The topic of quitting has been on my mind for the past couple of weeks. (And don’t worry, this isn’t a round-about way of telling you I’m quitting my blog, or simplify 101 or anything else major like that.) Instead, this topic has been swirling around in my head because of discussions in the private forum of my Goals workshop. It seems “quit” is a four letter word. Okay, that’s obvious—quit is a four letter word for certain, but what is less obvious is that quit seems to a bad four letter word.
Let me ask you this. When was the last time you quit something? Did you view it as something positive or something negative?
It is becoming clearer and clearer to me that sometimes in order to move forward we have to give ourselves permission to quit, which means it may be time to look at quitting in a new light. What if quitting became a good four letter word—or even an empowering four letter word? What if quit became a word that signified a change in direction—quitting the path we are on to take a new, more positive path? What if quitting was viewed as the chance to free yourself from obligations or commitments or habits that no longer work for you? I think when you look at quitting in this light, it is very empowering.
So, let’s make a “good things to quit” list. I’ll start it off with a few ideas, and then, I’d love it if you would add to the list via the comments. Sound fun? Okay, let’s do it!
Good Things to Quit List
Half-finished projects that no longer excite you.
I mentioned this in my Finish It Friday post, and noticed while reading the comments that this concept really resonated with some of you. It really is okay to change your mind and decide that a project you started long, long ago is not worth your time. Your time is your most precious resource after all, so any choice that allows you to use your time more wisely is a good choice all day long. (Even if it involves quitting.)
Buying things you don’t use, need or love.
It will just lead to future clutter, future regret, and future (agonizing) decisions about whether or not it’s okay to get rid of it.
Negative self-talk.
Yes, let’s quit that and say nice things instead.
Smoking.
I think this is one of the few uses in the English language where quit gets its fair shake as a positive word. So it had to be on the list.
Texting and talking on cell phones while driving.
I have to admit, I used to talk on my cell phone while driving—all the time. I didn’t realize how unsafe it was until I watched this. Good to know; good thing to quit.
Letting things pile up.
It is so much easier to handle things right away such as answering emails the first time you read them (instead of reading them all and picking and choosing which one to reply to first), or handling today’s mail today. Little piles equal big stress. This is one place where quitting can really relieve stress and worry.
So…sometimes it is good to quit after all. What else can we add to the list of good things to quit? Can you think of anything? I’d love to hear your ideas.
I’m fairly sure I’m going to quit my full time job (which does not excite me, but does pay the bills!!) to stay home with my kids after my second daughter is born early March. I’m terrified of being unemployed, been working since 14! But, I think it’s right for my family and maybe it’ll free me up to follow some more creative endeavors I’ve always wanted to try but never had the guts or time to before! Wish me luck!
I think quiting projects that no longer excite you is a key concept. There are so many things we put pressure on ourselves to do out of sheer “obligation,” why carry that into our free time?
Excellent point…we all get caught up in trying to do everything…sometimes, quitting is the most effective action
You gave me the final push, as well as, the courage to submit my letter for inactive status with an organization I have been very involved with for many years. My focus and calling has changed, but I still felt like a quitter if I chose to go inactive. I know this is right for me. Thank you for ALL you do!
Quit harboring things. Quit hanging on to things and emotions that clutter your life.
i was thinking of this mostly in terms of quitting projects, but betsy’s comment made me think of it in other ways. just last week, i also “resigned” my status as a volunteer from a very time-worthy organization. it wasn’t an easy decision. when i started, i was working an easy 9-5 job and my husband was in school. since then, we’ve started and ended a business, had two kids, my husband is starting school again, and my job has a lot more responsibilities involved which keep growing. it was time to put that part of my life on hold. i’ve learned you can do everything, just not at once. so i say no to things unless i really want to do them. it sounds kind of selfish, but mostly, i don’t want to be motivated by guilt and i like to do things for the right reasons.
I think the best thing I am doing for myself this year is that I’ve decided to quit making excuses. I’ve decided that I’m going to look at everything in my life as a choice, and that will help me to make more joyful and powerful choices. “No more excuses” is my new motto!
The quitting projects that no longer excite me rang strong last week – and I finally got up the courage to rip out some half-finished knitting projects I’d started long long ago. In the process I thought of some great NEW things I was interested in making with the same yarn instead! What a bonus – not only did I rid myself of a project hanging over my head – I found new FREE supplies to make something else.
To quit carrying grudges, forget past offenses, forgive — great freedom and light and weight off one’s spirit.
With hobbies, I have no problem at all quitting a project or a hobby that isn’t working out, or doesn’t make me feel happy. To me, the purpose of hobbies is to bring joy, give life balance, and so on. As life changes, our situations and needs change, we may need different hobbies to give us balance.
i’m quitting having expectations that are too high on myself !!!
Well I am quitting wasting my time and using it more effectively. I am also going 2 quit wasting money and look after myself better. With this in mind I have my 1st drs appointment on Friday to give up smoking. Wish me luck!
A couple of years ago, I decided to quit saying “yes” without thinking things through first. I remember you having a good post about this, too. We can’t say “yes” without saying “no” to something else at the same time.
Quitting projects that no longer excite you allows you to move on and enjoy those that do and then you can finish them up and enjoy. It also lets you declutter. I love decluttering – anything! I also think quit is a good word because it allows you to quit activities that no longer suit your needs or that just seem to take time that you could devote to things or people you love. Like saying no – not a bad thing.
Funny you should mention quitting. I started a blog last year about that when I quit my job called, “The Quitter Wins.” Your post and topic about quitting is very appropriate for many of us and it comforts me to hear that I’m not the only one who has struggled with deciding to stop right in the middle of something.
Here’s a link to my first blog post: http://thequitterwins.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
Thanks all for your sharing! There is some really exciting and powerful things to add to the our “to quit” list!
Aby
What a lesson for me this week. I’ve been mulling this one over in the back of my head for awhile!
Self: Quit letting others think they know better than you for your child.
Quit thinking that there is only one right way to do something.
Quit when what you’re doing isn’t fun anymore.
Quit when your actions are no longer serving a positive purpose.
Thanks for the permission to be a quitter. 😉
@juliebavi
Uh…good one temperament…anyhoo. I’m focusing on quitting using harmful chemicals in my home. I’m trying green cleaners, getting rid of plastics with BPA in them, etc. I have two little kids and am tired of hearing of all this stuff that’s poisoning them…
I quit a huge project. It was a tough decision as others were involved, but it was the best decision for my family and for me personally.
Is it ok to “quit” people who are toxic to your life? Even when it is family?
Most definitely! My cousin’s son was born in April and mine was then born in December. The boys grew up close, spending several days a week together either playing or doing field trip type adventures. My cousin was a screamer-mom. I had to discontinue the social activities when I caught myself doing the same kind of screaming at my son. We moved out of state because of a job situation and a new friend with a son, also turned out to be a screamer and hollered at her child constantly. My nerves couldn’t handle it and I didn’t want that atmosphere around my son, so another relationship was pushed to the back burner. I quit two situations with people in them that I didn’t want in my life or my child’s. I have always been proud that I didn’t subject us to what I considered “toxic.”