Premature Quitting Is Often Driven by Panic—Decide When to Quit Before You Start

In ultramarathon racing, experienced runners like Dick Collins never leave decisions to quit up to how they’re feeling at the 40th mile. Instead, before the gun goes off, they write a list: 'If knee pain lasts more than an hour, or if I’m dangerously dehydrated by checkpoint three, I’ll step out.' Why? Because panic and exhaustion warp judgment, making short-term stress look like a rational reason to quit even if the finish line is near.

Behavioral economists categorize this as avoiding 'hot state' decision-making. When humans are stressed, our brains default to short-term relief over long-term gain—leading us to bail in the Dip, rather than when it truly serves our goals.

By designing quitting criteria before starting, you shield future-you from flights of doubt or anxiety. Whether you’re diving into a new job, relationship, or creative pursuit, specifying exit points based on objective triggers saves countless hours of regret.

Accountability—telling a friend or supervisor your criteria—can tie you to measured decisions, keeping your journey (and your DNF, did-not-finish moments) far more intentional.

Next time you take on something substantial, stop to write three or four clear, actionable rules for quitting ahead of time—these could be financial, emotional, or performance-based. Make it real by sharing your plan with a friend or mentor for an extra layer of accountability, and put calendar check-ins on the books to revisit your benchmarks. This isn’t just a safety net—it’s a way to strengthen your resolve for those future moments when panic or discouragement sets in. See how that small pause up front streamlines your confidence and decision-making down the road.