Quitting: A Life Strategy

This manifesto on how, when, and why to quit things that are not leading to personal fulfilment opens with a simple yet poignant proclamation: “Quitting is an act of love.” With this, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Keller explains why quitting is imbued with such negativity and how we can begin to see it as not just positive but necessary for self-preservation. Bolstering her approach with thorough citations, Keller uses mostly anecdotes to tell stories of people who have been tempted to stick to a plan or stand by a decision even when they feel they shouldn’t. A dysfunctional marriage? A half-hearted half-marathon attempt? A dead-end job? Keller’s research supports the idea that it’s acceptable for people to step off their current path. Each chapter offers a permission slip suggesting ways to quit with dignity. She ends with a hopeful message of forgiveness: We should view quitting as a resource on our way to happiness, and we should be gentle on ourselves when we don’t see things through.