This episode is a big one, because I'm grappling with a massive question myself: to persist or walk away? Sound familiar? Whether it's a project, a job, a relationship, or even a long-held goal, we all face moments where we wonder if we should keep pushing or call it a day.
I'm actually trying to decide the future of this very podcast – do I continue, rebrand, or wrap it up completely? It's a huge decision, and one that traditionally comes with a lot of baggage. We've been told for generations that perseverance is the ultimate virtue, and giving up is a sign of "pitiful weakness". I've even dug into some old newspaper archives from as far back as 1862 and 1934 to show you just how deeply ingrained this idea is!
But what if I told you that sometimes, walking away can be incredibly wise and courageous? And that sometimes, persisting can actually be a sign of being stubborn, blinkered, or even complacent?
In this episode, we're flipping the script on those old notions. I'm sharing how to identify the red flags that tell you it might be time to change direction – like when a path no longer aligns with who you truly are, or when you're just feeling stuck and surviving instead of thriving. And we'll also explore the green flags that signal when "giving up" is actually a positive, transformative step, like having the courage to explore new avenues and letting go of the trap of worrying about "sunk costs" – all that effort you've already put in.
We'll even dive into Angela Duckworth's concept of 'grit' and how our identity plays a huge part in these decisions. So, let's clear out all those preconceived ideas about what we 'should' do and figure out, together, when it's truly time to persevere and when it's time to boldly walk away. I'd love to hear your thoughts on my own podcast dilemma too!
Grit: The Power or Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
