When to Adjust Your Goals: How to Measure Progress and Pivot with Purpose

Written by Marcus Lansky

You set your goals with the best intentions—maybe you wanted to run a marathon, launch a business, or finally get that work-life balance under control. But somewhere along the way, things start to feel off. Maybe you’re not making progress as quickly as you thought, or perhaps the goal itself doesn’t excite you the way it once did. This is where the real work begins: understanding when to keep pushing forward and when it’s time to adjust your course.

Tracking Small Wins vs. Stagnation

Progress isn’t always about big, dramatic milestones. Often, it’s found in the small, consistent steps forward—the extra mile you ran, the client you landed, or even just the confidence you gained along the way. If you can look back and see meaningful change, even if it’s not exactly what you envisioned, you’re on the right track. But if you find yourself spinning in place, doing a lot without moving forward, that’s a red flag. Stagnation doesn’t always mean failure—it might just mean it’s time to tweak your approach.

Checking for Emotional Investment

Sometimes, the clearest sign that a goal needs adjusting isn’t external—it’s internal. How do you feel about the goal now compared to when you first set it? If you’re still excited, motivated, and engaged, keep going. But if the goal feels like a burden, something you’re only pursuing out of obligation rather than genuine desire, it might be time to reassess. Goals should energize you, not drain you. It’s okay to pivot toward something that better aligns with where you are now.

Comparing Reality with Your Original Vision

It’s easy to romanticize goals at the beginning. You imagine yourself thriving in your new role, effortlessly crushing your fitness milestones, or seamlessly balancing every aspect of your life. But reality is always more complicated. If the journey toward your goal looks wildly different than what you envisioned—and not in a good way—it’s worth asking whether this goal still makes sense. Maybe you underestimated the challenges, or maybe new priorities have emerged. Either way, comparing where you thought you’d be with where you actually are can provide valuable insight.

Crafting a Standout Resume

A well-crafted resume isn’t just a list of past jobs—it’s a strategic document that highlights your strengths, showcases your accomplishments, and makes a compelling case for why you’re the right fit for the role. Clarity, structure, and professionalism are key; your resume should be easy to read, visually appealing, and free of unnecessary fluff. Tailoring your resume to the job is crucial, as it ensures you’re emphasizing the right skills and experiences in both your professional history and educational background. By mastering techniques on writing resumes effectively, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of landing interviews.

Listening to Trusted Outside Perspectives

It’s easy to get stuck in your head when evaluating your progress. That’s why seeking an outside perspective—whether from a coach, mentor, or trusted friend—can be invaluable. They can see patterns you might be missing, ask questions that challenge your assumptions, and provide an objective take on whether you’re moving in the right direction. Companies like Bittersweet Coaching specialize in helping people navigate these crossroads, offering insight into whether a goal needs adjusting or if it’s just a temporary roadblock.

Recognizing When Fear is Holding You Back

Not all slow progress means a goal is wrong—sometimes, it just means you’re scared. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of change—it can all make you second-guess yourself. The trick is to separate legitimate misalignment from fear-based hesitation. If you’re avoiding the next step because it feels uncomfortable but still exciting, push through. But if the discomfort comes from a deep feeling that this isn’t the right path, listen to that instinct.

Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

At the end of the day, the most important question is this: What does success look like to you now? Not when you set the goal, not based on someone else’s definition, but right now. Goals aren’t meant to be rigid; they should evolve as you do. Maybe success isn’t running a marathon anymore—it’s simply feeling strong and healthy. Maybe it’s not about launching a startup but finding fulfilling work that aligns with your values. When you allow yourself the flexibility to redefine success, you open the door to goals that truly reflect who you are today.

Adjusting your goals isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth. The more you check in with yourself, the easier it becomes to recognize when to push forward and when to pivot. Your priorities will change, and your goals should, too. What matters most is that they align with the life you want to build.

Are you ready to transform adversity into triumph and live your best life now? Schedule a complimentary consultation with BitterSweet Coaching today to embark on your journey toward self-empowerment and personal growth.