Faced with a goal that seems increasingly out of reach, everyone reacts differently. Some persist at all costs, convinced that the effort will eventually pay off. Others choose to give up and reconsider their ambitions. A question then arises: should we persist or adjust our objectives?
A meta-analysis carried out by researchers at Curtin University in Australia sheds scientific light on this dilemma. By analyzing the results of 235 studies devoted to goal adjustment, researchers sought to understand how the way we pursue — or abandon — our goals influences our mental health.
Giving up is not giving up: flexibility as a strategy
Researchers have been interested in several psychological mechanisms linked to the pursuit of goals. Among them: disengagement (abandoning a goal that has become unrealistic), reengagement (setting a new goal) and flexibility in the pursuit of goals, that is to say the ability to adapt one’s ambitions according to one’s resources, capabilities and context.
This flexibility appears to be a key skill. Individuals capable of adjusting their goals would be better equipped to face obstacles and changes in situations, without remaining locked into ambitions that have become unattainable.
Pursuing the impossible increases stress and anxiety
The conclusions of the metaanalysis are unambiguous. Compiled studies show that striving to achieve impossible goals can be detrimental to mental and physical health. This persistence often results in increased stress, anxiety and frustration.
Conversely, giving up these unrealistic goals to define new ones, more suited to the situation, has measurable positive effects. Affected participants show better mood, more resilience and overall improvement in psychological health, with reduced stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Redefine your ambitions to move forward
Researchers now want to understand why some people are better than others at adjusting their goals. Factors such as education, environment or certain psychological predispositions could play a role.
One thing, however, seems to be confirmed: knowing how to give up at the right time is not a sign of weakness, but an effective adaptation strategy. Faced with a goal that has become insurmountable, redefining your ambitions might just be the best way to keep moving forward — and, ultimately, accomplish something.