I grew up with motivational quotes like the one that says, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” Of course, I wanted to be a winner, so not quitting became an unconscious value. I’m rethinking the wisdom of never quitting.

I recently started playing Solitaire on my iPad mini, and I enjoy it a lot, especially the animation rewards that appear when I win. Who knew that macarena-dancing figures made out of playing cards could be so entertaining? But I also like the fact that when I can’t win, the game gives me this message: “There are no more moves available in this game. Play another?”

Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where they are no moves, and to continue means that we are beating our heads against a wall. It’s helpful to know we can quit and choose a new deal. That may take the shape of not finishing a book that just isn’t interesting to you or giving up a workout that is too strenuous for your age and activity level. It means quitting so you can find the next book that might be interesting to you or the next workout that leaves you feeling good, not depleted.

We need to recognize when it’s time to quit and then quit without guilt. Quitting gives us the chance to play another hand, one that brings joy.