Moshe’s Blog

Why Quitting Belongs in Business and 5 Steps to be a Better Quitter

I Quit!

When someone quits smoking or gives up other harmful habits, we applaud them. Yet when someone quits a task, a job, or a commitment, we as a society often shame them. “Tough it out, don’t be weak,” we say (or at least think).

The truth is that it takes great courage to quit and stand up to societal expectations when something is off. Simone Biles quit performing mid-Olympics, putting her well-being ahead of pleasing others, and showing the world that quitting can be healthy.

In the Amare view of business, quitting whatever it is can be an act of love in alignment with one’s deeper truth, while staying put may be an act of self-abuse shrouded in pride and driven by fear of rejection.

What’s your instant reaction to the word “quit”?

As a leader, can you conceive of quitting as a show of strength?

Does your company treat quitting as a reasonable and viable option?

Can you discern within yourself when quitting is right for you and not simply an escape from a challenge?

5 Amare Techniques for Healthy Quitting

1. Notice your reactions to others. Track your immediate response to people when they quit something. Be aware of assumptions you make in different situations and stories you create around each quit.

2. Good quits, bad quits. Make a list of things you quit that you are very happy to have out of your life. Now make a list of things you wish you wouldn’t have quit. Look for the lessons.

3. Reframe. If the word “quit” is too strong a negative trigger, experiment with positive words like “letting go” or “pivoting.” Notice how your reactions shift.

4. Quit negative thoughts. Choose to let go of criticism of self and others. Say out loud “I quit thinking ___________.” Come up with a replacement thought and a gentle way to correct yourself if you slip back into negativity.

5. Notice when you quit – or not. Pay close attention to your “rules” and the stories you live by. Will you never quit no matter what? Will you see quitting simply as making a different choice?

Stories of Quitting

Would you consider sharing your experiences with quitting on my Amare Leadership Podcast? Whether they were good quits or bad ones, whether you were in resistance or flow, there are powerful lessons we can all learn. Contact me here.