Framework

Sunk Cost Release

Sunk cost release separates what is already spent from what still has to be chosen. It protects future time, money, and attention from being used to justify a decision that no longer earns them.

From Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

When this helps

You are staying mainly because you have already spent time, money, or reputation.
A project, role, relationship, or plan keeps asking for more without improving.
You need to decide from today forward instead of defending yesterday.

How to use it

Step 1

Separate past from future

Write what has already been invested, then mark it as unavailable for the current decision.

Step 2

Ask the fresh-start question

If you had not invested anything yet, decide whether you would still choose this path today.

Step 3

Choose the next investment

Compare the best use of your next hour, dollar, or commitment against continuing the old path.

Watch for

Treating quitting as waste when continuing may waste even more.
Confusing loyalty to a past choice with responsibility for a better future.
Ignoring reputation fears that make the sunk cost feel larger than it is.