Goal Flexibility - I stay flexible with my goals

Introduction

Things can happen that are beyond your control, causing changes you had not foreseen. You need to stay true to your goals but also be flexible to update them when things change. To win, be flexible, but also be reasonable. Work with your goals and don’t let your flexibility foil your plans. Do your best to do right by each of your goals. Being flexible with our goals allows us to deal with situations as they arise while still staying true to the bigger picture. 

Benefits of goal flexibility

1. Helps us respond to changes but still achieve the outcome.

2. Keeps us adaptable and agile to the changes around us.

3. Allows us to be more creative on how to achieve our goals.

Skill example

I filmed five people for my online career show but found that there was still something lacking. I then updated my goal to include three more filmed interviews to ensure the idea I presented to potential sponsors was as inspirational and effective as possible. 

Sam’s story

Sam is a 32-year-old working at a large company for four years. Sam has set goals in mind for his career. His goal for the last few years was to become Regional Manager. Recently Sam became aware that he was up for a promotion. He was ecstatic assuming that this was his promotion to management which he had been chasing. Upon meeting his line managers, Sam is told that his promotion is to the level of Junior Manager for a different division.

Sam is upset and immediately rejects the offer as this move was not apart of his grand plan. He explains to his line managers that this career move is not what he is looking for, and he did not want to be a Junior Manager as his only aim was to become Regional Manager. His line managers are taken aback. They try to explain to Sam that exposure to other divisions and areas of the organisation will help him, but Sam is inflexible in his thoughts.

After several minutes of deliberation, Sam’s managers accept his rejection and start looking for other suitable candidates. A few weeks later, Sam, still in his current position, realises the poor decision he made. Had he been flexible in his thinking and goals, he would’ve recognised the opportunity that lay in his promotion which could still have led to becoming a Regional Manager. Unfortunately, the promotion was given to someone else, and Sam can no longer consider it.

How to be flexible with your goals

Being flexible with your goals is important because it allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and remain focused on your overall vision. Here are some ways to be flexible with your goals:

1. Review your goals regularly: Review your goals regularly to ensure they are still relevant and aligned with your vision. Be open to adjusting your goals if circumstances change or new opportunities arise.
2. Be willing to pivot: Be willing to pivot if your current approach is not working or if new information becomes available. This may involve changing your goals, adjusting your timeline, or revising your plan of action.
3. Set contingency plans: Set contingency plans to account for unexpected challenges or setbacks. This could include alternative strategies or resources that you can leverage if needed.
4. Stay open to feedback: Stay open to feedback from others who may have different perspectives or insights. This can help you identify new opportunities or potential pitfalls that you may not have considered.
5. Maintain a growth mindset: Maintain a growth mindset and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Embrace challenges as a chance to develop new skills or approaches that can help you achieve your goals.

Remember, being flexible with your goals does not mean compromising your vision or giving up on your objectives. Rather, it means being open to new possibilities and adapting your approach to achieve your desired outcome.