06/23/2026
You can’t retrieve a sunk cost.
A sunk cost is money, time, effort, or resources that have already been spent and cannot be recovered. Because it is gone regardless of what you do next, good decisions should be based on future costs and future benefits—not on what has already been invested.
Examples:
* You paid $100 for a concert ticket but become sick on the day of the event. The $100 is a sunk cost. The decision should be based on your health, not the money already spent.
* You invested thousands of dollars in a failing business venture. The money already spent is a sunk cost. The question is whether additional investment makes sense going forward.
Motivational Perspective:
Many people stay in unproductive situations because they focus on what they’ve already invested. Successful people recognize that while they cannot recover the past investment, they can control their next decision.
Sticky Note Version:
Stop Chasing Sunk Costs
🔴 What?
A sunk cost is something you’ve already spent—time, money, energy, or effort—that you cannot get back.
🟡 Why?
Too many people stay stuck because they’re trying to justify yesterday’s investment instead of evaluating tomorrow’s opportunity.
🟢 How?
Learn from the experience, keep the lesson, and make your next decision based on where you want to go—not where you’ve been.
Remember: You can’t recover a sunk cost, but you can recover your future.
Believe! Commit! Act!
Make Success Your First Ch🍑ice®
