For the longest time, I thought I was a quitter. Every four years or so, I found myself starting something new—a new business, job, education, or project. I’d dive in with full passion, build it up, and then... I’d move on.
At first, I wondered: Why can’t I just stick with something long-term? Am I restless? Unfocused? Or worse- a quitter?
I have done a lot of work thinking about it, reading about it, listening to smart people talk about many subject and then I realized that I was asking the wrong question. What I have learned is that I’m not a quitter—I’m an early adopter.
The Difference Between a Quitter and an Early Adopter
A quitter walks away when things get tough. An early adopter walks away when the job is done—when the foundation is built, the system is running, and the innovation is in place. Don’t get me wrong, at times, I did quite because it was more than what I knew I could handle. Twice in my 30-year career I left due to toxic culture, but the rest, I left during the maintenance phase.
I thrive in innovation, design, and implementation. I’m at my best when I’m creating something new, problem-solving, and building from the ground up. But maintaining? Managing the status quo? That’s not where my strengths lie. And that’s okay!
What About You? Innovator or Maintainer?
Understanding your natural strengths can change the way you approach your career, business, and life. Ask yourself:
Do you get excited about new ideas and projects, but lose interest once they’re up and running?
Do you love problem-solving, strategizing, and building something from scratch?
Do you thrive in chaos and change, but feel drained by routine and long-term maintenance?
If that sounds like you, congratulations—you might be an innovator or an early adopter, not a quitter.
On the other hand, if you:
Prefer consistency, structure, and long-term growth over constant change...
Feel satisfied refining and improving existing systems rather than creating new ones...
Find comfort in stability rather than disruption...
Then you’re likely a maintainer—the one who ensures things keep running smoothly after the innovators have moved on.
Why This Matters
When you know whether you’re an innovator or a maintainer, you can:Choose jobs, careers, and projects that align with your strengths.Stop feeling guilty for wanting change or stability.Find the right partners—innovators need maintainers, and maintainers need innovators.
So, next time you feel like quitting, ask yourself—am I really quitting, or have I simply completed my role?
What about you—are you an innovator or a maintainer? Drop a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Dr. Koyfman is an emotionally intelligent clinician with 25 years of nursing and 15 years of leadership experience. She is an entrepreneur with
a proven track record in healthcare business creation, team management, and business development. She has successfully led and exited multiple healthcare ventures, achieving growth and innovation in every role.