The authors of the book “The Art of Retreating. How it helps in life, love and work” Peg Streep and Alan Bernstein (Minsk: Potpourri, 2014, translated from English by Yu.I. Gerasimchik) defy conventional stereotypes that make us fight to the bitter end and never give up. The authors argue that the ability to abandon the goal in time and leave is as valuable as dedication and perseverance. Using examples, they show how people who abandoned their goals in time, stopped trying to prove something, freed themselves from “tunnel vision” and gave up their fanatical dedication to the goal and perseverance in achieving it achieved success in life. When we stop fighting, we overload our minds and minds, give ourselves a break and are able to formulate new goals. Failure, followed by quitting and losing, often paralyzes us. Unable to give up their usual behavior — breaking into closed gates — people often find themselves in a vicious circle. They are accompanied by failures and disappointments. And, as a result, self-esteem falls and depression occurs. <br>