Analysis of 235 studies shows that holding onto impossible goals harms mental and physical wellbeing, increasing stress and lowering life satisfaction.
In contrast, releasing unachievable goals — and crucially, shifting toward new, attainable ones — improves mood, resilience, and overall psychological health.
Key Facts:
Quitting Helps: Letting go of unattainable goals reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
Reengagement Restores Wellbeing: Pursuing new goals brings back purpose, satisfaction, and resilience.
Adjustment Is Complex: Motivation, coping style, relationships, health, and life history all shape how people change course. #people