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Wednesday Wisdom, Vol.2, Iss 5

When It’s Time to Cut Your Losses

“As you begin to take action toward fulfillment of your goals and dreams, you must realize that not every action will be perfect. Not ever action will produce the desired result. Not every action will work. Making mistakes, getting it almost right, and experimenting to see what happens are all part of the process of eventually getting it right.” ~Jack Canfield

I recently had dinner with a very good girlfriend. Over dinner, we talked about the growing pains of being young and driven in the 21st century. Much like my friend, for as long as I can remember my personal philosophy has been that if I put my mind to it, I can do it. The words “give up” have never been part of my vocabulary. This has led to many victories, accolades and various forms of accomplishments. The challenging thing about this philosophy is that the sting of a seeming defeat hurts beyond what words can express. As a motivational speaker and workshop facilitator, this kind of transparency is appropriate, and even necessary. However, as a CEO of a rapidly growing company, it is a cross that I must reluctantly bear.

Since launching my company, P.E.R.K. Consulting, I have had many sleepless nights. Most of my work is done in an effort to lay a solid foundation that a company can stand on for years to come. However, occasionally there comes a project, program or contract that becomes challenging to the point of seeming insurmountable. It is then that I must decide whether to hang in there a little bit longer, or to cut my losses and walk away. I am convinced that this decision is as personal a decision as it will ever get for anyone.

For most people, the barometer is always the outcome. If making it through the challenge promises a valuable reward, most of us will persevere. Rarely do I meet people who will persevere for average or mediocre results. However, if I have learned nothing else as an entrepreneur, I have learned to change my barometer for many things. Instead of focusing solely on the outcome, I must now also analyze the process. Being in tune to what the process is costing, may lead to a decision to cut the losses. Real growth is then measured by the ability to do so and to recognize that it takes strength to regroup and try again another time.

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Andrena Sawyer is the Founder and President of P.E.R.K. Consulting, a program development consulting company. In addition to her work with nonprofits and start-ups, she leads workshops on personal and professional development for women across the country. Much of her content can be found in her eBook, The Other Side of Assertiveness.