Last week I listened to a podcast titled “Upside of Quitting” that talked about the benefits of giving up. Very counterintuitive, I mean, who likes to be called a quitter?
Point being that one of the main reasons we tend to keep digging a hole for ourselves is because of sunk cost. In other words, we don’t walk away, because we don’t want to write off our efforts.
I think we can all relate. In my case, the best example is my divorce, where things like separating finances or furniture felt like cutting off my arm.
So who doesn’t struggle with the sunk cost? According to the podcast, it’s dogs and children. They are more than ready to jump onto the next shiny object in a heartbeat. Should we act just like them then?
Probably not, so the answer must lie somewhere in the middle!
In my mind, the sanity check to follow when encountering sunk cost is a line from Frankenstein: “You have created me, but I am your master!”
How would this work in practice? It’s not a panacea but an awareness tool. Had I applied this very check to myself seven years ago when I was going through a divorce, I would have realized that the bond I created without fully understanding its purpose nor consequence, has become an ever-tightening rope around my neck.
Yes, eventually I did realize it, but it just took a long, painful while. Having said that, because of this very experience I know I will do much better next time!
What helps you identify sunk costs in your life? Once you identify it, how do you deal with it?
Are you struggling in a relationship? Do you have a specific view of where your relationship should be, but don’t know how to get there?
You are stuck because your mind doesn’t see how you can improve the situation. That’s why you have a hard time taking action. You need someone to show you a new approach that will make transformation simple!
After the Relationship Audit, you will:
1. Understand how your actions are affecting the relationship.
2. Learn how simple skills will turn this relationship into a source of strength.
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