Why Our Goals Change When They Have Been Set: A Guide to Reevaluation

Every journey has its waypoints, and sometimes we find ourselves reassessing our destination due to life's unexpected turns. This article explores the reasons behind changing our goals, whether they have been previously set, and how to navigate these changes with grace and purpose.

Milestone Events and Life Changes

Strides of progress are often marked by significant milestones, such as graduating from high school, earning a college degree, marrying, or starting a family. These moments reveal new priorities and rekindle our desires.

Take, for example, when I had my daughter. My priorities shifted immediately. The need for flexibility to work from home and the responsibility of her health postulated a complete reevaluation of my lifestyle. I quit drinking altogether, knowing that driving assistance might be necessary at any given moment. These are just a few of the countless lifestyle changes that followed.

Suffering Loss and Reassessing Priorities

Loss is a catalyst for change. When we face a loss, we reevaluate our priorities, strategies, and choices. It forces us to question what is essential and what is unnecessary. A personal loss can lead to profound changes in our lives.

An instance that changed my life was my battle with depression. Recognizing the need for a total reassessment, I identified what was good and bad for me and what was necessary. Realizing that starting a family and moving to America were important, I made significant life changes that were in line with my new priorities.

A Wake-up Call: The Life Insurance Incident

A wake-up call can be a turning point that shakes us to our core. For me, it was a wake-up call from a life insurance company. I wanted to renew my 10-year term life policy, but the agent informed me that my health disqualified me from the best premium level. My average blood glucose level (HbA1c) was 6.4, indicating pre-diabetes, which was the lowest acceptable range.

This was a rude awakening, and I decided to learn everything I could about diabetes and lower my HbA1c level. I switched from the Standard American Diet (SAD) to a Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) diet. This experience taught me the importance of paying attention to our health and making informed choices.

When Something Isn't Working

Relationships, careers, and personal habits often require adjustments. Change can transform a tumultuous relationship with a family member into a harmonious one. For example, I transitioned from a strict mother (Tiger Mom) to a more hands-on and supportive mother (Hippie Mom), graduating Summa Cum Laude in Motherhood by becoming a Lighthouse Mom.

At one point, my relationship with my daughter was strained, but through patience and love, we transformed our dynamics. Learning to adapt and change can lead to stronger, healthier relationships.

Shaken Up by Life Events

Life events can be jarring and transformative. Just like Diogenes of Sinope, who was banished from his home and sought spiritual awakening, significant life upheavals can lead to profound changes. When we are shaken, we should seize the opportunity to learn and grow.

In my experience, major health setbacks or geographical moves can shake us to our core. For instance, moving to a new country like America required learning new skills, such as driving, cooking, and doing laundry. I also retrained for a new career to fit into the new cultural terrain.

Gaining Harmony and Peace of Mind

Harmony and peace of mind are irreplaceable values in life. At some point, we all realize the need to make changes that lead to better mental and emotional well-being. Engaging in church on Sundays was once unthinkable, but now brings me joy and a sense of spiritual fulfillment. Relaxing my dietary habits led me to a single meal per day, reflecting my newfound sense of contentment.

Our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional states often change, prompting us to adapt. These transitions can be challenging, but they also offer the chance to live more aligned with our true selves.

Heeding the Call

The final and most profound reason for changing our goals is when we hear a divine call. Such calls can lead to incredible transformations and new beginnings. St. Augustine is a great example of someone who responded to a calling in his life. My blog post, What's Next For You, is dedicated to the excitement of people who listen to these calls and embark on new journeys.

Heeding these calls can result in amazing experiences and growth. When life pushes us to change, it's crucial to embrace the journey with humility and openness.

Conclusion

Personal change is a natural part of life. Whether it's due to milestones, losses, wake-up calls, or a divine call, adapting to these changes can lead to a more fulfilling life. By reevaluating our goals and making conscious decisions, we can navigate life's complexities with grace and purpose.

Understanding the reasons behind our changing goals can help us embrace each new chapter with enthusiasm and intention. Remember, life is a journey, and each milestone is a step toward discovering our greatest self.