Stay Flexible: Because Life Loves Throwing Curveballs
You know what your goals are, you have written them down, and now you are briming with confidence and charging ahead. Of course—life happens. You might well have planned everything down to the last detail but suddenly you come down with a cold, your park running route is closed for month due to an event, or you realise that your timeline was over ambitious. Whatever the case, sticking rigidly to your original plan can sometimes do more harm than good. Flexibility is key, stay flexible with your goals If life throughs a curve ball you need to respond by being open to tweaking your goals.
Why Flexibility Matters
Growth is a dynamic process. You should not just be flexible when things go wrong. Life is unpredictable, you need to be able to adapt your goals so you can accommodate those unexpected surprises. You might need to adjust your timeline, modify the scope of your goals, or even completely change you goal. By staying flexible you ensure that you’re always moving forward—even if the direction shifts slightly.
Examples
Check in with Your Goals Regularly:
Make it a habit to review your goals on a regular basis. This could be weekly, monthly, or after significant events. Regular check-ins allow you to assess what’s working, what’s not, and where adjustments might be needed.
Example: “Every Sunday evening, I review my training plan for the upcoming week. Last week, I noticed that my long runs were getting harder, so I adjusted my pace and added an extra rest day to help with recovery.”
Be Ready to Adjust Timelines:
Life doesn’t always adhere to our schedules. If you find that your original timeline isn’t feasible anymore—whether due to unforeseen events, injuries, or simply needing more time—don’t hesitate to extend it. It’s better to reach your goal a little later than to burn out trying to meet an unrealistic deadline.
Example: “I originally planned to run a marathon in 16 weeks, but after getting sidelined by a cold, I’m pushing my target date back by four weeks to make sure I’m fully prepared.”
Adapt Goals Based on Progress:
As you work toward your goals, you might find that your initial plan needs tweaking. Perhaps you’re progressing faster than expected, or maybe you’re hitting roadblocks. Adjust your goals to match your current reality.
Example: “I set a goal to run a 5K in under 25 minutes, but I’ve been consistently hitting 23 minutes in training. I’m going to adjust my goal to 22 minutes and incorporate more speed work into my routine.”
Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities:
Setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail your progress. Instead of seeing them as failures, view them as opportunities to learn and refine your approach. Adjust your goals and strategies accordingly.
Example: “After missing two weeks of training due to an injury, I was frustrated. But instead of trying to make up for lost time, I decided to reassess my training plan, focusing on gradual recovery and strength-building to prevent future injuries.”
Stay Open to Change:
Sometimes, as you work on a goal, you might realize that your interests or circumstances have changed. Maybe a new passion has emerged, or maybe your initial goal no longer feels relevant. Stay open to redefining your goals to better align with your current situation.
Example: “I initially set out to run a marathon, but after discovering a passion for trail running, I’ve shifted my focus to training for an ultra-trail race instead. This change keeps me excited and motivated.”
Use Flexibility as a Strength:
Flexibility isn’t a fallback; it’s a strength. Being able to adapt to new circumstances shows resilience and determination. Embrace this mindset and recognize that being flexible allows you to overcome obstacles more effectively.
Example: “When my work schedule got busier, I started running in the early mornings instead of after work. This small adjustment made a big difference in maintaining my training without feeling overwhelmed.”
Reframe Your Goals as a Journey, not a Destination:
It is much easier to stay flexible when you view your goals as part of a broader journey rather than a fixed destination. Understand that your goals may evolve as you do, and that’s a natural and positive part of personal growth.
Example: “My goal was to improve my overall fitness, but along the way, I found a love for yoga and mindfulness. My goal now includes regular yoga practice, which complements my running and has improved my mental well-being.”
Seek Support When Needed:
Flexibility doesn’t mean going it alone. When faced with challenges or uncertainties, don’t hesitate to seek advice or support from others—whether it’s a coach, a mentor, or a supportive friend. They can offer valuable insights and help you navigate changes more smoothly.
Example: “When I felt unsure about how to adjust my training after a minor injury, I consulted with a running coach. Their advice helped me tweak my plan safely and effectively.”
Staying flexible with your goals is about being resilient in the face of life’s unpredictability. You do not have to abandon your dreams, you can teach yourself to adapt to new circumstances. You can continually move forward by making thoughtful adjustments. Keep r reevaluating your progress, embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, and be open to change. Doing these things will ensure that your journey is not only successful but also sustainable. Remember, flexibility is a strength that keeps you on course, no matter what life throws your way.
