The Sunk Cost Fallacy: The irrational decision to commit to something due to past investment such as time, money, or emotion, instead of the rational decision to quit.
I am highly susceptible to the sunk cost fallacy myself. I hold on for longer than I should because of what I have put into that specific thing. I keep eating even after I’m full to the brim because I don’t want to waste food. I stick to that godawful book because I already started it. I hold on to relationships with people because of the emotion and time investment.
It is often hard to quit, even when the signs are there. It gets even harder in some relationships.
Moving on can be a difficult thing to do. You want to keep holding on but deep down your gut is telling you to walk away. It is not always as easy as putting down a bad book. Or quitting a horrible movie. It is one of those situations where making the right decision for yourself hurts.
Though the pain of walking away can be immediate, the cost of staying longer than you should is prolonged pain.
The role that fear plays in resulting in the sunk cost fallacy should not be understated.
We stay because we feel safe in that decision. The unknown can be terrifying. There are no guarantees in the future. But there is the present situation. Believe in the present. Trust in the present. And when the present doesn’t feel right, it’s best to do something about it.
How do you know when it’s time to let go and move on?
Searching for articles on when to let go might just be the first sign that you need. It can also include:
When your emotional needs aren’t being met:
You know what your emotional needs are. You also know or have an idea when they are not being met. You might even start minimizing your needs just for you to give them a fighting chance. That doesn’t benefit you. Although one person or thing isn’t supposed to fulfill all your emotional needs, they have their part. And you know when they are not fulfilling their end of the bargain.
Holding on hurts:
You hold on to a situation where your needs aren’t being met. You keep having to sacrifice and compromise. And you minimize your needs because you think your standards are too high. But sometimes it’s not you. It’s simply time. You might find comfort in your decision to hold on because it is familiar. But it only ends up causing more pain. The hurt continues.
Your heart’s not just in it anymore:
Sometimes your heart is just not into it anymore. It doesn’t bring you joy, happiness, or fulfillment anymore. You don’t care if it progresses or diminishes. This pertains to jobs, people, hobbies, dreams, and activities. If we take time out to listen to our heart, it always tells. It tells you when it is no longer interested. Listen to it.
You are not getting a return on your investment:
You invest your time, money, and energy and never get a return on your investment. Let go, regroup, and redirect. This could pertain to people, businesses, projects, dreams, etc. It is okay to let go if it isn’t giving what it’s supposed to give. Take the time necessary to regroup. Gather your thoughts. If need be, grieve your loss. When you feel prepared again, redirect your energy towards something better.
Trust your intuition. Trust in the fact that you will be okay. The pain of letting go doesn’t last forever. It is also comforting to know that letting go might be a way to open yourself to new people, new relationships, new dreams, and new experiences. Which might all work in your favor.
Grieve. But trust in your ability to get back up.
I hope you find the strength to let go. I hope you listen to your heart. I hope you find the courage to do what is best for you. I hope letting go brings you healing and peace. And I hope you find better. You are worthy and deserving.
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