from journal Psycho-Oncology
Setting goals is generally considered a good thing. However, there may be circumstances that make those goals unachievable or even unhealthy. Canadian researchers from McGill and Concordia Universities found that breast cancer survivors who were able to let go of old goals and set new ones showed improved well-being—that once the self-imposed pressure of now unrealistic goals was removed, their quality of life improved along with their physical activity. Co-author Carsten Wrosch, of Concordia, wrote in the journal Psycho-Oncology that by engaging in new goals a person can reduce the distress that comes from trying to attain the unattainable. He suggests integrating goal adjustment into the entire process of treating cancer.