Letting Go of Sunk Costs: Why It’s Okay to Change Course

You’ve put in years of effort, time, and maybe even money into something—a career, a relationship, a business, a dream.

😩 You tell yourself, “I can’t just walk away after everything I’ve sacrificed.”
😩 The thought of starting over feels overwhelming.
😩 You worry: What if it was all for nothing?

But here’s the truth: Sticking with something just because of what you’ve already invested isn’t a good reason to stay.

📖 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19) – God calls us to move forward, not stay stuck in what no longer serves us.

Why We Struggle to Let Go

Behavioral economists call this the sunk cost fallacy—the tendency to hold onto something just because of how much we’ve already poured into it. But the past is already spent. The only thing that matters now is whether it’s still the right path forward.

Jesus Himself challenged people to leave their old lives behind when He said, “Follow me.” (Matthew 4:19) The disciples left careers, routines, and comfort zones—not because their past was wasted, but because a greater calling awaited them.

🚫 Staying in a place out of guilt or obligation only creates more regret.
✅ Letting go of what’s misaligned opens doors to something better.

The question isn’t “How much have I already invested?” The real question is: “Is this still where I’m supposed to be?”

How to Move Forward Without Regret

🚀 Shift Your Perspective – Instead of seeing past efforts as wasted, see them as valuable lessons that shaped you for what’s next.
🚀 Ask Yourself: Would I Start This Today? If the answer is no, it might be time to step away.
🚀 Give Yourself Permission to Pivot – Even Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, completely changed course when he encountered truth (Acts 9:1-19). Your past does not dictate your future.
🚀 Trust That God Has Something New for You – Holding onto the past out of fear means you’re missing what’s ahead. Faith means trusting in what’s next.

📖 “Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) – Your next chapter is waiting.

🔥 Your Turn: What’s something you’ve been holding onto just because of past investment? How would it feel to let go? Reply and let me know!*

🚀 Struggling to pivot? Subscribe to Rekindle Weekly for encouragement, clarity, and practical steps toward your next chapter.