--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You have to be somewhat ruthless with…" description: "\"You have to be somewhat ruthless with your work. You have to let things go. Even your favourite little part might not work in the end.\" — Todd Haynes" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/483/todd-haynes-2626_end_you-have-to-be-somewhat-ruthless-with-yo_1272907.jpg" --- # You have to be somewhat ruthless with your work. You have… ![“You have to be somewhat ruthless with your work. You have to let things go. Even your favourite little part might not work in the end.” quote by Todd Haynes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/483/todd-haynes-2626_end_you-have-to-be-somewhat-ruthless-with-yo_1272907.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/483/todd-haynes-2626_end_you-have-to-be-somewhat-ruthless-with-yo_1272907.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/483/todd-haynes-2626_end_you-have-to-be-somewhat-ruthless-with-yo_1272907.jpg) > “You have to be somewhat ruthless with your work. You have to let things go. Even your favourite little part might not work in the end.” [Todd Haynes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/todd-haynes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Creative work requires tough decisions, letting go of beloved elements that don’t serve the final piece. **In simple terms:** Let go of parts that don’t work. Key Takeaway Prioritize the whole over personal attachment. Themes creativity discipline editing Mood thoughtful determined Type inspirational practical When to use this quote - film production - writing - design - software development Key Concepts Artistic compromise project focus Questions to Reflect On - When is it okay to keep a favorite element? - How do you balance vision with practicality? A Different Perspective Too much ruthlessness can stifle innovation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work/) ## Related quotes > [I did feel that a part of my work was to empty myself out and let it move through me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-c-hall/i-did-feel-that-a-part-of-my-work-was-to-empty-myself-out-and-let-it/) [Michael C. Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-c-hall/) > [I work whenever I'm let.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katherine-anne-porter/i-work-whenever-i-m-let/) [Katherine Anne Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katherine-anne-porter/) > [Don't get saved by Good work but let Good work Become your Badge!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesse-joseph/don-t-get-saved-by-good-work-but-let-good-work-become-your-badge/) [Jesse Joseph](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesse-joseph/) > [“Do your work. Do it well. 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