Strategies for Goal Adjustment

Strategies for Goal Adjustment is the last part of a series of goal-setting.

You can check out the other posts here:

• Setting Realistic Fitness Goals
• Staying Motivated All Year Round
• Use Accountability to Achieve Your Goals

Without further ado, let's continue.

When the new year rolls in, many of us set ambitious goals, fueled by the promise of a fresh start.

However, as the year progresses, our circumstances, priorities, and perspectives can change, making it necessary to adjust our goals.

Adapting your goals isn't a sign of failure; it's a realistic response to life's unpredictability.

In this post, we'll explore how to track your goals, assess the need for change, adjust them accordingly, and even add new goals while maintaining a positive mindset.

Tracking Your Goals

Effectively tracking your goals is the first step in managing them.

Here are some methods:

Digital Tools

Use apps and software designed for goal tracking.

They offer reminders, progress tracking, and motivational prompts.

Some personal apps I enjoy are Trello and Todolist. Sometimes, I just an Excel sheet as well to keep track of more high-level goals.

Journaling

A more personal approach, journaling allows you to reflect on your goals, progress, and challenges.

Journaling also allows for more than just goal setting. It can help you reflect on the now and help teach you gratitude.

Journaling is one of my favorite tools and suggest you use it even outside of goal setting. 

A digital solution for this is Reflectly

Vision Boards

Visual representations of your goals can be a powerful motivator and reminder of your objectives.

Regular Check-Ins

Schedule weekly or monthly reviews of your goals to assess progress and make necessary adjustments. 

This can also be done with a person too. This is mentioned in some detail in the Use Accountability to Achieve Your Goals article. 

Assessing the Need for Change

It's crucial to distinguish between a valid need to change your goals and using challenges as an excuse to give up. Ask yourself:

Have Circumstances Changed?

Sometimes life throws unexpected curveballs that require goal reassessment.

This happens to everyone. So don't feel bad if it happens to you.

Depending on this, you may need to drop the goal or adjust it to make it smaller.

Are the Goals Still Relevant?

Your interests and priorities might evolve, making some goals less pertinent.

Maybe you have moved on and don't feel it's necessary anymore. However, make sure this isn't you giving up on it. Keep yourself accountable.

Is the Goal Unrealistic?

It's okay to modify goals that are too ambitious or impractical.

Maybe you thought you started small and it was too overwhelming.

Changing to break down the goal further is never an issue and will sometimes keep you motivated for longer.

Is It a Lack of Motivation?

If it's merely a dip in motivation, strategies to rekindle your drive might be better than changing the goal.

Read more on staying motivated year-round here.

Methods for Adjusting Goals

When a change is necessary, here's how to go about it:

Break It Down

Simplify complex goals into smaller, manageable steps. 

This may seem redundant as we've mentioned this in previous articles and this one, but you will be surprised at how much a goal can be broken down or simplified.

Never be afraid of simplifying your goals if needed. 

Set New Timelines

Adjust deadlines to accommodate your current situation. Be realistic with yourself. Don't cram if you don't need to and adjust as needed.

Seek Feedback

Sometimes, outside perspectives can offer valuable insights on adjusting your goals.

Having a community to help you with your goals and keep you motivated and accountable is important.

Check out our Discord community for more information. Currently only available as a premium member.

Adding New Goals

When you eliminate a goal, consider adding a new one that aligns with your current aspirations.

This keeps your motivation high and ensures continuous personal growth. Reflect on what excites you now, and set goals that resonate with your evolving interests.

The Perspective on Quitting

Remember, you only truly quit and fail at something if you never try it again AND if you never learn from your progress.

Even if at a minimum you learned something from it, it's considered a win in my book even if the goal hasn't been met. 

Adjusting goals is not quitting; it's adapting and staying committed to your growth journey.

Every step, no matter how small or redirected, is progress.