Never give up. Never quit.

Nope...

I often see these types of posts on social media, and I find them quite upsetting. I understand the intention, but I don't agree with the premise. I understand do agree with the premise of the point of diminishing returns.

"The point of diminishing returns refers to a point after the optimal level of capacity is reached, where every added unit of production results in a smaller increase in output. It is a concept used in the field of microeconomics."

Why is it that we feel comfortable saying things like, "insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." while in the next breath we loudly exhort some version of "winners never quit, and quitters never win" I understand that there is subtext, I understand that most of the time we have attached that little asterisk, the one that means terms and conditions apply. When we are told to keep going, to never give up or never quit we are being encouraged to block out good old fashioned common sense.

When a company even thinks about a project, they plan. They do projections: they look at potential costs, and potential income. They look at how it will take for the venture to become profitable. They decide if the profit they make is worth the time they spend. They think.. they think.. they think. They have a point at which they will stop; but they just stop that project... they don't shut up the whole business.

When you are in an environment, either professional or personal, that doesn't serve you- it's helpful to check if you have reached the point of diminishing returns. Remember you don't have to shut up the whole business, you just stop one specific project.

If you lead a team, and you are worried about your team and want to get them the support that they need, get in touch with us. We are able to facilitate sessions to unpack the areas of concern and co-create a way forward.

We are here to help.