneurship or aspect of life.
In other cases, you may seek out hard data that will show you your chances of success. As you would know, in business, numbers are your best friend. External sources can also be experts in that subject are for example, an experienced therapist, a consultant, researcher… and so on.
Disclaimer: I am not saying give out all information that may give you leverage. There are ways and strategies to employ to get the necessary info you need without actually giving too much yourself. As an example, you could describe your situation then follow up with a question such as “How would you manage this situation?”
Take stock and assess what is in your control
As humans, we like to be in control of events around us especially those we are deeply involved in. Self-efficacy is good but as with everything, too much of it can lead to you loosing course of action particularly when combined with the mentality of “I’m not a quitter”. So, rather than pull out of that situation, you find yourself digging deeper and deeper.
How do you address this issue? First take stock and assess the situation. What can you control? and what is outside your control? Make a list of these things that you can control and those you can’t. You will have to think carefully. Remember, you can only truly control your efforts and your attitude. While you could possible influence other people and various circumstances, you cannot force them to change or go away. That will only make you a villain, if you do.
Especially in love relationship, don’t fall for that trap of “I can change him or her” because you can’t change anyone who is not ready to change.
getting clear on what you can control and what you can’t is essential in making quality decisions about whether to quit or persevere. With this list, you can focus on what you can control to better assess whether your commitment, efforts is worth the expense. The reason is that spending time, emotions and efforts on things you cannot control is both draining and disempowering.
I hope you will put these 3 strategies to a test or remember them when the time comes. Don’t forget to practise self compassion while doing the above tips. In doing so, you develop a growth mindset.
Take a break, don’t be too hard on yourself all the time. Rather than criticizing yourself over and over and over and over again, focus on what you can learn from the situation.
Surely tenacity and resilience will help us succeed. However, the ability to distinguish between quitting too soon and clinging on to a lost course of action is very important. With these three tips I have shared in this post, you should be able to overcome the tendency to quit too soon or stick too long to those things that are not helpful to you. Yes letting go is very difficult but it can also free up your time, energy, mental space opening you up to new opportunities and possibilities.
Deciding to quit a job or project can be a challenging and emotional process. However, before making any hasty decisions, it’s essential to take a step back and think through the situation carefully. Ask yourself why you want to quit and whether it’s the best solution.
Is it because of temporary setbacks or a more significant issue that needs addressing? It’s also important to examine whether quitting aligns with your long-term goals and whether any opportunities for growth or skill development are present in the current situation.
Taking the time to reflect on your decision can help you avoid regrets and potentially uncover solutions or alternatives to quitting altogether. Remember, quitting isn’t always the answer, and thinking before you quit can lead you to make the best decision for yourself and your future. All the best for your future.
