Embracing Change: Resetting Goals When Life Changes Your Course
Erik K. Rueter, PMP, PMI-ACP, CPQC
From Viable to Valuable | Helping PMO Leaders Manage Up & Increase Influence
The Starting Line
Life has a knack for throwing us unexpectedly off course, sometimes in the most unwelcome ways. As someone passionate about project management and personal development (and yes, comic books and video games too but those are for another chat), I've learned how crucial it is to adapt and reset goals when life sets up roadblocks.
Missing My Stride
Recently, I faced a significant challenge on my path to completing the Columbus Marathon. Health issues, including chronic fatigue caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 and iron, derailed my training plans. My hyper-achiever saboteur (more on this nasty character below) initially convinced me I could push through and still meet my original goal. However, this unrealistic drive only led to more physical and emotional setbacks. Instead, I am choosing to listen to my body and heart, reassess my situation, and set more attainable goals that align with my current fitness level.
Resetting Marathon Goals
In Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence, he discusses how our inner saboteurs—those negative, internal voices—often lead us astray. The hyper-achiever, one of these saboteurs, is particularly sneaky and insidious, making us believe our worth is tied to our achievements and that changing our goals is a sign of failure.
But here’s the truth: adapting goals isn’t about giving up; it’s about being smart, resilient, and realistic. It’s about recognizing that sometimes the path we envisioned isn’t feasible and that a new route might be more rewarding.
A New Training Plan
Training for a marathon is a huge commitment. However, as my health issues persisted, it became clear that sticking to my initial plan was detrimental to my physical and emotional well-being. I reset my goals rather than pushing myself to the brink and risking injury. Now, my focus is on participating in the marathon in a way that respects my current fitness level and health status.
This shift in perspective was liberating. It allowed me to keep my passion for running alive while respecting my body's new limits. Now I find joy in training rather than being fixated on my finishing time.
Lessons from the Race
This lesson extends beyond personal endeavors to our professional lives as well. As leaders, we often face unexpected challenges—resource limitations, shifting stakeholder expectations, or unforeseen risks. When these roadblocks appear, it’s crucial to reassess and realign our goals.
Here are a few key takeaways for navigating these changes:
1. Listen to Your Inner Wisdom: While our hyper-achiever might push us to stick to our original plans, it’s important to tap into our sage perspective, which guides us with empathy and wisdom.
2. Communicate and Collaborate: When facing changes, communicate openly with your team and stakeholders. Collaboration can lead to innovative solutions and more realistic goal-setting.
3. Focus on Health and Sustainability: Whether personal health or project sustainability, prioritize long-term well-being over short-term achievements.
4. Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate small wins along the way. Every step forward is progress, even if the destination changes.
5. Adapt and Thrive: Embrace the power of adaptability. Goals are meant to guide us, not confine us. By being flexible, we open ourselves to new opportunities and growth.
The Finish Line
Changing goals in response to life's roadblocks is not a sign of weakness; it's a testament to our strength and resilience. We can set realistic, healthy, and more fulfilling goals by acknowledging and managing our saboteurs.
As I continue my journey toward the Columbus Marathon with adjusted goals (beating the sweeper truck—yep, that's the new goal in case you were wondering), I invite you to reflect on your personal and professional aspirations. Are there areas where you need to reset your goals to become healthier and more successful? Remember, it’s not always about the original plan; it’s about the journey and the wisdom gained along the way.
Connect with me on LinkedIn and share your stories of goal resetting and overcoming challenges. Let’s support each other in embracing change and thriving.
Erik Rueter