“Keep going.” “Don’t give up.” “You can do it.”
These are the narratives that play on a loop for so many of us. We hear them from friends and family, we see them plastered across social media, and we may even recite them in the mirror as a way to psych ourselves up for the day. As a whole, society has become obsessed with the power of affirmations and positive thinking, so much so to the point where quitting has become almost taboo.
But what if quitting is really the best option?
Hear me out. When we hear the word “quit” we immediately think the worst. We assume that someone who quits on a goal is lazy, pessimistic, unfocused and undisciplined. We may even judge the individual as lacking the mental grit and toughness that it takes to succeed.
Consider, however, that these “quitters” are in fact ahead of the pack.
People who quit with intention are actually accessing one of the most untapped superpowers there is: the power of prioritization.
According to study findings published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, “the ability to disengage from unattainable goals is associated with better self-reported health and more normative patterns of diurnal cortisol secretion.”
In short, when we allow ourselves to give up goals that no longer fit, we experience a range of benefits including better physical health and improved stress regulation.
“Another benefit of successful goal disengagement is to free resources that can be used for alternative actions, thereby increasing purpose and promoting future development.”
Releasing certain aspirations then frees up the mental energy to reprioritize, set new goals, and attain success in what we really want.
The key, then, is to view quitting not as impulsive or undisciplined, but rather as a strategic tactic to restructure and reclaim your life.
So how do we recognize when it’s time to pull the plug?
Here are three signs that it may be time to let go of that old, outdated goal and why it might be the best thing for your wellbeing:
1. Your health is in decline or at risk
Quitting can be a difficult decision, but sometimes it’s necessary for the sake of our wellbeing. Especially if it’s negatively impacting your physical, mental or emotional health.
Are you sacrificing your health and well-being in pursuit of a goal? Are you feeling burnt out, stressed and exhausted? These are important questions to consider when it comes to quitting. Because, like a marathon runner who has reached the finish line, it’s important to know when to stop, rest and recharge before continuing the journey.
It’s essential to remember that true success and happiness are not just about achieving goals, but also about enjoying the journey. And if that journey is taking a toll on your wellbeing, it may be time to take a step back and re-evaluate. As Toni Morrison once said, “the function of freedom is to free someone else.” So, if you’re feeling trapped and unfulfilled, it may be time to free yourself and pursue a different path.
2. You’re simply not the same person
Expansion is a part of life, and as we evolve it is important to let go of desires that we have outgrown.
Maybe you realize you’ve been living by the will of your family or peers without considering what it is that you really want. Perhaps your personal or financial circumstances have shifted, and you have a new game plan. Goals can change for any number of reasons and when they do, there is empowerment in learning to let them go. Embrace where you are and set some goals that actually excite the person you are today.
3. You’re uninspired and pursuing a goal for the wrong reasons
Be honest, how many goals are you pursuing because you feel that you ‘should’?
Sometimes, we can get so caught up in the pursuit of a goal or the belief that the reward will be worth it that we forget why we started chasing it in the first place.
It’s like trying to light a fire with damp wood, you’re putting in all the effort but no matter how hard you try, the fire won’t ignite. Taking time to reflect on whether your goals still align with your values will ensure your pursuing things that are meaningful and true to you.
Because just like a fire needs dry wood to ignite, a goal needs aligned intention to be achieved.
Ultimately, the decision to quit is a personal one and you know yourself and personal circumstances best.
If you’re faced with the decision to grit or quit, turn inward to reflect and remember that life is fluid and there is absolutely no shame in changing your mind.