I’ve always been intrigued by the idiom, “Cut your losses and move on”. 

It suggests that sometimes, the best course of action is to let go and move forward rather than holding on to a situation that’s causing us more harm than good.

Yet, we often resist this idea. We’re taught to persevere, to stick it out, and quitting is seen as a sign of weakness.

But what if I told you that this is not always the case?

There are times when walking away is the strongest thing you can do. It’s about recognizing when something is no longer serving you and making the decision to shift your path.

In this article, I’m sharing eight specific times in life when it might be best to cut your losses and move on.

These are not easy decisions, but they can be transformative ones that open the door to new opportunities and greater freedom.

1) When the relationship is draining you

We’re social creatures by nature. Our relationships with others – our friends, family, and partners – fill our lives with love, joy, and connection.

But what happens when a relationship begins to drain us instead of uplift us?

It’s not an easy thing to admit, but not all relationships are good for us.

Sometimes, the people we care about can bring us down more than they lift us up.

They might be constantly negative, critical, or disrespectful. They might take more than they give or disregard our boundaries.

If you find yourself feeling drained, anxious, or unhappy after spending time with someone, it might be a sign that it’s time to reevaluate that relationship. 

It’s okay to prioritize your own emotional well-being.

You have the right to distance yourself from relationships that don’t serve you.

Letting go can open up space for healthier and more fulfilling relationships in your life.

2) When you’re stuck in a job that’s not aligned with your values

I’ve always been a big advocate for aligning your professional work with your personal values.

There’s a certain sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that comes from knowing that you’re contributing to something you genuinely care about.

But I know from personal experience that it’s not always easy to find that alignment.

There was a time when I was deeply involved in a conventional corporate setting, working long hours and striving for external markers of success.

On the surface, it seemed like I was doing well. But inside, something felt off.

My work didn’t ignite my passion or tap into my creativity, two aspects that are incredibly important to me.

I began to realize that this job – despite its security and prestige – was no longer serving me.

It was draining me of energy and joy, and it wasn’t in line with my deepest values or my vision for the kind of impact I wanted to make in the world.

So, I made the tough decision to move on.

It wasn’t easy, there were uncertainties and challenges along the way, but it opened up the path to where I am today – deeply engaged in work that aligns with my values, fuels my creativity, and allows me to contribute to positive change.

3) When your dreams start costing your wellbeing

We all have dreams. Goals that we pour our time, energy, and passion into. But there’s a fine line between healthy dedication and self-destruction.

When we start neglecting our mental, emotional, and physical health in pursuit of our dreams, it’s time to pause and reassess.

• Are we ignoring our bodies’ signals for rest and rejuvenation?
• Are we constantly stressed or anxious?
• Are we pushing aside cherished relationships or personal interests for the sake of this one goal?

Don’t get me wrong. Dedication and hard work are crucial in achieving any worthwhile goal.

But not at the cost of our wellbeing.

It’s okay to dream big, but not if it means living small in every other aspect of your life.

If your dream is starting to feel more like a nightmare, it might be time to let go, recalibrate, and pursue a path that brings joy, balance, and fulfillment along with success.

4) When you’re constantly feeling like an imposter

You know that nagging feeling that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be?

That you’ve only succeeded due to luck, not because of your talent or qualifications?

It’s called impostor syndrome, and it’s more common than you think.

Impostor syndrome can lead us to overwork, stress, and burnout in an attempt to keep up a facade.

It can rob us of our peace of mind and the enjoyment of our accomplishments.

But here’s the thing – it’s not something you need to fight against.

In my video below, I discuss how impostor syndrome is not a flaw to be fought against, but a sign of deep self-awareness and a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.

If you’ve been grappling with feelings of being an imposter, it might be time to reframe these feelings.

Instead of seeing them as a sign that you’re not good enough, see them as an opportunity for growth, for learning, and for embracing your vulnerabilities.

5) When you’re investing in causes that don’t align with your values

We live in a world where our financial decisions have far-reaching impacts.

Every purchase we make, every company we invest in, is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.

But let’s be honest, it’s easy to get swept up in the pursuit of wealth.

To invest in ventures that promise high returns, even if they don’t necessarily align with our deepest values.

And here lies the problem.

If your investments – be it time, money, or energy – are contributing to something that doesn’t resonate with your values, it can create a deep sense of discord and dissatisfaction.

Are you investing in businesses that exploit their workers, harm the environment, or promote unhealthy consumer practices?

If so, it might be time to reassess where you’re putting your resources.

True prosperity isn’t just about accumulating wealth.

It’s about aligning your financial decisions with your values and using money as a tool for positive change.

6) When your fear of change is holding you back

Fear of change is a common human experience. It’s deeply rooted in our survival instincts.

Our brains are wired to prefer stability and predictability over uncertainty.

In fact, psychological studies have found that uncertainty can even be more stressful to humans than knowing something bad is definitely going to happen.

But here’s the thing – while this fear is natural, it can also be incredibly limiting.

It can keep us stuck in unfulfilling jobs, toxic relationships, unhealthy habits, and prevent us from pursuing our passions or dreams.

If you find yourself clinging onto a situation simply because you’re afraid of the unknown, it’s time to reassess.

Change can be scary, no doubt.

But it’s also the only way to grow, learn, and experience new things in life.

Embrace the discomfort of the unknown.

Trust in your ability to adapt and overcome challenges.

And remember, every decision you make – even the decision to do nothing – carries its own risks.

7) When you’re constantly compromising your authenticity

Authenticity – being true to yourself in all aspects of your life – is vital for lasting happiness and fulfillment.

Yet, in a world that often values conformity over individuality, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are.

Perhaps you’re in a job that requires you to act against your nature or beliefs.

Or maybe you’re in a relationship where you feel the need to suppress your true feelings to keep the peace. 

Compromising our authenticity can lead to feelings of disconnection, dissatisfaction, and even impact our mental health.

A study published in The Journal of Research in Personality found that living inauthentically can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.

If you find yourself constantly altering your behavior, thoughts, or feelings to please others or meet societal expectations, it’s a red flag.

Consider cutting your losses and moving towards situations and relationships that allow you to express your true self.

8) When you’re holding on out of guilt or obligation

Guilt and obligation are powerful forces.

They can make us hold onto relationships, jobs, or commitments long past their expiry date.

But here’s the truth – staying in a situation out of guilt or obligation is not fair to you or the other party involved.

Whether it’s a friendship you’ve outgrown, a job that’s making you miserable, or a family tradition that no longer brings you joy, staying out of guilt or obligation can lead to resentment, stress, and unhappiness.

It’s okay to prioritize your happiness and well-being.

Letting go doesn’t make you selfish or unkind. It makes you human.

Embracing the power of letting go

If you see yourself in some, or all, of these signs, take this as an opportunity for reflection and change. 

Start by acknowledging these situations in your life.

Pay attention to how they make you feel – are they causing more harm than good? Are they aligning with your values and serving your growth?

Once you identify these patterns, you can begin to make changes. 

If you’re wondering where to start on this journey, I invite you to explore my Wake-Up Call tool.

This unique AI tool is designed to provide personalized insights based on your current life situation.

All you need to do is ask a question about an aspect of your life where you’re seeking clarity – it could be related to any of the points we’ve discussed in this article or something completely different.

The Wake-Up Call tool will analyze your situation using principles from my library of online courses and YouTube videos, then provide you with tailored advice to help shift from feeling stuck to moving forward in life.

Feel free to give it a try here.