Avoiding the Trap of the Sunk Cost Fallacy

The Courage to Pivot Towards What Really Matters

There’s a powerful mental trap that many of us unknowingly fall into, and it’s known as the Sunk Cost Fallacy. This happens when we persist in situations — whether it’s an unfulfilling job, a draining relationship, or a misguided business venture — simply because we’ve already invested so much time, money, or effort into it.

The mindset? “I’ve come this far, I can’t quit now.” But that, my friends, is where the trap tightens.

I recently came across an insightful post by Colby Kultgen, and it felt too important not to share with you all. He painted a vivid picture of this fallacy using a metaphor that rings true for anyone stuck on a path that’s no longer serving them.

The Mountain Climber’s Dilemma

Imagine this: A climber, scaling a mountain, realizes midway that they are on the wrong peak. Each step forward brings them closer to the summit of the wrong mountain — farther from their true destination.

The bravest act in this situation isn’t to push forward, despite the rising sun or the ticking clock. Instead, the courageous move is to descend, accept the misstep, and start the climb again — this time, on the right mountain.