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Cutting Your Losses: The Sunk Cost Fallacy and the Power of “Hell Yes” Thinking

Imagine you’ve been dating someone for four years. Things haven’t been good for a long time. You’re constantly stressed, arguing, and deep down, you know you’re not happy. But every time you think of leaving, a voice in your head says:

“But I’ve already put so much into this relationship…”

That, right there, is the sunk cost fallacy.

Now imagine if, instead of hanging on, you stopped and asked yourself one simple question:
“Would I choose this again today, with a clear mind and a full heart?”
If your answer isn’t a resounding "Hell Yes," then maybe — just maybe — it’s time to let go.

What is the Sunk Cost Fallacy?

The sunk cost fallacy is when we continue to invest in something — time, money, energy, even emotion — not because it still makes sense, but because we’ve already invested so much.

It shows up in our lives like this:

  • “I can’t quit this degree now — I’m already in third year.”

  • “We’ve already spent so much on this business; let’s keep pushing.”

  • “I’ve supported this politician from the beginning; I can’t turn on them now.”

We trick ourselves into believing that walking away means failure, when often, it’s the smartest, most self-respecting thing we can do.

But here’s the truth: what you’ve already spent — whether it’s time, money, or emotional energy — is gone. That’s your sunk cost.

The only question you should be asking is: “Does this still make sense now?”

Why Is This a Problem?

Because it keeps us trapped.

Instead of cutting our losses, we stay stuck in situations that drain us. The past — which we can’t change — ends up controlling our future. We make decisions to protect our pride, not our peace.

In Kenya, where every decision costs something — whether it’s time, emotional energy, a vote, or just your mental health — the sunk cost fallacy can be devastating.

🇰🇪 Relatable Kenyan Examples

 1. Toxic Relationships

You’ve been in a relationship for years, and it’s no longer working. Maybe there’s no growth. Maybe there’s emotional damage. But instead of leaving, you tell yourself, “I can’t throw away all that time.”

You stay, not because you’re happy — but because you feel guilty to walk away.

Truth: Time spent in the wrong place doesn’t make it the right place. Staying in the wrong place won’t make the past worthwhile. It’ll just waste your future too. 

2. Wrong Career or Degree

You started studying law because your parents wanted it. You’re miserable. But it’s your third year and you think, “Let me just finish.”

Even though you know you may never use the degree, you push on — out of fear, pressure, and sunk costs.

Truth: A course you hate today will likely become a job you dread tomorrow. A detour early on is better than a lifetime of regret.

 3. Political Loyalty

You voted for someone who promised change. Now they’ve failed. But instead of calling them out, you defend them because “we were with them from the beginning.”

Truth: Loyalty should be earned — not blindly maintained. Holding leaders accountable is a public service.

 4. Failing Business

You started a business in 2020. It’s been bleeding for years. But you keep pumping in money, saying, “We’ve already come too far.”

Truth: More effort won’t save a sinking ship. Sometimes the bravest thing is to pivot or start afresh.

 So, What’s the Alternative?

Enter a new mindset — one that’s direct, liberating, and cuts through the fog of doubt:

If it’s not a resounding “Hell Yes,” it’s a No.

Simple. Clear. Bold.

If something doesn’t excite you, serve you, or align with your values — why are you still there?

We live in a culture that romanticizes endurance and struggle. But not every struggle is noble. Some struggles are just self-inflicted wounds we keep reopening because we’re afraid to say: “This isn’t working.”

How to Tell the Difference

Not sure if you're holding on for the right reasons? Ask yourself:

  • Would I choose this again today, knowing everything I know now?

  • Do I feel peace when I imagine walking away?

  • If a friend were in my shoes, what advice would I give them?

  • Does this thing energize me — or drain me?

  • Am I staying because of love — or fear, guilt, and pride?

If the answers aren’t a clear yes, then that silence you feel? That tension? That hesitation?

It’s already your answer.

 How to Break Free

  1. Shift your mindset: Past effort doesn’t justify future suffering.

  2. Accept that quitting ≠ failure: Sometimes it’s the smartest move.

  3. Make decisions for your present self, not your past self.

  4. Don’t settle for “not bad” when you could be chasing “truly right.”

 Final Thoughts

Letting go isn’t weak. Changing your mind isn’t failure. Admitting something no longer works isn’t shameful.

It’s clarity. It’s courage. It’s freedom.

If it’s not a resounding hell yes — a full-bodied, deep-in-your-gut YES — then it’s okay to say no.
No to the wrong job.
No to the toxic partner.
No to the empty hustle.
No to leaders who don’t lead.

You don’t owe the past your peace.
You owe the future your honesty.

What’s Your “Hell Yes” Moment?

Have you ever left something that wasn’t working — and found freedom on the other side? Or are you struggling with something you know you should leave behind?

Tell us your story in the comments. Let’s talk. Let’s free each other. Let’s grow together.

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