Signs It's Time To Quit

Even though we know that it is okay to quit and, in fact, that quitting is sometimes the best option, it can be hard to know when we should quit. We want to be sure that we aren't giving up too soon. Well, here are some signs that it's time to quit:

1. The task has taken over your whole life.

If working toward a particular goal is preventing you from taking care of other aspects of your life, this is a sign that this goal is no longer worthwhile or healthy. Consider your reasons for continuing to try. Healthy, worthwhile goals should be exciting and motivating; they should also allow space for the things and people you value in your life.

2. Pursuing the goal is making you truly unhappy.

Don't sacrifice your day-to-day happiness for the hope of happiness in some distant future. If pursuing the goal/staying in the relationship/keeping the job is making you miserable or making you feel poorly about yourself, it is time to quit.

3. You can't imagine a positive outcome.

When you think about it, can you envision your problem being resolved? Can you imagine yourself succeeding and feeling good? If you can't, it‘s time to reevaluate. Continuing to work toward a seemingly impossible dream, could lead you to sabotage your own efforts.

4. No one else is interested.

If you're the only one who cares about reaching the goal or solving the problem even though the outcome affects others, consider why. This is especially important in relationships.

5. You don't want it anymore.

If you're honest with yourself, do you still want "the thing" (whatever it may be)? Don't keep going through the motions of something just because you used to want it. A goal that was incredibly important to you a year ago may not fit into the life you have today and that's okay! Our needs and desires change as we grow.

6. Something else would make you happier.

Even if your original goal is a good goal, that doesn't mean it's the ONLY goal worth pursuing. If going in a different direction would make you happier, give yourself permission to make that change. Don't let pursuing this goal prevent you from pursuing other goals.

7. Thinking of quitting makes you feel relieved.

Trust your instincts. If the thought of giving up feels like a weight being lifted off your shoulders, take that seriously!