When should we abandon our goals? (And pivot)

For some “when” doesn’t exist. Surely goals are set for achieving? And we shouldn’t abandon them.

When confronted with the assertion that something cannot be done, my immediate reaction is one of defiance. But I do find myself, through personal circumstances, questioning the validity of such a claim.

The nature of goals is intriguing. Once established, we form strong attachments to them, reluctant to abandon them without sufficient justification. Occasionally, when our goals prove unattainable, we tend to justify our shortcomings with excuses rather than reassessing our aims.

But here’s an alternative thought process.

When reflecting upon my own experiences, I recall that only a couple of months ago, declared publicly that I was fixated on surpassing a 25-minute mark in my 5K run, I was disregarding the signals my body was sending. Enduring discomfort became my norm until I was physically unable to continue.

This lack of mindfulness is NOT something I advocate; it serves as a lesson to heed the body's warnings. Indeed, it is this realisation that continues to motivate me through the practice of Mindfulness to reform my approach.

Here’s the intriguing thing about goals...

What was the true objective behind my pursuit? Was it merely to achieve a faster time, or was it a sense of accomplishment? Perhaps it was the overall fitness or the camaraderie of the running community. It became evident that the goal transcended mere numbers.

Could I redirect this feeling elsewhere? Undoubtedly.

Did I wish to? Certainly not.

I was resistant to relinquishing control of something I so much loved!

Now parallel with business, similar patterns emerge. Often, we overlook glaring indicators that a goal is misaligned with the broader vision of a thriving enterprise—whether in terms of people or financial health.

Business founders, driven by passion, may set goals without considering alternative paths to manifest their vision.

I’ve concluded that goals should not be rigid to the point of detriment; they must align with our core values, vision, and purpose, necessitating periodic reassessment.

Recognising when to pivot and when to persevere, I've realised, is an art in itself.

I think if we can better understand the "why" rather than the "how”, we should find clarity of purpose, coupled with a relinquishment of control over the process, which ultimately should unveil a myriad of possibilities for fulfillment!

My Monday reflection. Love to know what you think! 😄
(Image by Susan Stavitzski.)