With a nod to Not My Monkeys (June 15, 2018), this rehash was prompted by article in the NY Times, “ Why Giving Up Is Sometimes the Best Way to Solve a Problem”. The author’s thesis is this: when you’ve made hash of said problem, it might be time to give up. When endless iterations of convoluted “solutions” fail, ask yourself if it’s even your problem to solve.
Tunnel vision is much more common that real self- awareness. We cling to failing undertakings, even when we know they are doomed. When we’ve invested a lot of time in something, giving up feels like failure. A self-esteem downer. Quitting sounds weak but strategic quitting is skill.
Trying to fit a square peg in a round hole is a lot of work. And it doesn’t work. Giving up might be exactly the right solution- especially when it’s not your circus, not your monkeys.