Strategic Quitting
Quitting isn't giving up - it's making space for what matters!
We live in a culture that glorifies persistence and demonises quitting. "Winners never quit," they say. "Push through the hard times." But what if strategic quitting is actually one of the smartest things you can do?
I've noticed that the most successful and fulfilled people I know are excellent quitters. They quit jobs that drain them, relationships that diminish them, and commitments that no longer serve them. They understand that saying no to the wrong things creates space for the right things.
Most of us are terrible at quitting because we've been programmed to see it as failure. But clinging to something that's not working is actually the real failure - it's a failure to recognise when it's time to move on.
Here's how to become a strategic quitter:
Distinguish between temporary discomfort and permanent misalignment. All worthwhile pursuits have challenging moments. But if something consistently drains your vitality and contradicts your values, that's different from temporary difficulty.
Calculate the opportunity cost. Every hour you spend on something that's not working is an hour you can't spend on something that could be amazing. What are you not pursuing because you're clinging to what you should release?
Set clear quitting criteria before you start. "If this situation doesn't improve after three months of focused effort, I'll reassess." Having predetermined exit conditions removes emotion from the decision.
Practice small quits first. Cancel subscriptions you don't use, leave committees that bore you, stop attending events that feel obligatory. Build your quitting muscles with low-stakes decisions.
Quit with grace and gratitude. Thank what you're leaving for what it taught you, even if the lessons were difficult. This approach keeps you open to new opportunities rather than bitter about past choices.
The most liberating realisations I've had have come from quitting things I thought I "should" continue. That business partnership that wasn't working. The hobby that became a chore. The friendship that had run its course.
Strategic quitting isn't about being a flake or lacking commitment. It's about being honest about what's working and having the courage to change course when necessary.
Life is too short to spend it on things that consistently diminish your spirit. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away.
What do you need to quit to make space for what you really want? What would become possible if you released what's no longer serving you?
ENERGY CLUB UPDATES:
If you've heard of Reiki, crystal healing, and auric work and curious about energetic healing but too nervous to try it, check out yesterday's Energy Club podcast episode and find out how you can keep your energetic body clean.