It’s easy to quit smoking. I’ve done it hundreds of times.
Mark Twain
I don’t ever remember my parents telling me, “If at first you don’t succeed….try giving up.”
Shouldn’t we persist or continue to pursue our goals in the face of extreme challenge or failure? I’m sure you have all heard the story of Edison (the bulb guy). Had Thomas Edison not been a man of perseverance it may have been many years before the first electric light was ever invented (and seen). It has been reported that Edison failed over 6,000 times before perfecting the first electric light bulb.
Great achievement for him but what about the rest of us not quite as genius and determined? Is it always better to keep plugging along to achieve our goals?
According to research, sometimes quitting may actually be better for your health. Psychologist’s Gregory Miller and Carsten Wroshch have found that people who are able to throw feel comfortable quitting when faced with unattainable goals may have better mental and physical health than those who persevere and push them self to succeed ((Miller, G. & Wrosch, C. (2007). You’ve Gotta Know When to Fold ‘Em: Goal Disengagement and Systemic Inflammation in Adolescence. Psychological Science, 18)).
The findings build on their previous research, which found that those persistent individuals experienced higher levels of an inflammatory protein called C-reactive protein (an indicator of stress) as well as increased cortisol. They also reported lower psychological well being. On the surface, this might not seem like a big deal but inflammation appears to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other stress related conditions.
Contrary to what we might have been taught, it appears that it might be in our best interests to “cut our losses” in the face of unattainable goals and life challenges and actually disengage from the goal to ensure optimum well-being and potentially long-term health. This appears to be true whether we are in unsatisfying long-term relationships, working for leaders who are toxic or targeting a goal that is beyond our skill and ability “set points.”
So, any good things for those who persist? In other, research Carsten and colleagues also found that in the face of life challenge and disengaging from unattainable goals, those who redefined and set new goals were more likely to be able to buffer the negative emotions associated with failure.Â
Maybe “rebound” relationships and new entrepreneurial goals might actually serve to help us find closure to the past and engage us for future journeys to succeed in work and life ((Wrosch, C., Miller, G. E., Scheier, M. F., & Brun de Pontet, S. (2007). Giving up on unattainable goals: Benefits for health? Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33, 251-265)).
I wonder if there is a lesson for me with my track record of many more failures than successes in my executive coaching work…..Be well…
[tags] leadership, envisia, envisia learning, quitting, habits, c-reactive protein, inflammation, goal setting, engagement, coping, kenneth nowack, ken nowack, nowack [/tags]
Ken Nowack
Kenneth Nowack, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist (PSY13758) and President & Chief Research Officer/Co-Founder of Envisia Learning, is a member of the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations. Ken also serves as the Associate Editor of Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research. His recent book Clueless: Coaching People Who Just Don’t Get It is available for free for a limited time by signing up for free blog updates (Learn more at our website)
