Q&AA: When to Let Go of an Unsuccessful Project

Over the next two weeks, I’ll be touring India and then traveling elsewhere in the world. While I’m away, we’ll be publishing a new series of Questions and Attempted Answers (Q&AA) from readers. I’ll share my answer, and you’re invited to share an answer of your own as well.

Today’s question comes from Nicole, who writes in from Wisconsin.

I am writing to find out if you have ever posted or written about letting a project go. I searched the archives and read The $100 Startup but haven’t found much on the topic (I could be missing it). I’m asking as I am running a local events website dedicated to connecting families to events and businesses in the area. It’s been live for six months and I spent three months building it, so about nine months total.

The readership is great, but the money is not! And no matter how I spin it, I don’t feel like it will be fruitful,and I’ve lost gusto for it (AKA no more passion). Anyway, just curious if you have written about letting a project go that wasn’t successful—how do you know it’s the right time?

Great question. Here’s my attempted answer:

You’re right, we should do something on that topic. For now, I think you’ve hit it on the head here –>

“And no matter how I spin it, I don’t feel like it will be fruitful, and I’ve lost gusto for it (AKA no more passion).”

If your project is struggling you might be able to live with one of those problems, but not both. If the project is neither financially successful nor personally motivating, there’s no need to keep it going out of obligation.

So indeed, it seems like the best thing to do is pick a new project. I don’t think this is a bad decision; I often experiment with a number of projects and stick with those that are the most successful.

Your Turn: What Would You Suggest?

Should she stick it out or move on? Have you ever abandoned a project for similar reasons, and what happened as a result?

Feel free to share your advice or experience in the comments. I’ll post as many as I can while traveling and speaking at events in India.

###

*Photos from India will be posted on Instagram (user: 193countries).

Image: Dullhunk