When to Quit vs When to Grit

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Decision making is often ultimately between quitting something or sticking with it. Continuing on the path you’re on or choosing a new one. But finding the correct path for yourself is not always a clear one. Should you stick with it or cut your losses? Should you persevere or decide enough is enough?

As I’ve pondered this dilemma, I’ve reflected upon how many things I’ve quit and how each has been a part of leading me to where I am today. I also have thought a lot about how many small things are a quit vs grit scenario, not just the big things that easily come to mind. This prompted me to want to explore the concept and impact of how to know when to grit (which is encouraged in our society) and when to quit (which is typically frowned upon). Which is the better choice? Which is the healthier choice? Let’s talk about it.

“The idea of never quitting is actually a terrible idea. And in fact, what we need to do is to quit early and often those things that are unlikely to turn out well for us, that are unlikely to contribute to our happiness and well-being... I think the better advice is to never quit something with great long term potential just because we can’t deal with the stress of the moment.” – Dr. Sara Dill

What You’ll Learn

• Even the word synonyms encourage grit over quit
• When to never quit
• Markers to know when to quit
• Desire for certainty
• Right timing to quit
• Calculating expected value
• Sunk cost fallacy
• Quitting criteria or kill criteria

Contact Info and Recommended Resources

Books:

Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away by Annie Duke

The Dip: The Little Book That Teaches You When To Quit (And When to Stick) by Seth Godin

Podcast Episodes that pair well with this one:

• Mini Thought Experiment (What if Today was Your Last Day?)
• The Third Path or How to Grow from adversity

Connect with Sara Dill, MD, The Doctor’s Coach

I’d love to work with you! Sign up for a FREE consult call so we can chat. Schedule on my calendar at: saradill.com/schedule. 

Thinking of dropping me a line? Please do! I read all my own emails and truly enjoy hearing from listeners. You can ask me a question, suggest a topic for the podcast, or just say hi: [email protected].

• Website: saradill.com
• Work with me: saradill.com/coaching
• My book: The Doctor Dilemma: How to Quit Being Miserable Without Quitting Medicine
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