Strategic Quitting For Leaders; Why It’s Important for 2025.

Strategic quitting for leaders is one of the most powerful tools for growth. When done wisely, it allows you to eliminate overwhelm, refocus energy, and move forward with clarity.

Unfortunately, quitting gets a bad rap. From the time we’re young, we’re told:

• Quitters never succeed.
• Quitters don’t reach their potential.
• Quitters don’t build resilience.

But in reality, strategic quitting for leaders isn’t about giving up—it’s about making intentional choices to prioritize what truly matters. Without it, you risk staying stuck right where you are, or even worse, burning out.

By eliminating distractions and low-impact tasks, you create space to focus on what matters most.

The overwhelm treadmill

When I became a leader, my responsibilities piled up fast. Tasks, meetings, decisions—it snowballed until I felt completely stuck. I wasn’t a quitter, so I kept pushing harder, adding more, and never letting go of anything.

The result? I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and spinning my wheels.

Then, about a decade ago, I came across Henry Cloud’s book Necessary Endings. For the first time, I realized that quitting wisely isn’t failure—it’s growth.

I sat down and made a list of things I needed to quit. As soon as I crossed off the first few, I felt a shift: space opened up for clarity, energy, and focus. Now, every year between Christmas and New Year’s, I repeat the process.

Eliminating what no longer serves your purpose makes room for growth and impact.

why leaders nead a “quit list”

Most leaders feel overwhelmed by their schedules and commitments. That’s why creating a “Less of” list is so powerful. Eliminating what no longer serves your purpose makes room for growth and impact.

For 2025, here are my two lists:

Less of This:

• One-on-one coaching sessions
• Online cohorts
• Jam-packed weeks
• Low-level details
• Rushing to finish tasks at the end of the day

More of This:

• Hard workouts
• Blunt honesty with my team
• Space for meaningful content creation (Tuesdays are blocked!)
• Hosting leadership retreats
• Filming practical, short videos
• Date nights with my wife
• Relying on systems to streamline work
• Building partnerships that multiply impact

Most leaders feel overwhelmed by their schedules and commitments. That’s why creating a “Less of” list is so powerful.

the power of elimination

Quitting isn’t easy. It’s like pruning a tree: cutting away the old growth makes room for something new, but it’s uncomfortable in the moment.

Here’s the truth: if you want to grow as a leader, you need to quit wisely.

By eliminating distractions and low-impact tasks, you create space to focus on what matters most. Without elimination, you’ll stay stuck on the overwhelm treadmill—spinning your wheels instead of moving forward.

How to Create Your Own “Quit List”

If you’re ready to make 2025 your year of growth and clarity, start with these two steps:

• Make your “More of” and “Less of” lists.
  Write down the habits, tasks, or commitments you need to quit, and the ones you want to focus on.
• Read Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud.
• This book is a game-changer for leaders looking to embrace strategic elimination.

Ready to Lead with Clarity in 2025?

Leadership can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Coaching provides clarity, accountability, and support as you navigate challenges and make impactful changes.

I’m opening four spots for one-on-one leadership coaching in 2025. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about the future, let’s work together to create a breakthrough.