The Virtue of Quitting

02/09/14: How many times have you heard phrases like "winners never quit and quitters never win"? Or some motivational speaker telling you to "never give up on your dreams"? Now how many times have you heard "sometimes it's best to give up when something isn't working and start on something new"? This post is about the value of knowing when, and how, to give up; not for trivial things, but for the larger goals and paths we pursue in our careers or personal lives.Opposing Virtues A virtue defined as a quality that is morally good or desirable in a person. Every culture has a set of these, and in the US, we could say that "finishing what you started" or "never giving up on something" would be on that list. Ultimately, I think it is important value the opposite as well: having the foresight, courage, and trust to end something that isn't working, or that we are not longer passionate about, and find the next course of action in life. On an individual level, it would obviously be cruel to dash the hopes of children that grow up wanting to be doctors, pro athletes, singers, artists, or astronauts, even if the likelihood for success is extremely low. But as adults, when should we give up on our "dreams" and switch to something that will bring us more success? Maybe even more challenging: when should we give up on relationships, businesses, career paths, or courses of action that are causing a lot of pain? When and How to Quit Quitting because you are no longer passionate about s...
Source: Staff Psychologist - Category: Psychiatrists and Psychologists Tags: General Source Type: blogs