Recognizing the sunk cost trap, reconnecting with your strengths, and moving forward with clarity and confidence.
We tell ourselves we’ve invested too much to walk away. That leaving would mean all the time, money, or effort we’ve already spent was wasted.
Research shows that when we continue down a path that no longer fits, we often experience increased stress, burnout, and a decline in overall satisfaction even when we believe staying is the “responsible” choice.
Why We Stay on the Wrong Path
There’s actually a name for this: the sunk cost fallacy a mental trap that convinces us to stick with something simply because we’ve already invested in it.
It’s our mind’s way of trying to protect us from regret.
It whispers, “Don’t waste what you’ve built,” even when what we’ve built no longer fits who we’ve become.
It whispers, “Don’t waste what you’ve built,” even when what we’ve built no longer fits who we’ve become.
Early in our careers, it might sound like:
“I’ve already spent years getting this degree I can’t switch now.”
“I’ve built my reputation in this field.”
As time goes on, it can shift to:
“I’ve worked too long to start over.”
“Maybe it’s too late to change direction.”
The irony is that staying out of fear of wasted time often ends up wasting more time.
We keep paying emotional rent on something that’s already been sold.
We keep paying emotional rent on something that’s already been sold.
What I’ve Learned About Letting Go
I’ve spent years helping people navigate big transitions and I’ve lived them myself.
What I’ve learned is that the key to moving forward isn’t erasing the past it’s connecting the dots between what you’ve already done and what you want to do next.
What I’ve learned is that the key to moving forward isn’t erasing the past it’s connecting the dots between what you’ve already done and what you want to do next.
The experiences and roles you’ve left behind aren’t wasted. They hold clues strengths, insights, resilience that can shape your next chapter.
But you can only use them if you’re aware of them, and if you leave space in your imagination to see how they could be applied in a new career, business, or life direction.
But you can only use them if you’re aware of them, and if you leave space in your imagination to see how they could be applied in a new career, business, or life direction.
When you can articulate how your past experience translates to your future direction, you stop feeling like you’re starting over and start realizing you’re building on everything you’ve already learned.
Reframe the Question
The real question isn’t “What will I lose if I change?”
It’s “What will I lose if I don’t?”
It’s “What will I lose if I don’t?”
Every investment teaches you something skills, awareness, resilience. Those lessons don’t disappear when you pivot; they come with you.
What if your experience is equity, not chains?
Is It Time to Pivot?
If you’re questioning your next move whether that’s a new role, venture, or direction I created a simple self-audit to help.
It’s called “Is It Time to Pivot? A Self-Audit for Letting Go”, a one-page guided worksheet designed to help you evaluate your alignment, energy, and growth.
It’s called “Is It Time to Pivot? A Self-Audit for Letting Go”, a one-page guided worksheet designed to help you evaluate your alignment, energy, and growth.
Take five minutes to complete it, then reflect on one simple question:
Would I choose this again today, knowing what I know now?
If your answer feels uncertain, that’s where we start.
Closing Thought
You haven’t failed, you’ve learned.
Now it’s time to use what you’ve learned to create what’s next.
Now it’s time to use what you’ve learned to create what’s next.
If you’re ready to gain clarity and build momentum toward your next chapter in your career, business, or life let’s talk.
Together, we’ll explore where you are, what’s holding you back, and how to move forward with confidence.
Together, we’ll explore where you are, what’s holding you back, and how to move forward with confidence.
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