The Psychology of Staying Put

In this episode, Mark and Will break down the sunk cost fallacy, the mental trap that keeps people invested in choices long after they’ve stopped being helpful. They begin by defining what sunk costs actually are, then explore how this bias shows up across work, relationships, finances, and personal growth. Mark and Will also examine how the human desire for predictability, often driven by anxiety, makes it difficult to let go, even when the evidence points elsewhere. The episode closes with a practical discussion on cognitive reframing and how changing the language around a “pivot” can reduce shame, restore a sense of agency, and support more intentional, values-aligned decisions going forward.