Is It OK to Change Goals? 7 Signs It’s Time to Pivot!

The Unspoken Truth About Changing Course

Ever find yourself staring blankly at your to-do list, a knot of unease tightening in your stomach? You’re checking the boxes, hitting the milestones, yet the sense of accomplishment feels…hollow.

Maybe you’re a few years into a career you once eagerly pursued, but now the daily grind feels like a slow drain on your soul.

Or perhaps you’re chasing a personal goal – mastering a new skill, building a side hustle – but the initial excitement has waned, replaced by a nagging feeling that something isn’t quite right.

The Weight of Expectation

This feeling of being stuck, of questioning your path, is more common than we dare to admit. We live in a society that often equates consistency with commitment, and changing course can feel like admitting defeat.

There’s a subtle, yet pervasive, pressure to stick with what you started, to see things through, regardless of whether they still resonate with your values or contribute to your well-being.

You might hear well-meaning comments: “Don’t give up now, you’ve come so far!” or “You always wanted this, what changed?”

These words, though intended to encourage, can inadvertently reinforce the fear of judgment, making it even harder to acknowledge that your goals may no longer be serving you.

It’s Okay to Re-Evaluate Your Goal Setting

But here’s a truth that needs to be shouted from the rooftops: it’s okay to admit that your goals aren’t serving you anymore.

It’s okay to re-evaluate, to adjust, to completely change direction.

Life is a journey, not a rigid itinerary. As we grow, our priorities shift, our passions evolve, and what once felt like the perfect destination may no longer align with who we are becoming.

Changing Goals: A Path to Success

In fact, changing goals is not only acceptable but sometimes essential for success and well-being.

Clinging to outdated aspirations can lead to frustration, burnout, and a profound sense of disconnection from your own life.

It’s like trying to force a square peg into a round hole – you might eventually succeed, but the effort will leave you exhausted and the result will be far from ideal.

Is It Time to Change Course? Look for These Signs

So, how do you know when it’s time to re-evaluate? Here are seven signs that your current goals may no longer be serving you:

1. The "Sunday Scaries" are Relentless
2. Your Strengths Are Gathering Dust
3. Adaptability Isn’t Just a Buzzword – It’s a Survival Skill
4. Resilience Becomes Exhaustion
5. Procrastination Is Your New Best Friend (But Not in a Good Way)
6. The Shine Is Gone From Your SMART Goals
7. The Fear of Failure Paralysis

If any of these resonate with you, take heart. You’re not alone, and there’s a path forward.

But here’s a truth that needs to be shouted from the rooftops: it’s okay to admit that your goals aren’t serving you anymore. It’s okay to re-evaluate, to adjust, to completely pivot if necessary. So, how do you know when it’s time to make a change? Let’s delve into the first telltale sign.

Sign 1: The "Sunday Scaries" are Relentless

That sinking feeling that creeps in on Sunday afternoon, the one that casts a shadow over your weekend and fills you with dread about the week ahead? We often dismiss it as a normal part of adulting, a collective experience of facing the inevitable return to work.

But what if those "Sunday Scaries" are more than just a fleeting case of the blues? What if they’re a persistent signal that something is fundamentally misaligned in your life?

Decoding the "Sunday Scaries"

The "Sunday Scaries," in essence, are a form of anticipatory anxiety. They manifest as a sense of unease, worry, or even outright dread about the upcoming work week.

You might experience physical symptoms like a racing heart, difficulty sleeping, or a knot in your stomach. Mentally, you might find yourself replaying past work frustrations, anticipating future challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks ahead.

It’s more than just disliking Mondays; it’s a pervasive sense of impending doom related to your professional life.

The Motivation-Misalignment Connection

Now, occasional work-related stress is normal. Every job has its challenging moments. But when the Sunday Scaries become a constant companion, it’s time to dig deeper.

This persistent dread is often a direct reflection of a lack of motivation stemming from a misalignment with your current goals. If you’re consistently dreading the tasks that lie ahead, it’s likely because those tasks no longer resonate with your values, interests, or long-term aspirations.

You might be pursuing a career path that someone else chose for you, or clinging to a goal that no longer excites you. Perhaps you’ve outgrown your current role, or your values have shifted.

Whatever the reason, the lack of alignment creates a significant drag on your motivation, turning once-enjoyable tasks into insurmountable obstacles.

The Burnout Amplifier

The Sunday Scaries can also be a major red flag for burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress.

When you’re already teetering on the edge of burnout, even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. The thought of facing another week of relentless demands, unreasonable deadlines, and unsupportive colleagues can trigger intense anxiety, making the Sunday Scaries even more pronounced.

Burnout amplifies the feeling of being trapped, making it even harder to see a way out. The tasks ahead feel less like challenges and more like punishments.

If you’re experiencing chronic Sunday Scaries, especially coupled with other symptoms of burnout like fatigue, cynicism, and reduced performance, it’s crucial to take action.

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to serious consequences for your mental and physical health.

Listen to your body and your mind. The Sunday Scaries might just be the wake-up call you need to re-evaluate your goals and create a more fulfilling path forward.

But when the Sunday Scaries become a constant companion, it’s a glaring sign that your current path might be leading you astray. Before that dread morphs into full-blown burnout, it might be time to check if your strengths are being called upon.

Sign 2: Your Strengths Are Gathering Dust

Imagine a world where you’re constantly asked to perform tasks that feel like climbing a never-ending uphill battle. You’re putting in the hours, expending tremendous energy, yet the results are lackluster.

What if the issue isn’t your work ethic, but rather, a fundamental misalignment between your goals and your innate strengths?

The Importance of Strengths-Based Alignment

We all possess a unique constellation of talents, skills, and aptitudes. These strengths aren’t just things we’re good at; they’re sources of energy, fulfillment, and intrinsic motivation.

When our goals align with these strengths, work feels less like a chore and more like a natural expression of who we are. We enter a state of flow, where time seems to melt away and productivity soars.

It’s a simple equation: using your strengths increases your chances of success.

The High Cost of Neglecting Your Talents

Conversely, when we consistently operate outside our areas of strength, we pay a heavy price. Tasks become draining, progress feels slow and arduous, and we’re more prone to frustration, self-doubt, and burnout.

Imagine asking a fish to climb a tree. It might try its best, but it will likely feel stressed, inadequate, and ultimately, unsuccessful.

Similarly, forcing yourself into roles or pursuing goals that don’t leverage your natural talents can lead to a chronic feeling of underachievement, even if you’re outwardly "successful."

This can manifest as:

• Constant feelings of inadequacy.
• A nagging sense of dissatisfaction.
• An increasing lack of motivation.
• Even resentment towards your work or goals.

Are You Truly Leveraging What You’re Good At?

Take a moment to reflect on your current goals and daily tasks.

• How often do you get to use your natural talents and skills?
• Do you feel like your work allows you to shine and contribute your unique gifts?
• Or are you constantly struggling to keep up, feeling like you’re swimming against the tide?

If the answer leans towards the latter, it might be time to reassess your goals and explore opportunities that better align with your strengths. Remember, your talents are not meant to gather dust. They’re meant to be used, celebrated, and leveraged to create a fulfilling and impactful life.

Similarly, forcing yourself into roles or projects that demand skills you haven’t honed is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. The friction, the frustration, and the lack of progress can be demoralizing. Your career aspirations and life goals don’t need to feel like a constant uphill battle!

It is important to remember that the world doesn’t stand still, so why should your goals?

Sign 3: Adaptability Isn’t Just a Buzzword — It’s a Survival Skill

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to adapt isn’t just a desirable trait; it’s a fundamental requirement for long-term success and fulfillment. Think of adaptability as a mental and strategic toolkit, the tool that allows you to navigate the unexpected turns and embrace new opportunities.

Holding onto goals that no longer resonate, or that are rendered obsolete by changing circumstances, is like clinging to a sinking ship.

The Pitfalls of Staying the Course (When the Course Has Changed)

There’s a certain allure to staying the course. It speaks to dedication, perseverance, and a refusal to quit. However, blind persistence can be detrimental when the landscape shifts beneath your feet.

Sunk cost fallacy can cloud our judgment, making us reluctant to abandon a goal, even when it’s clear that it’s no longer viable. We tell ourselves, "I’ve invested so much time and effort into this; I can’t give up now."

But what if that time and effort could be redirected toward something more promising?

Sticking to outdated goals can also lead to missed opportunities. While you’re busy trying to force a square peg into a round hole, others are seizing new possibilities and forging ahead. The world doesn’t wait, and neither should you.

Adaptability as a Superpower

Adaptability allows you to navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and capitalize on unforeseen opportunities. It’s about being open to new ideas, willing to learn new skills, and courageous enough to pivot when necessary.

Think of it as strategic flexibility: You have a direction in mind, but you’re not so rigid that you can’t adjust your course when the winds shift.

Adaptable individuals are resilient individuals. They don’t crumble under pressure; instead, they find creative solutions to overcome challenges. They see setbacks as learning opportunities and use them to refine their approach.

Real-World Pivots: Success Stories of Adaptability

History is filled with examples of individuals and organizations that have successfully adapted to changing circumstances.

Consider Netflix. It began as a DVD rental service, but it recognized the potential of streaming and made a bold pivot that revolutionized the entertainment industry.

Or think about Nintendo. They started as a playing card company. The company adapted to survive and thrive in the world of video games.

These examples demonstrate that adaptability isn’t about abandoning your vision; it’s about finding new ways to achieve it. It’s about being willing to let go of what was in order to embrace what could be.

Sign 4: Resilience Becomes Exhaustion

We’ve all heard the praises sung for resilience, that admirable quality that allows us to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward.

But what happens when resilience morphs into something less helpful, something more akin to relentless, grinding exhaustion? When does our determination to push through actually become detrimental to our well-being and our long-term goals?

The Fine Line Between Bouncing Back and Breaking Down

Healthy resilience is about facing challenges head-on, learning from them, and adapting your approach as needed. It’s about acknowledging difficulties, feeling the emotions that come with them, and then finding the strength to keep going, armed with new insights and perspectives.

It’s not about ignoring your limits or pretending that everything is fine when it’s not.

Unhealthy resilience, on the other hand, is characterized by a refusal to acknowledge limitations.

It’s pushing yourself beyond reasonable limits, ignoring your body’s signals of fatigue and stress, and constantly battling against the current, even when it’s clear that the current is too strong.

It is when you are unable to say no, or ask for help.

This isn’t strength; it’s a recipe for burnout.

The Slippery Slope to Burnout

Constantly pushing yourself beyond your limits, day after day, week after week, inevitably leads to exhaustion. It’s like running a marathon at a sprint – you might make impressive progress for a short time, but eventually, you’ll crash and burn.

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired.

It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress.

It manifests as cynicism, detachment, a sense of ineffectiveness, and a profound lack of motivation.

When resilience turns into relentless pushing, you’re essentially borrowing energy from your future self, and eventually, the bill comes due.

The Antidote: Self-Care as a Strategic Imperative

The antidote to unhealthy resilience and burnout is self-care, and it’s crucial to understand that self-care isn’t selfish or indulgent.

It’s a strategic imperative, a necessary investment in your long-term well-being and success.

It’s about recognizing your limits, honoring your needs, and proactively taking steps to replenish your energy and maintain your physical and mental health.

This might involve setting boundaries, delegating tasks, practicing mindfulness, engaging in hobbies you enjoy, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking a break to rest and recharge.

Most importantly, it involves re-evaluating your goals and determining whether they still align with your values and priorities.

Are you pursuing a goal that is truly meaningful to you, or are you simply pushing yourself to achieve something that no longer resonates?

Sometimes, the most resilient thing you can do is to change course, to release a goal that is draining your energy and preventing you from pursuing something more fulfilling.

Sign 5: Procrastination Is Your New Best Friend (But Not in a Good Way)

We’ve all been there: staring blankly at a task, knowing it needs to be done, yet finding ourselves inexplicably drawn to anything but that task.

Suddenly, cleaning the junk drawer seems like a vital mission, or researching the history of paperclips becomes utterly fascinating.

Procrastination, in its mildest forms, can be a harmless way to avoid unpleasant chores. But when it becomes a constant companion, a shadow lurking behind every goal, it’s time to pay attention.

It might be trying to tell you something important about your goals themselves.

Procrastination as a Red Flag

Think of procrastination as your internal alarm system, going off because something isn’t quite right. It’s not simply laziness or a lack of discipline.

More often than not, it’s a symptom of a deeper disconnect – a sign that your current goal might not be aligned with your true interests or values.

When you’re genuinely excited about something, fueled by passion and purpose, you’re far less likely to procrastinate.

The work may still be challenging, but the intrinsic motivation keeps you moving forward.

But when the motivation wanes and the tasks feel like a burden, procrastination steps in as a buffer, a way to avoid facing something that no longer resonates with you.

The Subconscious Resistance

Our subconscious minds are powerful forces, constantly working to protect us from discomfort and unhappiness.

When a goal feels forced, inauthentic, or simply "wrong," your subconscious might start putting up roadblocks.

Procrastination can be one of those roadblocks, a subtle form of resistance to something you don’t truly believe in.

It’s like your inner self is saying, "Wait a minute, is this really what we want to be doing?"

This subconscious resistance can manifest in various ways:

• Endless to-do lists that never get tackled
• Perfectionism that leads to paralysis
• Distraction and difficulty concentrating

Recognizing that procrastination can stem from a subconscious misalignment is the first step toward addressing the root cause.

Unearthing the Underlying Cause

So, how do you figure out why you’re procrastinating?

Start by asking yourself some tough questions:

• Is this goal truly mine, or am I pursuing it because of external pressures or expectations?
• Does this goal align with my core values and passions?
• Am I afraid of failing, or perhaps even succeeding, at this goal?
• Has something changed since I first set this goal that makes it less appealing or relevant?

Be honest with yourself. The answers may not be easy, but they are essential for uncovering the truth.

Considering Alternative Paths

Once you’ve identified the underlying cause of your procrastination, it’s time to consider alternative goals.

This doesn’t mean giving up entirely, but rather exploring new directions that might be a better fit for your current self.

• Re-evaluate: Can the goal be modified or adjusted to better align with your interests and strengths?
• Pivot: Is there a related goal that feels more exciting and meaningful?
• Pause: Sometimes, the best course of action is to simply put the goal on hold while you explore other options.

Remember, changing course isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of self-awareness and a commitment to living a more fulfilling life.

Embrace the opportunity to explore new possibilities and discover where your true passions lie.

Your future self will thank you for it.

Our subconscious minds are powerful forces, constantly working to protect us from discomfort and unhappiness. When a goal feels forced, inauthentic, or simply "wrong," your subconscious will likely throw up roadblocks. And that roadblock often manifests as procrastination.

Sign 6: The Shine Is Gone From Your SMART Goals

We’ve all been told to set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. They’re the gold standard of goal-setting, designed to provide clarity, focus, and a roadmap to success.

But what happens when even the most meticulously crafted SMART goal starts to feel… dull? What happens when the initial enthusiasm fades, and the finish line seems further away than ever?

It’s a common experience, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It simply means it’s time to re-evaluate.

Refreshing Your Memory: What Are SMART Goals?

Let’s quickly revisit the core principles of SMART goals:

• Specific: Clearly defined, leaving no room for ambiguity.

• Measurable: Progress can be tracked with concrete metrics.

• Achievable: Realistic and attainable within your capabilities and resources.

• Relevant: Aligned with your overall objectives and values.

• Time-Bound: With a defined start and end date.

Following these guidelines usually helps to create a solid and motivating plan, but what happens when the "motivating" part disappears?

When the Euphoria Fades: Keeping Your Eye on the Prize

The initial excitement of setting a new goal can be incredibly powerful.

It fuels our motivation and drives us forward.

But as time passes, that initial euphoria inevitably wears off.

The daily grind sets in, challenges arise, and the goal can start to feel less appealing.

So how do you keep your eye on the prize when the shine is gone?

Reconnect With Your "Why"

Take some time to revisit the reasons why you set the goal in the first place.

What impact will achieving this goal have on your life?

How does it align with your values and long-term aspirations?

Reminding yourself of the bigger picture can reignite your passion and provide renewed motivation.

Break It Down Further

Even SMART goals can feel overwhelming if they’re too large or complex.

Break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Celebrate small wins along the way to maintain momentum and a sense of accomplishment.

Seek Support and Accountability

Share your goal with a friend, family member, or mentor who can provide encouragement and support.

Consider joining a group or community of people working towards similar goals.

Having someone to hold you accountable can make a significant difference in staying on track.

Alternative Paths: Getting Back on Track

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a SMART goal simply can’t be salvaged.

External circumstances may have changed, your priorities may have shifted, or you may have realized that the goal is no longer aligned with your true self.

If you’ve reached this point, it’s okay to adjust or even abandon the goal altogether.

Pivot, Don’t Panic

Changing direction isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign of adaptability and self-awareness.

Acknowledge that your initial plan may no longer be the best path forward, and be open to exploring alternative options.

Refine and Reset

If the underlying goal is still important to you, consider refining your approach.

Can you adjust the timeline, modify the scope, or break it down into smaller, more achievable steps?

Sometimes, a few tweaks are all it takes to reignite your motivation.

Embrace the Detour

It’s possible that the SMART goal simply isn’t right for you at this time.

Rather than forcing yourself to continue down a path that no longer resonates, consider exploring other interests or opportunities.

You might discover a new goal that is even more fulfilling and aligned with your current aspirations.

But what happens when even the most meticulously crafted SMART goal starts to feel… dull? What happens when the initial enthusiasm fades, and the finish line seems further away than ever? It might be time to consider that something deeper is at play. Perhaps you’re on the right track, but a shadow is holding you back, clouding your judgment and paralyzing your progress.

Sign 7: The Fear of Failure Paralysis

We all know that stomach-churning feeling. The one that creeps in when we’re on the verge of something big. The fear of failure. It’s a universal human experience, a primal instinct designed to protect us from potential harm.

But what happens when that protective mechanism turns into a prison? When the fear of stumbling becomes so overwhelming that it stops us from even taking the first step?

The Normalcy of Fear

First, let’s normalize something: Fearing failure is entirely normal.

It’s wired into our brains.

We’re programmed to anticipate potential threats and avoid situations that could lead to negative outcomes. Think about it: From an evolutionary perspective, avoiding mistakes was often crucial for survival.

However, in our modern world, that instinct can sometimes backfire.

The High Cost of Playing It Safe

The problem isn’t the presence of fear itself; it’s what we do with it.

When we allow the fear of failure to dictate our choices, we often end up playing it safe. We stick to what we know, avoid taking risks, and shy away from anything that might expose us to the possibility of making a mistake.

And that’s where the real danger lies.

By constantly avoiding failure, we limit our opportunities for growth and discovery. We miss out on experiences that could teach us valuable lessons, expand our horizons, and ultimately lead us to greater success and fulfillment.

The comfort zone, after all, is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.

When Fear Becomes Paralysis

Think about it. Are you staying in a job you hate because you’re afraid of not finding something better?

Are you avoiding pursuing a passion because you’re worried you won’t be good enough?

Are you holding back from starting a business because you’re terrified of losing money?

These are all examples of how the fear of failure can manifest as paralysis, keeping us stuck in situations that don’t serve us and preventing us from reaching our full potential.

Reframing Failure: A New Perspective

So, how do we break free from this cycle? The key is to reframe our understanding of failure. Instead of viewing it as a catastrophic event to be avoided at all costs, we need to start seeing it as a valuable learning opportunity.

Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone toward it.

Every mistake, every setback, every stumble provides us with valuable insights that can help us improve, grow, and ultimately achieve our goals.

Consider these strategies to make it more attainable.

Embrace the Growth Mindset

Adopt a growth mindset, which emphasizes the importance of learning and development over innate talent. People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Shift your focus from the end result to the journey itself. Instead of obsessing over whether you’ll succeed or fail, concentrate on putting in the effort, learning from your experiences, and making progress along the way.

Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest achievements along the way. This will help you build momentum, boost your confidence, and stay motivated, even when faced with setbacks.

Seek Support

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance from others. Talking to a mentor, coach, or therapist can provide you with valuable insights, support, and encouragement as you navigate your fears and pursue your goals.

Failure is inevitable. Growth is optional.
Choose wisely!

So, are you feeling ready to rethink things? Figuring out if is it ok to change goals can be tough, but trust your gut and remember, it’s all about moving forward, even if it’s in a slightly different direction!