Choose to Rededicate Instead of Just Persisting—Reinvigorate Your Strategy in the Dip

When David hit a stagnation point in his job, the obvious choice looked like quitting or simply trudging along, coping. Instead, he decided he had nothing to lose and scheduled a meeting with his boss and the higher-up. Over coffee, he calmly laid out his frustrations, explained how his skills weren’t being put to use, and surprised everyone by proposing an entirely new role he thought could help the company.

It was a nerve-wracking conversation—his palms sweated as he slid his ideas across the table. To his delight, they not only listened but offered him a major promotion and a meaningful new challenge. The fresh momentum made every day at work feel reenergized again—David hadn’t quit, he’d realigned.

Many people slog through tough periods, hoping persistence alone will see them through. But real change often requires stepping outside your comfort zone and proposing bold alterations, not just enduring as-is.

Research in change management shows that new approaches or narratives help disrupt stuck patterns, triggering renewed engagement and unlocking solutions that persistence alone cannot.

Instead of grinding even harder when you’re stalled, outline at least three bold ideas for tackling your challenge from a different angle. Ask for a conversation with someone who can help—lay out your vision and your willingness to shift roles or strategies. Promise yourself to give this fresh approach a real chance before returning to the old method, and watch for the momentum and breakthroughs it can bring. It’s not always about sticking or quitting; sometimes, it’s about inventing your next step. Maybe you’ll get surprised—like David did—so plan this conversation for tomorrow.