To let it go, but when exactly?

New study: We keep trying too long with weak strategies

 

 

 

 

Strategies which are always successful we proceed with and those which are not we let go. But what is to be done when – as so often – a strategy for accomplishing a goal is average to say the best, meaning it is ok but has some substantial disadvantages, too?

Then we show persistence and perserverance. We change horses very late and may miss a lot of decisive opportunities. That´s at least the outcome of a new study by Princeton University where a research was examining how long it pays off to continue and continue and continue with the very same strategy.

Conclusion: The more alternatives exist the faster we should leave the mediocre strategy. And before determining a new path we should try particularly in the beginning of a task a couple of options.

Sukhov/Dubey/Duke/Griffiths, “When To Keep Trying and When to Let Go: Benchmarking Optimal Quitting”, in: Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, Vol 154(9), Sep 2025, 2599-2618

 

From the practise:

Why is letting go of sub-opimal ways so difficult? This questions concerns me for a long time already. The US-scientiests mention 3 theories for a plausible answer: 1. because we are so optimistic and believe till the very end everything would turn out good, 2. because we don´t want to lose time and efforts that we have put into the task yet and 3. because we are not aware of the potential (better) alternatives.

Let me add 2 more: 4. because we have got used to the weaknesses of our endeavours while a new strategy could turn to the even worse – at least theoretically and 5. because it appears to be more challenging – especially for leaders – to explain to employees, members and the electorate the “Letting go” of a current way instead of muddling on.