"A compelling mix of science, social critique, and pragmatism, Quitting: A Life Strategy upends the dominant narratives about giving up. Sometimes stepping back really is the right way to move forward in life." ―Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and A World Without Email “The world needs more quitters. In her fabulous new book, Julia Keller lays out the compelling case for quitting―explaining why we should quit sooner and more often, and also how to quit. Quitting is as entertaining as it is important.”―Steven Levitt, New York Times bestselling author of Freakonomics "Julia Keller has flipped the script on one of the most maligned human acts: quitting. Before you decide to stick with it, gut it out, or see it through, consider the stories and evidence in Quitting: A Life Strategy and give yourself permission to walk away."―Bruce Feiler, New York Times bestselling author of Life Is in the Transitions "Julia Keller's Quitting offers a timely corrective in a world that's forever telling us to do (and endure) more. This book is a celebration of people learning their limits, standing by their boundaries, and forging new paths when old, back-breaking ways of being have failed them."―Dr. Devon Price, author of Laziness Does Not Exist "If you’re thinking about quitting a job or leaving a marriage, don’t―at least not until you have read Quitting: A Life Strategy. It’s a thoughtful book that challenges conventional wisdom about giving up. In fun, readable prose, Julia Keller blends scientific research with stories of real-life decisions to show how quitting can actually be a powerful way to take control of your life."―Joseph T. Hallinan, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of Why We Make Mistakes "Julia Keller weaves science, pop culture, and scholarship into a forceful and often funny book that finally settles the argument: Winners DO quit. Keller's book proves that whether you're an impetuous Jerry Maguire type or react with the speed of a slime mold, quitting will be the launchpad into the liberating realm of 'what's next.'"―Amy Dickinson, nationally syndicated advice columnist ("Ask Amy") and New York Times bestselling author "In her beguiling mix of uncanny insight, scientific evidence and human stories, Julia Keller debunks America’s deeply ingrained faith in perseverance―in a book that's just unquittable."―Elizabeth Taylor, co-author of American Pharoah: Richard J. Daley - His Battle for Chicago and the Nation "Forget grit―the key to a joyful productive life may be quitting: a job, relationship, city, or any situation that has run its course. This fascinating, quick read reframes the history, myths, and stigma around failure. Exhilarating, subversive, and freeing."―Lindsay Powers (Amazon Best Book of the Month, editor's pick)

Chapter Page Introduction xi Part I Quitting: It's All in Your Head Chapter 1 What Birds, Bees, and Gymnasts Can Teach Us about Giving Up 3 Chapter 2 The Neuroscience of "Nope-I'm Done" 20 Chapter 3 Jennifer Aniston Quits Her Job: The Fine Art of Saying, "So Long" 37 Part II How "Quitting" Became a Dirty Word-and Why It Matters Chapter 4 Peddling Perseverance 53 Chapter 5 Luck and Letting Go: Things. Just. Happen. 75 Chapter 6 Making a Better World-One "I Quit" at a Time 91 Part III Giving Up: A How-to Guide Chapter 7 The Quasi-Quit: A Pause and a Pivot 105 Chapter 8 Quitting Your Way to Success on the Job 122 Chapter 9 Quitter's Guilt: What If I Disappoint the People I Love? 143 Chapter 10 Quitting Out in the Open 162 Chapter 11 A Community of Quitters 177 Afterword 197 Acknowledgments 205 Notes 207