Physician Leadership: Give Yourself the Freedom to Pivot
By Matt Kincaid, PhD
VP/Head of Coaching
The Referent Group
My mother went back to school to become an elementary school teacher at age 50. Similarly, after 14 years of nursing, my wife changed careers. For both, this shift came with significant tradeoffs financially, professionally, and personally. But by giving themselves the freedom to pivot to something new, they reclaimed their time and energy, and allowed themselves to pursue paths that aligned more closely with their goals and values.
In her compelling book Quit, Annie Duke challenges the common perception that quitting is synonymous with failure. She dives deep into the psychology of quitting, revealing how the fear of failure or the need to “see things through” often traps us in bad decisions. She shares insights on how we often hold onto things—jobs, relationships, or projects—long past the point where they are beneficial or meaningful, out of fear or a desire to avoid loss.
Similarly, organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant echoes these ideas in his work, emphasizing that great leaders and innovators know how to pivot when the situation calls for it. Grant highlights the importance of rethinking beliefs and decisions, noting that sticking to outdated plans can stifle growth and creativity. Both Duke and Grant teach us that quitting isn’t about giving up—it’s about moving forward strategically.
In a world that so often celebrates perseverance and grit, there is wisdom in recognizing when the effort, time, and/or resources you’re investing aren’t yielding the desired return.
Sometimes letting go is the bravest and smartest thing we can do.
Online CME Courses for Personal and Professional Group
