Know when to stop

We all have activities we put our effort into. Some of the efforts have yielded results while others have not. However, there can be no result if we do not channel our energies into whatever we are doing. One of the challenges we face is that, in most cases, we are not sure if our plans will work. We try to make educated decisions, ensuring that there is a basis for our choices. However, there is usually no guarantee that things will always work out the way we planned. Imagine that you are starting a new merchandizing business. You will probably create a plan, gather some capital, create an inventory, etc. Whether you start small or big, success is a matter of chance that depends on many factors. In some cases, we may even lack the knowledge to succeed, or the environment may not be conducive to thrive in.
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One mistake I have seen people make is that of an unending commitment to something that is not working. This is common in circumstances where something worked well in the past but has now been overtaken by change. In other cases, people may just be fixated on their ideas even though it has gulped up resources without yielding results. The worst case is that of someone who has authority over people and makes them continue a path that leads nowhere just because it was their idea in the first place. Although being tenacious is a great thing, everyone must learn to know when it is time to quit or to reevaluate the process. There is no point expending energy and resources in the same thing repeatedly when there is no result coming forth.

Here is the key message. To create or sustain success in our endeavours, we must be willing to question our assumptions and be ready to make changes when required. This may lead to a change of approach, a change of direction or even quitting to start over again. What matters the most is that our efforts do not go to waste. Even when we must keep trying until we reach the point of breakthrough, we must constantly reevaluate our approach to maximize opportunities. Stop escalating your commitment to something that is not working. Know when to stop and when to keep at it. 

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Actions for the week

1. Think about the activities where you are putting the most effort. Are you getting results? Do you need to reevaluate your approach, change direction or quit?
2. Determine to always challenge your assumptions and seek the knowledge you need to do things in the right way.
3. Share this message with those in your network.

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A quote to remember
"It is better to change an opinion than to persist in a wrong one" – Socrates 

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books