Strategic abandonment caught my attention recently.
Makes you curious, right?
A mate I'm chatting to about a podcast we're planning raised this topic too. They're in recruitment and we'll explore looking for roles after burnout, job crafting, and knowing when to quit.
Whilst researching, I found the 'strategic abandonment' term, but it isn't a new concept.
Peter Drucker, consultant, author and educator, wrote "Managing for Results" in 1964, which describes an early idea about strategic abandonment.
He discussed the need for organisations to regularly review their products, services, and activities to identify those that no longer contribute to their success.
At a practical level, assess what's working and what isn't across all aspects of your life. If it doesn't contribute to your success, consider abandoning it. Quit. If it does, grit.
Image by Nick Fewings from Unsplash
Apply this to your own business and home life.
We have goals, projects and interests that take focus, attention, and energy.
What are you committed to, day in and day out, that needs a new perspective, and the strategic abandonment treatment?
It's hard to know where to go when we're stressed, overwhelmed and exhausted.
Brain fog makes our decision-making squiffy, and we're mired in indecision.
As The Clash famously sang:
'Should I stay or should I go now?'
That's the question that lingers, unanswered.
If you don't decide what matters to you, someone else will decide for you
What keeps you motivated to do what you do?
Is it money? Stability? A higher cause? Helping others? Achievement? Autonomy?
Recognising your core values helps decision-making no end.
With my coaching clients, I use the Ideal Day mindfulness exercise to clarify their ideal day.
We don't often consider this. We have goals for the big stuff - house, family, successful business, healthy body etc.
But what does it look like on a practical level?
What does your average day currently look like?
For all your striving, what does your ideal day look like?
What are the non-negotiables that must be there to create a life well lived?
What will you look at when you're old and reflect:
'I'm so glad I spent my time on xyz'.
This is what matters to you in life.
Try this Ideal Day exercise to identify your core values:
Find a quiet spot and get comfortable
Focus on your breath for 2-3 minutes to bring your heart-rate and energy levels down (close eyes if you want to)
Do a gentle body scan from your toes to the top of your head, noticing and relaxing any tight spots
Transport yourself 5-10 years into the future
Starting from when you wake up, reflect on where you are, what you're doing, and who you're doing it with, hour by hour
Work through this ideal day through to when you get into bed
Open your eyes (if you had them closed)
Sit quietly for 2-3 minutes more, reflecting on what appeared
List the top 3 things you'd always need in your ideal day
What single word describes each one?
E.g. family, autonomy, community, peace, accomplishment etc
These are your core values.
This ideal day is your North Star.
This is what you aim for when making decisions.
This gets you up in the morning and keeps you curious at night.
Use your ideal day values to make the grit vs quit decision
Now you've got a better idea of your ideal day, pick a home/business area that's giving you sleepless nights.
You'll know instantly what it is, or at least try to avoid it.
That's the area to focus on.
How's it going for you?
Option 1: You're on track, know it's tough but accept you have to hunker down and get through it. The outcome is so worth it and contributes to your ideal day.
Option 2: You're wobbling, unhappy with progress, and wonder whether it's worth your time. The outcome might be valuable but it won't move the needle towards your ideal day.
Option 1 gives you a clue of when to grit.
No matter how hard, how many resources are needed, and how long it takes, you're moving in the right direction.
In this case, check what to optimise or improve. Who will help you achieve it quicker? Are you resting enough to sustain momentum? Prioritise that.
Option 2 gives you a clue to quit or apply strategic abandonment.
Don't let self-criticism or imposter syndrome colour your view. If this is your inner voice, ask a trusted friend for a balanced view.
How much time, energy, and resources have you put into it? Do you want to keep going for the outcome? What is needed to let go? Explore that.
When to grit and when to quit is about this:
Reallocate resources: Where are your precious resources (time, money, effort) best used? Spend wisely.
Focus on your values: Prioritise values-based choices that lead to your ideal day and cut through the noise.
Respond flexibly: Manage goals, energy and attention flexibly using strategic abandonment where needed.
Sustain your mind/body: Stuck in indecision or on the wrong path wastes precious energy and hope. Don't wear yourself out for unhelpful things.
Reflect on decisions under your control, dear reader.
Stay on the path to your ideal day, even if it's gnarly and tough. It'll be worth it, so prioritise. Get stuck in for the long haul.
But if it's draining, moves you in the wrong direction, and you're miserable - consider moving on.
Quitting doesn't mean you're a failure.
Strategic abandonment offers better opportunities, and the energy to pursue them.