A few years ago, my partner introduced me to a wonderful phrase that I hadn’t heard of before we met. That phrase is ‘sunk cost fallacy’. It describes our unconscious drive to continue with something that we’ve already invested a lot in — time, money, energy — because it would be a waste to stop now, after everything we’ve put in, even if it’s making us miserable or has long stopped helping us.
When life feels like wearing too-small shoes, it’s a good idea to do a sunk cost fallacy audit. That’s why today I’m going to ask myself the following questions:
What am I continuing to do right now because I feel like ‘I have to’?
Is it making me happy? Is it making my life better? Does it make me feel charged and hopeful, or parched and empty?
Do I have to do it, really? REALLY?
If I wasn’t doing this thing, what could I do instead?
Today I will recognise that being happy takes courage. I will remind myself that I want to be someone who is brave.
Let’s break something apart and see what new things want to grow up between the cracks.
Throughout the month of August, in order to help pull myself out of a downward spiral, I’m sharing a choice I’m making every other day. These choices aren’t trying to change or control anything. Each one is simply a fresh turn towards what I know will help my mind, body and the people around me.
Perhaps you’d like to try them too.
I am sharing this free series thanks to my paid subscribers who allow me to operate this newsletter with freedom and an open heart.
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