As product managers, we love our products. We spend countless hours crafting them, perfecting them, and bringing them to life. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, a product or feature just doesn’t work out. And when that happens, it’s our job to make the tough decision to shut it down.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Shut down my baby? Are you crazy?! I could never do that!” But trust me, as someone who has been through the heartbreak of shutting down a beloved product, I can tell you it’s not as bad as it seems.

First of all, it’s important to remember that shutting down a product or feature isn’t the end of the world. It’s simply an opportunity to pivot and try something new. And who knows, the next thing you launch could be even better than the last!

Plus, let’s be real: if a product or feature isn’t meeting its goals or providing value to your users, it’s better to cut your losses and move on rather than keep pouring time and resources into something that’s not working. It might be tough in the moment, but in the long run, it’s the right thing to do.

To make you feel better and think more clear towards right decisions, visit Google Graveyard: https://killedbygoogle.com/ every once and a while, and look how many products Google started and had to shut down, while it’s still dominating through other live products and keep pivoting towards creating valuable ones.

If you’re faced with the challenge of shutting down a product or feature you love, don’t despair. Take a deep breath, gather your team, and figure out what’s next. And remember, every “goodbye” is simply an opportunity for a fresh start.