When Is It Time to Let Go of Your Goals and Move On

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Let’s dive deeper into a topic that often gets overlooked: knowing when to let certain goals go and pivot towards what truly matters.

I remember working with an executive who had just landed the position of Country General Manager. This role came with grand ambitions and transformative plans to elevate the organisation. However, just six months in, he found himself in a whirlwind of doubt. The pressure was mounting, results weren’t materialising as quickly as he had hoped, and his once-unshakeable confidence began to falter.

It’s easy to get fixated on goals, especially when they feel crucial to one’s identity and success. But instead of insisting he double down on his original targets, we took a step back and asked a simple yet powerful question: “What truly matters to you?” This shifted completely.

His answer revolved around strategic influence and developing others within his team. Those weren’t just buzzwords; they were core values that resonated with him. With that clarity, he redirected his energy toward a high-visibility project that not only aligned with his values but also addressed the specific challenges he faced. Within three months, he began to see a turnaround in morale and momentum.

This is what psychological flexibility looks like in practice – the ability to adapt and pivot while staying true to your core values and purpose. The best performers—whether in business, sports, or any other field—understand the art of knowing when to persist and when to adapt. They hold their goals lightly enough to change them without losing sight of the mission behind those goals.

If you find yourself feeling stuck or overwhelmed, it might be time for a monthly check-in. Ask yourself:

- Does this still match my values? Reflect on whether your current goals align with what you believe is most important. If they don’t, it may be time to reassess.

- Am I doing this because it matters, or just because I said I would? It’s common to feel obligated to stick to a plan simply because it was set in the past, but remember: your present and future are more important than past commitments.

- What’s changed since I set these goals? Life is dynamic, and what felt right a few months ago might not feel relevant today. Be open to change.

Giving yourself permission to adjust isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of self-awareness and strength. The goal is not to rigidly adhere to a plan made in a different time and space, but to make progress on what truly matters to you right here and now.

In our fast-paced world, this adaptability is crucial—not only for professional success but also for personal fulfilment. So, take the steps to ensure your goals reflect your current values and circumstances. Remember, every adjustment brings you closer to what genuinely drives you forward.

#AcceptanceAndCommitmentTherapy #ACTApproach #ValuesBasedLiving #CoreValues #SelfAwareness 

Research:

Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2011). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press. [ACT emphasises psychological flexibility - adapting behaviour while staying committed to values]