How to Walk Away

Practical strategies to act against the fallacy's pull.

The fresh start test. Ask: "If I hadn't invested anything, would I start this today?" If no, sunk costs are the only reason you continue.

Make your exit binding. Don't just set kill criteria — lock them in. Write them down, tell a colleague, and schedule the review date now, so a future you can't quietly move the goalposts.

Redefine waste. Walking away is not waste — it is wisdom. The real waste is continuing to pour resources into something that won't return.