Not all decisions are created equal. Even a seemingly easy choice can be convoluted by a complicated history, such as whether or not to unfollow someone from high school. We sometimes misplace the title of importance on things and people who no longer serve us, simply because we cannot surrender that time to be meaningless.
How can one prioritize what’s truly important to them? One way to decipher if something is important vs. a compulsive obligation is to investigate it through the lens of the “sunk cost fallacy.” According to The Decision Lab, the sunk cost fallacy can be defined as a “tendency to follow through with something that we’ve already invested heavily in (be it time, money, effort, or emotional energy), even when giving up is clearly a better idea.”
It’s often said that time is the most precious resource, which could be why it’s so hard to admit that some time is spent wasted. However, the longer one continues to buy into the sunk cost fallacy, the more time they invest into nothing. Now that you know what the sunk cost fallacy is, how can you determine if that’s what’s been plaguing you all along?

Sink, Sank, Sunk
When you’re in love, not only will you know it, but everyone around you will know it too. From hard launch posts on Instagram, to making time on your busiest day to grab lunch with them, you can sense the love in every moment. Yet, these shared posts and meals that we grow accustomed to can be the anchors that weigh us down. When you start to feel a shift from privilege to obligation, you’re sinking.
While breaking up with someone or something is never an easy or pleasant experience, the freedom that comes after is incredibly rewarding. Suddenly, you’re not spending hours involved in a club you only joined to fill some space in your resume, instead you have some time to catch up on sleep or social activities.
If you’re only sticking around because “you’ll be done soon” or “maybe it will get better,” the only way to assure it’ll get better quickly is to cut your losses. Delete that Snapchat account. You no longer need streaks in 2025. Switch your major. Don’t get stuck in a career that makes you miserable.

Investments & Savings
If you think of your time as money, what would you spend it on? Would you invest your money in your “friend” who only ever reaches out when they need something or that organization who’s meetings you keep mysteriously missing? These people, places and things suck the actual living out of life and replace it with busywork and a sense of dissatisfaction.
Invest your time into the people and things that make your life rich. You will feel like your best self when you’re pursuing your passions surrounded by people who care about you. It’s never too late to make a change, but first you have to recognize you’re the only one with the power to make your life the one you dream about.
What baggage are you letting go of to live your best life? Let us know on X @VALLEYmag!
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