
People I (Mostly) Admire Annie Duke Thinks You Should Quit (Update)
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Jun 28, 2025 Annie Duke, a former professional poker player turned author, dives into the often misunderstood art of quitting. She explains why quitting is stigmatized and how it can be a powerful tool for personal growth. Annie shares insights on recognizing when to step away from unproductive paths and discusses the psychological dynamics of making tough decisions. Her experiences in a male-dominated poker world add depth to the conversation, revealing how gender influences strategy and perception. It's a thought-provoking take on decision-making and the freedom to change.
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Grit and Quitting Together
- Grit is perseverance through difficult tasks toward a worthwhile goal, while quitting is reassessing goal worth and strategy.
- Being both gritty and willing to quit suboptimal paths is key to success.
Annie's Forced Quit
- Annie quit her PhD after illness led to hospitalization and discovered poker to support herself.
- Quitting led to a successful 18-year poker career and new exploration opportunities.
Set Kill Criteria to Quit
- Define kill criteria with specific signals and deadlines to know when to quit.
- Agree on measurable benchmarks and timelines to increase likelihood of quitting in time.








