I’m lost in an impossible work project. How do I keep my resolve?

Honestly? Perhaps you shouldn’t.

The sunk-cost fallacy wrongly implies that just because you’ve invested time in something, that makes it worth persevering with – even if it’s a bit so-so (say, Ozark). ‘In reality, there are times when continuing a project is counterproductive, and quitting is the intelligent decision,’ explains environmental psychologist Lee Chambers. Reflection is key: ask yourself whether your true motivation is to avoid temporary discomfort or whether you believe that the outcomes are not worth the cost. If you lean towards the latter, it’s time to schedule a meeting with your boss.