When to Throw in the Towel (and When to Push Through) Artwork

Small Business Casual

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Welcome to Small Business Casual, where we focus on designing sustainable, cozy, and thriving businesses tailored to your LIFE. Not the other way around!

From general business and marketing to making sense of the behind-the-scenes chaos, I’m Emily Aborn, your host and Small Business Copywriter! I’m here to walk alongside you as we make running our businesses less of a roller coaster and more like a scenic train ride (don't forget the snacks!).

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Small Business Casual

When to Throw in the Towel (and When to Push Through)

April 28, 2026 • Emily Aborn

0:00 | 25:29

Text Emily!

When to hold em’ and when to fold em’... THAT is the question.

And in creative ventures and businesses, it’s one of the hardest things to answer when it comes up. When do you quit, stop pushing, throw in the towel, and when do you keep going?

While there’s no clear answer, magical checklist, or formula, there are some questions you can ask yourself and some gut checks that can help give you a lot of clarity on whether or not to keep going and when to throw in the towel on tools, platforms, services, collaborations, products, and… maybe even your business entirely!

Inside the episode:

When to throw in the towel on tools and platforms, and when to push through
When to give up on memberships, courses, or groups, and when to keep on going
When to stop offering products or services and when to give them a fair shake
When to stop running your business or pivot entirely, and when to reconsider
Questions to ask yourself before ditching everything
And more!

Key Reminders & Takeaways

Quitting isn't good nor bad. It’s redirection. Pushing through isn’t always the right answer.

You're allowed to change your mind. Always. Full stop.

Quitting doesn't erase what you built.

Walking away isn't an indication of failure.

Sometimes the most courageous step is walking away, and sometimes the bravest one is to stay. Only YOU can know which is your step towards COURAGE.

Throwing in the towel, walking away, or saying bye-bye isn’t giving up. It’s making space for bigger, better, more aligned.

Reflection Questions:

Am I quitting because it's hard, or because it's wrong?
Have I actually given this a fair shot?
What would I do if I stopped?
What does my gut/inner voice/quieted mind say when I'm not panicking?
What would I tell a friend in this exact situation?
Am I staying because I believe in it, or because I'm afraid of what people will think?
Is this MY dream, or someone else's dream for me?

About Me & Let's Connect

Emily Aborn | Small Business Copywriter & host of Small Business Casual. 12+ years of copywriting experience in 122+ industries. I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun/downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence.

Got a Question for the Show? Email Me! emily@emilyaborn.com

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