Worklife with Adam Grant Knowing when to quit with world poker champion Annie Duke
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Jan 3, 2023 
Annie Duke, a world poker champion and decision-making expert, shares her journey from dropping out of a PhD to winning the World Series of Poker. She discusses the art of quitting, emphasizing the need to balance perseverance with new opportunities. Listeners learn about poker strategies, the impact of gender bias, and the moral complexities of quitting. Duke also offers insights on evaluating priorities and personal values, helping people navigate tough decisions in both games and life.
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A Forced Quit Led to Success
- Annie Duke quit her PhD program at the University of Pennsylvania due to illness and financial constraints.
- This forced exploration led her to a successful poker career, highlighting quitting's potential to open new opportunities.
The Power of Folding
- Professional poker players primarily distinguish themselves from amateurs through their frequent folding.
- This strategic quitting, or loss-cutting, demonstrates an understanding of when to walk away from unfavorable situations.
Pre-Commitment for Better Decisions
- Combat escalation of commitment by setting pre-commitment contracts, like loss limits or "kill criteria".
- Share these criteria with others for accountability and increased likelihood of following through.
