Everybody knows we’re supposed to have the ‘serenity to accept the things we cannot change’—but it’s one thing to tell yourself this in moments of quiet meditation, and quite another to make that gesture when something you care about depends on your continuing courage and engagement.

It could be a professional commitment, an artistic project or a love affair. Knowing when to quit is a million times tougher when you’re personally involved. You count the cost of what you’ve already invested—the years, the sacrifices, the cold hard cash!—but there are hidden costs you might not have considered. There are also hidden advantages to accepting that it’s time to put that commitment to bed and redirect your strength and determination towards new ideas.