Should quitting be viewed as a sign of weakness in business? An opinion by Safaraz Ali Winners never quit, quitters never win? Actually, they do Quitting is often seen as a weak trait; quitters are people who can’t handle it, who can’t be bothered, who simply don’t care. But often people who do quit do it because they understand when it’s the right moment to walk away from something. Winners know when and how to quit. If something isn’t going well, persisting at it isn’t the answer. Willpower and wishful thinking don’t get you what you want, but reassessing and trying again might. This isn’t weak; it’s good business sense, and will save you time and money in the long run. Safaraz Ali

1. Do winners quit?

2. How often do you do
something because others
think that it is ‘the right
thing to do’?
Probably more often than
you realise.

3. There is a misconception
about the benefits of
‘maintaining the status
quo’ in the business
world. This generally
refers to taking action,
without even questioning
it.

4. We often worry about the opinions of
outsiders, and this can result in us
disregarding our own beliefs.
I have come across people who have
remained in jobs that provide them with
zero satisfaction. This is simply because
they are afraid of how they will be
judged, if they walk away.

5. In my opinion, we
should never do
anything without
our heart’s desire -
both in our personal
and professional
lives

6. If we do not truly believe
or understand the purpose
behind a concept, then
how can we expect
ourselves to feel
passionate about it?
How does this enable us to
become successful?

7. Advice is useful, but it should
not be the ‘be-all and end-all’
to our decisions.
What is most important is
knowing and understanding
ourselves, rather than
succumbing into what others
may think.

8. Quitting takes
courage, and
sometimes, it is better
to follow those gut
feelings and take the
plunge.

9. ‘Winners never quit,
quitters never win?’
Actually, they do.

10. Quitters are often seen as:
• weak
• people who can’t handle it
• people who can’t be bothered
• people who simply don’t care.

11. But often people who do quit
do it because they understand
when it’s the right moment to
walk away from something.

12. Winners know when and how to quit.
If something isn’t going well, persisting at it
isn’t the answer. Willpower and wishful
thinking won’t get you what you want, but
reassessing and trying again might.
This isn’t weak; it’s good business sense, and
will save you time and money in the long
run.

13. So when should you
quit?

14. We’re faced with many situations in life
where we have to quickly decide to quit or
stick.
Here are a few examples of situations where
I think quitting is the only option:

15. No career advancement
If you’ve been in the same role for a long
time and know you could be doing much
more with your skills, it’s time to quit and
look for a more valuable and rewarding role.

16. Lack of passion
If you have no passion for the job you’re in
or the business you run, it’s time to walk
away. You’ll never succeed trying to nurture
something you no longer care about.

17. Serious money issues
If your business is consistently failing to
make ends meet, then it’s sadly time to look
at calling it quits, or at least considering a
Plan B.

18. It’s my view that winners do quit
– from the right things at the right
times.

19. @SafarazAli
Safaraz Ali
I advise people to have faith in their own judgment, and
although I encourage taking advice – it should never be
the be all and end all and you should put more value on
your own beliefs and views rather than what others
think. I am keen to hear about your experiences of
following your heart, rather than the ‘voice of reason’ in
your head.