Growth means recognizing when persistence has turned into refusal to let go.

Persistence and refusal to let go can look identical from outside and even from inside. The difference is whether you are continuing because the evidence supports it or because stopping would mean admitting something. Recognising the switch is difficult precisely because persistence is a virtue and quitting has a bad name. But something can be worth starting and no longer worth continuing.

Set a checkpoint with clear criteria for anything long-running, and be honest at it. Ask what you would advise someone else with your exact information. Choosing to stop with good reason is a decision rather than a failure.