The review examined 235 studies with more than 1,400 findings across psychology, health and social sciences to show how people adjust goals when facing obstacles. Researchers reported that reengaging with new, achievable goals can restore purpose and life satisfaction after letting go of unrealistic ones.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: helena-lopes;

The study was led by Dr Hugh Riddell of Curtin University’s School of Population Health and offers a conceptual roadmap of predictors influencing goal adjustment. The authors noted that flexibility in goal pursuit, rather than rigid persistence, may help people remain resilient while maintaining focus even as goals evolve.