You’ve probably heard of diminishing returns—the idea that as you invest more time or effort into something, the benefits you gain gradually decrease. This applies to learning, earning money, and many other areas.

For example, if you earn very little, even a small raise makes a big difference. But if you already earn a lot, additional money might not have much impact. Similarly, when learning a language, beginners often see rapid improvement with minimal effort, while advanced learners may spend hours studying without feeling much progress. The same principle applies to sports and other pursuits.

But how can you tell when the returns have diminished so much that it’s no longer worth pushing yourself?