It only takes a few seconds on social media to find quotes that remind you that “champions don’t quit" or that "quitting lasts forever." Such "inspirational" quotes and "motivational" images send the message that if you give up on a goal, you’ve given up on life.
Whether you've set your sights on running a 10K or turning your part-time hobby into a full-time business, the path to achievement doesn’t always come in a straight line. And while there’s a lot to be said for perseverance, sometimes it does just makes more sense to walk away. What you need to remember is that quitting doesn’t mean you’re a loser. In fact, it often takes incredible mental strength to step away from a goal you’ve set for yourself.
Here are five signs that you should give yourself permission to quit working on a goal:
1. Your goals have changed.
Many people feel like once they’ve set a goal for themselves that they have to keep going—especially if they’ve told other people about it. But setting a goal for yourself doesn’t mean you have to commit yourself to accomplishing it. Often, a goal that seemed like a good idea six months ago is no longer important and you need to adjust to the new reality.
If you find yourself feeling stuck in a certain place in life, it could actually be because you’re not quitting enough. As you grow and change, you’ll likely outgrow some old goals, and the best (and often only) way to make room for new ones is to abandon some of your current plans.
2. The process doesn’t align with your values.
While a goal may sound honorable in the beginning, you may discover that the process of getting there might not align with your values. The hard work, dedication, and commitment could mean less time with your family, less energy for other valued endeavors, and fewer opportunities to pursue the things that matter most to you.
Living according to your values is key to a successful life. Don’t abandon yours in an effort just to prove to yourself—or anyone else—that you can reach a goal.
3. The reward isn’t worth it.
Sometimes it’s easy to underestimate the effort it will take to reach a goal. Losing 10 pounds, earning $100 more a month, or going to the gym six days a week might not sound too difficult on the surface. But when you start taking steps to reach such goals, you might find the process far more cumbersome than you envisioned.
Ask yourself: Is the reward truly worth the effort I’m putting in? There’s no shame in admitting that the goal just may not be worth the time or energy it’s going to take to get there.
4. You’ve dug yourself into a hole.
Whether you’ve invested a lot of money in a business that just isn’t working, or you’ve devoted endless hours to a project that no longer seems viable, knowing that you’ve dug yourself into a hole can be really frustrating. But despite the gloomy outlook, it can be tempting to keep going. But when you step back and look at things objectively, the idea that "I’ve invested this much, I might as well keep going,” doesn’t always make sense.
The only thing worse than being on a sinking ship is staying on board until it’s completely sunk. Acknowledge when things aren’t going well, and be willing to walk away before things get worse.
5. The risks outweigh the benefit.
Sometimes, excitement over the potential benefits of reaching a goal can cloud your judgment and cause you to overlook the risks it will take to get there. If pursuing a goal has a negative impact on your health, relationships, or finances, rethink your options. Sometimes, the risk is just too great. Give yourself the time to carefully calculate the risk associated with reaching your goal. Monitor the cost and be willing to step away when the risk outweighs the potential reward.
How to Make the Decision
Quitting a goal shouldn’t be a decision you make lightly or in haste. Just because you feel tired, frustrated, or disappointed today doesn’t mean you should give up. Make your decision based on a careful balance between emotion and logic. Take time to really think about the pros and cons of continuing vs. the pros and the cons of quitting.
And remember: Choosing to walk away doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Giving up on today’s goal could actually be a stepping stone to greater future success.
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