Sunk cost

In Danish, we do not have a proper equivalent for the wonderful expression sunk cost.

The problem is suddenly super topical for me, because I have a hard time deciding whether I should just slow down or simply put project genarbejd dead.

The worst reason in the world to get stuck in a pattern and routine that drains you of energy is that you're not willing to write off what you've already invested.

As a result of my recent appointment as trade coordinator for hvidesande.by I have already cleared out a lot of tasks. The old company is empty of assets and both from a tax and business point of view it makes more sense in the future to combine the art and interior tasks under the auspices of a small sole proprietorship.

On the other hand, it also feels a shame to just throw a (I still think, myself) damn good concept in the trash. I have put a lot of effort into developing the underlying storytelling as well as the individual solutions and projects I have delivered and have always believed that it also can make sense to work creatively with recycled wood, businesswise.

You have to make a choice. And there are costs, whatever . . . .

What you can do in such a situation—and I'm not saying it's always the right thing, but that's what I end up doing here—is write off the sunk costs: choose how you want to spend today and tomorrow regardless of all the hours and money you have already invested.

Perhaps you (as in my specific case) have used a hell of a lot of resources to acquire some skills? Invested in fixtures and equipment you no longer really need?

Maybe you paid a small fortune for a car, boat or motorcycle you never use, but are also not prepared to sell at a loss?

Or worse: perhaps for many years you have followed a path and lived in a way, defined by other people's criteria for success and a good life? Perhaps dreaming of a different job, a different everyday life, or more free time, knowing that that decision, like everything else, comes with a price?

Regardless, it's just hard to draw a line in the sand and throw yourself into something new, knowing that there's a risk that it won't work out. . . .

But allow me to be blunt: So what if you fail?

You have learned something and can at any time—marginally wiser and a bit more mature—try again.

The worst reason in the world to get stuck in a pattern and routine that drains you of energy is that you're not willing to write off what you've already invested. On the contrary, you must face the fact that the time that has passed has passed; that you only live once and therefore better prioritize today and tomorrow than yesterday.

You have to move on.