I know, the subject of this message sounds like something George Costanza says as he comes to terms with one of his weaknesses and proclaims it as a strength. But being a quitter really is a strength.
We’re all quitters. We try lots of things, quit most of them, and stick with the ones that work. That’s why we go to school. That’s why we date. That’s why we don’t continue doing the same job we did as a teenager for the rest of our lives.
If we weren’t quitters, we’d still be playing with toys. Okay, bad example. We still play with toys, they’re just more sophisticated and expensive.
How about this: If we weren’t quitters, we wouldn’t have room in our lives to try anything new or to expand on the things that serve us.
Quitting is good. It’s a key to success. The trick is to know when to do it and to do it without guilt or doubt.
If you’re not happy, if you’re not making money or feeling like you’re making a difference in the world and you don’t see this changing, quit. Maybe not immediately. Think about it, talk to people you trust, educate yourself, and work out a plan for what’s next. But don’t stay stuck in something that makes you miserable.
In your practice, look at what you’re doing that’s not working. A practice area, a type of client, a target market, a marketing strategy. If you can fix it, great. If not, quit that thing (or your practice) and do something else.
In your personal life, look at your relationships. I’m sure there are some you know you should quit, just as there are some you know you should embrace and develop. Quit the bad ones (or curtail them) so you’ll have the time and energy for the good ones.
I’m a quitter, baby. How about you?
