About this quote

Persistence is a highly overrated virtue when you are heading down a dead-end street. At some point, stubbornness ceases to be grit and simply becomes bad math. Do you really want to waste your limited time and money on a project that refuses to work? Recognizing when to cut your losses is actually a sign of high intelligence, not weakness. Walk away and spend your energy on something that actually pays off.

When to use it

• Your side business has lost money for two years straight despite five major strategy pivots. Shut the doors and save your remaining capital for a better idea.
• You have spent three seasons trying to enjoy marathon training, but your knees ache constantly and you dread every run. Give away the running shoes and try swimming instead.
• You failed the CPA exam for the fourth time and realize you absolutely despise accounting. Drop the prep course and look for a different career path.