Before we quit or keep pushing through is worth asking:
Where is the dip (as Seth calls it)? That challenging period between starting and making an impact. Between enthusiasm and results. Between effort and breakthrough.
When should we quit? Not every dip is worth pushing through. Not every challenge signals future success. Not every cause is worth the effort.
The more projects we start the better we get at distinguishing between true dips and dead ends. A dip is a temporary resistance on the path to something valuable. A dead end is an effort that doesn’t lead anywhere meaningful, no matter how long we persist.
Recognizing the difference requires some honest assessment:
- Is this challenge temporary or permanent?
- Will pushing through create meaningful differentiation?
- Does this path align with our core purpose?
- Are we seeing small signs of progress despite difficulties?
The right time to quit is before investing too much in something that won’t ultimately deliver. The wrong time is just before the breakthrough in something that would.
Getting better at quitting allows us to focus and create space for greater commitment to what truly matters.