And
Now What?
Introduction
Setting and achieving goals is a fundamental aspect of human behaviour. It
provides direction, purpose, and a sense of progress. However, the journey from
the conception of a goal to its completion is rarely straightforward. People
often find themselves achieving certain milestones but pausing to reflect:
"What now?" This treatise explores the psychological, emotional, and
practical dimensions of this moment of reflection and assesses the scientific
basis for understanding how people process goal-setting, task completion, and
the accompanying feelings and needs during the journey.
1. The Nature of Goal-Setting
Goal-setting theory, as proposed by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, provides a
framework to understand how specific and challenging goals can lead to higher
levels of performance. The act of setting a goal implies a commitment to the
future, giving structure and meaning to one’s actions. When an individual sets
a goal, it often represents a broader vision of success—whether it be personal,
professional, or societal.
The overall goal typically encompasses multiple steps or tasks, and each of
these sub-goals can be viewed as a small building block. The challenge,
however, lies not only in setting the goal but in maintaining motivation and
momentum as the individual proceeds from one task to another. While success in
achieving individual tasks is necessary, it is often accompanied by the
inevitable question: "Am I on the right path for the overall goal?"
2. Achieving Sub-Goals: The Mixed Emotions
When an individual completes a sub-goal, the sense of accomplishment is
real. Dopamine, the "reward" neurotransmitter, is released,
reinforcing the positive feeling of success. Yet, this is often fleeting,
particularly when the overall goal remains distant. The accomplishment of one
task can be a moment of satisfaction, but for many, it may be quickly followed
by feelings of uncertainty, doubt, or even anxiety about the larger picture.
The question of "Now what?" arises from this complex emotional
landscape. Research in motivational psychology suggests that the human mind
requires constant recalibration to maintain enthusiasm over long-term goals.
Sub-goals, while vital, can sometimes feel like mere "checkpoints"
rather than significant achievements. This creates a psychological gap between
immediate success and the long-term aspiration, prompting the individual to
reflect on whether they are truly moving forward or merely spinning in circles.
3. The Psychological Landscape of Uncertainty
The moment of reflection—"Now what?"—is often a confrontation
with uncertainty. Psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s work on decision-making
highlights that uncertainty can lead to cognitive biases. In this moment of
self-evaluation, an individual may overestimate the challenges ahead or
underestimate their own capacity to continue. This "present bias" can
cloud judgment, making it difficult to appreciate the overall progress.
Moreover, the sense of uncertainty is heightened by the emotional strain of
long-term goal pursuit. Researchers have found that people may experience
decision fatigue, a state where the mental energy required to make choices and
take action diminishes over time. This depletion of mental resources makes the
reflection moment not just a question of logistics, but also a deeper
existential question about the goal's continued relevance, feasibility, and
importance.
4. Needs and Obligations in the Process
As people move through the phases of completing sub-goals, new needs and
obligations often emerge. These can be psychological (such as the need for
validation), practical (like time management or resource allocation), or social
(meeting expectations of others involved in the goal). Abraham Maslow’s
hierarchy of needs provides a useful lens through which to view these evolving
requirements.
While the initial phase of goal-setting might satisfy needs for self-esteem
and purpose, the "Now what?" moment often reveals more complex,
higher-order needs—those related to self-actualization and self-transcendence.
It is in this space that people must reassess their motives, questioning not
only whether they can achieve the goal but also why they are pursuing it in the
first place.
For some, this reflection can lead to a reinvigoration of purpose, where
the goal's significance is reaffirmed. For others, it may signal the need for
adaptation—perhaps the goal itself needs to shift, or new priorities need to be
acknowledged.
5. The Prospect of Moving Forward
The "Now what?" moment can also serve as a pivotal point for
re-strategizing. Cognitive-behavioral approaches suggest that when people
encounter setbacks or feel uncertain, they benefit from breaking down the
overall goal into more manageable parts and creating short-term plans. This
approach emphasizes the value of flexible thinking and adaptation in the face
of obstacles.
Research on resilience indicates that people who succeed in long-term goal
achievement often possess a high degree of psychological flexibility. They are
able to pivot when necessary, recalibrate their expectations, and approach each
new challenge with curiosity rather than dread. In essence, the ability to
answer "Now what?" with confidence is strongly tied to one’s capacity
for resilience and adaptability.
6. The Role of Reflection and Taking Stock
Reflection plays a critical role in goal pursuit. At each stage of the
journey, it is essential for people to pause and take stock of what has been
accomplished. Research shows that effective reflection can foster a sense of
progress, boost motivation, and reinforce commitment to the overall goal.
However, reflection is not always easy. The "Now what?" moment
may trigger self-doubt, as people evaluate their perceived shortcomings.
Cognitive dissonance theory explains that when there is a gap between one's
expectations and reality, it can lead to discomfort. How people resolve this
discomfort determines their next steps. Those who can recalibrate their goals
and approach future tasks with a growth mindset are more likely to overcome
setbacks.
7. Conclusion: Answering "Now What?"
The question "Now what?" is not just a moment of pause; it is an
essential juncture in the goal-setting process. It is a moment of
re-evaluation, requiring people to reconcile their progress with their overall
aspirations. This period of reflection, while emotionally charged, provides an
opportunity to reassess priorities, adapt strategies, and reinforce the
significance of the broader goal.
Scientifically, the ability to navigate this moment successfully is linked
to psychological resilience, flexibility, and self-reflection. By understanding
and managing the emotions, needs, and cognitive challenges that arise in this
phase, people can continue their pursuit with greater clarity, purpose, and
ultimately, success. The overall goal may remain on the horizon, but answering
"Now what?" ensures that each step forward is taken with
intentionality and a renewed sense of direction.
