In a world obsessed with resilience and the relentless pursuit of goals, the very notion of quitting has long been branded a dirty word, synonymous with failure, weakness, and capitulation. But what if everything we’ve been taught about giving up is fundamentally flawed? What if, far from being a defeat, the art of knowing when to walk away is, in fact, a crucial skill, a strategic maneuver employed by the most successful individuals? This revolutionary perspective, championed by none other than Dragon’s Den magnate Steven Bartlett, is sending shockwaves through the business and entertainment worlds, prompting a radical re-evaluation of how we define triumph and setback.
Bartlett, a self-made millionaire and outspoken advocate for unconventional wisdom, posits that “quitting is actually a skill, and those who are winning at life have mastered it.” This audacious declaration challenges the very bedrock of our societal conditioning, where “never give up” is the mantra drilled into us from childhood. Yet, as a recent, riveting discussion on Loose Women illuminated, Bartlett’s philosophy resonates deeply with those who have dared to defy convention and step away from what many would consider the absolute peak of their careers.
The Loose Women panel, renowned for their candid and often provocative conversations, delved headfirst into this contentious topic, sharing deeply personal anecdotes that underscored Bartlett’s provocative thesis. The discussion quickly pivoted to the experiences of two beloved British television personalities who have famously, and successfully, “quit” at pivotal moments: Denise Welch and Oti Mabuse. Their journeys, far from being tales of regret, stand as powerful testaments to the liberating and ultimately enriching power of strategic withdrawal.
Denise Welch, a titan of British television, recounted her audacious decision to leave Coronation Street 27 years ago, a move that left her bewildered family and fans reeling. For many, being the “landlady of the Rover’s Return” was the absolute pinnacle of acting success, a role synonymous with national treasure status. “My aunties,” Welch recalled with a wry smile, “just could not believe that someone voluntarily had left being the landlady of the Rover’s Return because to them it was the pinnacle.” Yet, for Welch, the decision was not a calculated career move, but a visceral, “gut reaction.” Despite the show’s desire for her to stay, even offering to incorporate her pregnancy into the storyline, Welch knew, deep down, it was time to go. “I knew when it was time for me to go against the odds,” she explained, emphasizing the intuitive nature of her choice. Looking back, Welch reflects on this decision with absolute certainty, stating, “I’ve never regretted the decision.” Her story is a powerful illustration of prioritizing inner conviction over external validation, a brave leap into the unknown that ultimately paved the way for a multifaceted career.
Equally compelling was the candid confession from Oti Mabuse, the sensational dancer who, to the shock and dismay of millions, exited Strictly Come Dancing after two consecutive wins. Mabuse’s departure from the seemingly unassailable heights of Strictly sent ripples of confusion across the nation. “I personally was surprised when you left Strictly,” one panelist admitted, echoing the sentiment of countless viewers. “You’ve just asked Strictly and you’ve been there so long, you’ve won it twice, two consecutive years, you’re like right up there!”
Mabuse’s reasoning, however, provided profound insight into the strategic nature of her “quitting.” While acknowledging Strictly as “the most wonderful show” and a “family” that “trampolined me or jumpstarted many other doors and career opportunities,” she emphasized a deep-seated desire for growth and diversification. “For me, it was time to move on,” Mabuse declared. “I did want to explore different things. I wanted to have a family.”
Her most poignant revelation, however, stemmed from a moment of profound introspection during the Loose Women tour. Surrounded by her colleagues sharing tales of diverse life experiences – travel, adventures in the jungle, varied careers – Mabuse realized a startling truth about her own trajectory. “I’d never done anything with my life but dance,” she admitted, revealing a childhood defined by a “very strict household” where “we went to school, we went to dance school, and that was it.” She continued, “So I’d never traveled, I’d never met different types of people, I didn’t have life experience.”
This realization became the pivotal turning point. Mabuse faced a stark choice: “I could do this show which is amazing and do the same thing again for 20 years and still be happy – I wasn’t unhappy – or I could just fail but fail knowing that I’m gaining life experience.” Her decision, a bold embrace of potential “failure” in pursuit of broader horizons, perfectly encapsulates Bartlett’s philosophy. It wasn’t about dissatisfaction with her current success, but a yearning for a richer, more diverse existence, a conscious decision to quit a comfortable, albeit creatively limiting, path for the unknown.
The discussion on Loose Women powerfully reframed the narrative around quitting. It’s not about abandoning commitments at the first sign of trouble, nor is it a sign of weakness. Instead, it’s about discernment, self-awareness, and a courageous commitment to personal evolution. Both Welch and Mabuse demonstrated an acute understanding of when a chapter had concluded, recognizing that staying, despite the external accolades and financial security, would
ultimately stifle their growth and limit their potential.
This idea challenges the deeply ingrained societal pressure to persevere at all costs, even when a path is no longer serving one’s highest good. The panelists acknowledged that for many, particularly those in less flexible careers like accountancy, the luxury of “moving around” and “doing different things” isn’t always an option. However, for those who do have a choice, Bartlett’s message offers a liberating alternative to the relentless treadmill of traditional success.
The ability to strategically disengage is not about laziness; it’s about optimizing one’s energy, time, and talent for pursuits that truly align with personal values and long-term fulfillment. It’s about recognizing diminishing returns, avoiding burnout, and making space for new opportunities and experiences. In a rapidly changing world, the agility to pivot and adapt, even if that means leaving behind a seemingly golden handcuff, is becoming an increasingly invaluable asset.
So, the next time the word “quitting” crosses your mind, perhaps it’s time to reframe it not as a confession of defeat, but as a strategic declaration of intent. As Steven Bartlett and the remarkable women of Loose Women so eloquently illustrate, knowing when to walk away might just be the most profound act of self-empowerment, a secret weapon for those truly committed to winning at the intricate game of life. Is it time for you to master the art of the intelligent exit? The answer might just surprise you.
