It's Okay When Goals Change

My friend is attending graduate school. He is not having a good time. Actually, he is failing. It’s quite unfortunate because I feel that one day he will make an excellent clinician.

When he called me the other day, he was at his wit’s end. He kept saying over and over again, “I am a failure. What am I going to do if the school kicks me out? How will I survive and make a living?”

I am sure you can understand his frustration. But is his life over? Nope. Maybe the post-graduate work was not for him or maybe the school itself was not the right choice.

I explained to him that “life is not over.” He just has to choose a different course. “But I failed,” he kept replying. I said, “Okay, you failed. Maybe this profession is not the right one for you.”

This was difficult for him to hear, let alone understand, but maybe it’s the truth.

I explained to him that life can change course. How many inventors started down one path and ended at a different destination?

It is important to know that there can be more than one way to arrive at your destination. I shared with my friend that he has opportunity sitting at his feet. He still has the ability and opportunity to choose his destination. He has the opportunity to change his goals.

Here’s what I want to share with you specifically with respect to goals.

Goals can change.

That’s the beauty of this journey we call life. It’s TBD (To Be Determined) and you are the one to determine your course. It’s okay if you do not complete a specific goal. It’s not the end of the world.

It’s a good idea to re-evaluate your goals. If you are using the SMART approach (acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time) with your goals and did not complete your goal, maybe the time was too short to complete that specific goal or maybe the goal was not specific enough or was not realistic to begin with.

And sometimes you might need help or guidance to achieve your goals. A great idea is to let your best friend or a supportive family member review your goal(s) and ask if he/she thinks the goal(s) are attainable.
That’s it for now. I hope you have a great week.

Remember, when life veers off in a different direction, just keep hold of the steering wheel and do your best to direct life towards your destination.

To Your Health, Happiness & Wealth!

Dr. Michael J. Kaye
Knowledge, Action, Results