We’ve all felt the heart-wrenching disappointment of having fallen short of a goal, as well as the challenging process of moving on. It’s a commonly accepted statement: never give up on your goals. This idea is reinforced by the numerous psychological studies on grit – the ability to persevere through difficulties and challenges, to stick with long-term goals, no matter the cost.
However, know that at the end of the day, goals are flexible. Your priorities may change. While perseverance is an amazing skill to have, there is no single formula for success. It’s important to re-evaluate when plans aren’t working out, or when goals lack meaning.
What do you do?
When goals are concerned, you cannot act purely out of logic. Ask yourself: is this goal really a priority for you? How do you feel when you think about? Avoid dwelling on momentary frustration and instead focus on the larger results of the goal. Is it what you need or is it really time to move on?
If you find that you are no longer aligned with the vision of your past self, it may be time to revise your goal. Take this opportunity to redirect your energy into something more realistic, something more in tune with what you really want. Consider shifting gears when you move on, rather than beginning anew. Be resourceful – no efforts are wasted, so apply what you’ve learned to your new focus.
Don’t feel bad about revising what’s best for you, but be honest – if you are changing your goals too often, it’s clear that there is an internal miscommunication. Plan your life’s journey with meaningful goals. Never be afraid to move on to something better. Don’t settle for anything less.
