When persistence doesn’t pay off
October 3, 2018
By Brian Maynor
People may not like a quitter, but sometimes quitting is the best option for everyone. The question is knowing when to make that call.
There is no shortage of research, affirmations, and studies touting the importance of persistence, but recent studies have called into question these findings including this one that found a very weak link between grit and performance. There is also evidence that persistence can have harmful downsides.
Here are a few of the downsides to persistence that shouldn’t be overlooked simply because we have always been told, “Persistence pays off”:
1. Wasting our time and resources. We all have limited time and resources; forcing us to choose when projects, tasks, and goals to pursue, and when we continue working toward one of them that won’t yield the results we want we are wasting them. We would be better off simply quitting those undertakings that bring no positive, valuable results or those we deem not worthwhile and move on.
2. Missing alternatives. When we stick with something simply because we started it, we run the risk of becoming myopic and thereby missing alternatives that are actually better, more productive, or likely to bring us to the outcome we want. This risk is particularly high when we’re dealing with long cherished goals, because it is harder to let those go.
3. Risk of being perpetually dissatisfied. This is true even if we end up ultimately getting the result we want. When we are dead set on creating a specific outcome, regardless of anything else, we tend to make the process much harder than it needs to be and rob ourselves of all enjoyment during it. This dissatisfaction continues after we achieve our goal because our expectations are so high that the reality rarely stands a chance.
4. It’s bad for our health, both mental and physical. When we are unable to let go of something, research has found it has a direct and negative impact on our physical and mental health. We tend to feel stress more acutely, suffer depression and sleeplessness as well as rumination. This is all in addition to skin and digestion issues, frequent headaches and a higher risk of gaining weight along with all of the issues that causes.
Sometimes persistence doesn’t pay off and we have to let go of a goal, dream or desire and move on to the next one. To know when that time has come, we need to weigh the upsides of persistence with its downsides. Even the most dedication will have a hard time arguing with the results.
I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
