Quitting: A Life Strategy

The Myth of Perseverance - and How the New Science of Giving Up Can Set You Free

By: Julia Keller

Narrated by: Hillary Huber

“Compelling,” (Cal Newport) “Liberating,” (Amy Dickinson) and “as entertaining as it is important” (Steven Levitt) — How to Do Nothing meets Think Again in this lively and inspiring exploration of how quitting is, counterintuitively, the key to success.

"If you’re thinking about quitting a job or leaving a marriage, don’t—at least not until you have read Quitting: A Life Strategy. It’s a thoughtful book that challenges conventional wisdom about giving up. Blending scientific research with stories of real-life decisions, Keller shows how quitting can be a powerful way to take control of your life."―Joseph T. Hallinan, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of Why We Make Mistakes

Simone Biles quit the Olympics. Harry and Meghan quit The Firm. Millions of people have quit their jobs, seeking happiness and defining success on their own terms. Is it a mistake? As Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Julia Keller found out, it’s not. And, in fact, it might even save your life.

Diving into the neuroscience of nope and the cultural messages that drive our reluctance to throw in the towel, Keller dismantles the myth of perseverance once and for all. Because grit isn't always great. Sticking it out doesn't always pay off. And quitting can be an unexpected act of self-love.

Quitting: A Life Strategy humanely reminds us that, in order to live meaningful, satisfying lives, sometimes we have to say “no”—full stop. With Keller’s guidance, listeners will learn the art of the quasi quit, see how quitting makes space for key breakthroughs, navigate the relationship between quitting and our public lives, manage quitter's guilt, and more.

As she weaves reportage from the front lines of scientific research, incisive pop culture commentary, and conversations with people who have made profound change in their own lives, Keller gives listeners the rationale and confidence they need to pull the plug. Ultimately, quitting becomes a chance to shape our lives without fear—at work, at home, in our relationships, and beyond.

©2023 Julia Keller (P)2023 Balance

Critic reviews

"A compelling mix of science, social critique, and pragmatism, Quitting: A Life Strategy upends the dominant narratives about giving up. Sometimes stepping back really is the right way to move forward in life."—Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and A World Without Email

“The world needs more quitters. In her fabulous new book, Julia Keller lays out the compelling case for quitting—explaining why we should quit sooner and more often, and also how to quit. Quitting is as entertaining as it is important.”—Steven Levitt, New York Times bestselling author of Freakonomics

"Julia Keller has flipped the script on one of the most maligned human acts: quitting. Before you decide to stick with it, gut it out, or see it through, consider the stories and evidence in Quitting: A Life Strategy and give yourself permission to walk away."—Bruce Feiler, New York Times bestselling author of Life Is in the Transitions

This was very difficult to finish. I didn't quit

This was very difficult to finish. I didn't quit. This is got to be one of the most challenging books to finish in a very long time. IT is all about quitting. Really when life is not all roses and what you want to do, just quit. Relationship not what you want .. just quit. Work challenging, just quit. Marriage in a rut, just quit. I'm sorry this is not good advice in my simple option. This is a book on a just quit nation when life is challenging. Many examples are far reaching and out of context. IF you are looking for a pow wow to fuel you in quitting something, this might be the book for you. Maybe im tough on this book as I'm more a believer it not just quitting and not turning your back on those who are counting on you. But there are different paths for us all and I hate I needed to leave a low score. I finish over 150 book a year and only few fall this short. Read the notes and other reviews, dont quit after just reading mine. form your own option.