How Identity and Expectations Trap You

Why Winners Quit More Than Losers

October 24, 2025 | Episode 5210

Host: Scott Smith

Episode Description

Scott's been hammered over the years for quitting. He's a good quitter. Really good at it.

When he decides something's over, it's over. Even if everybody around him thinks he's crazy.

Some of the worst things he's seen? People who stick with things way too long.

It's Biketoberfest in Daytona and his phone's blowing up with buddies wanting to meet up. All code for beer. But Scott's going to enjoy all the crazy people sober this time. And yes, he said "hammered" and "sober" in the same sentence. That's not right.

Featured Story

Scott's phone is exploding with messages during Biketoberfest.

His motorcycle's polished up and ready. His buddies are in town asking when he's going to ride, where they'll meet, what they're doing.

Basically it's all code for drinking.

Scott hasn't been drinking for a while. He quit that too. When he decides something's over, it's over.

One client described him like this: "Scott, you just kind of always have hope. You just kind of know it's going to work out. How do you know that?"

Scott's response? "I don't know. I just know that."

That optimism serves him well. But too much positivity doesn't pay the bills or make you happy. Sometimes things don't work and you need to quit and find another way.

Being a strategic quitter is how winners operate. Losers stick with terrible situations way too long.

Important Points

Being a good quitter is not an excuse to avoid hard things—sometimes you have to stick with it, but strategically quitting when things aren't right is smart.

Your inner voice sounds an alarm based on wisdom from experience, and when it says maybe it's time, trust your gut instead of driving toward a cliff.

Sometimes goals become "what was I thinking" goals when the world changes, and reasonable people will understand if you give them a good reason for quitting.

Memorable Quotes

"When I decide something's over, it's over. Even if everybody around me thinks, what are you doing?"

"There is no need to wait for the inevitable. Trust your gut. Trust your inner voice."

"Sometimes it's a 'what was I thinking' goal. Sometimes the winds have shifted."

Scott's Three-Step Approach

Recognize when you're going around in circles or stuck in a cul-de-sac—that's when being a good quitter becomes essential for moving forward.

Listen to your inner voice when it sounds the alarm because it's your wisdom trying to protect you from inevitable disaster.

Change direction fast once you've determined you're not going the right way—don't pump it up to 85 mph toward a closed bridge just because you committed.

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