The sunk-cost fallacy tells us we’re willing to continue investing in something that cannot be salvaged and do so for the sole reason we’ve already invested a lot into it.

While the examples usually given to this revolve around financial investments, time is another factor that also needs consideration. Above all others, time is the most valuable resource at our disposal and to continue using it on an endeavour that is failing you will result in tremendous remorse.

Consider the person who spends an inordinate amount of time (years of their life) towards an ambition that was proven, early on, to be fruitless. What emotion will they feel when they finally come to the realization it isn’t going to work out?

Anger is usually the first to come, but despair follows suit. It’s a tough rut that is hard to work through, causing even more time to be consumed.

Roadblocks towards a goal are something to persevere through as they are a necessary part of the path.

However, when there are no obstacles, no roadblocks and nothing to show for it, it’s time to quit. In this case, quitting is not considered a failure, but the best decision that could be made.