A recent client was in a very uncomfortable situation.  A long-held belief  that it was impossible to succeed at ______________" (fill in the blank with any goal) "as long as ___________" (a particular situation or obstacle) was in place.   

Surprisingly, the uncomfortable part was that the obstacle had recently been removed.  The reason or excuse for not attaining -- and in this case not even attempting to pursue -- this goal was suddenly no longer an issue.  The client felt lost and disoriented, unsure of what to do next.

Sometimes we may create or manufacture a reason or excuse to justify (either to others or ourselves) why we're not diligently pursuing our goals.  It may be that the kids are still at home, the spouse isn't supportive enough, the time isn't quite right, etc.  Maybe we're waiting until we lose some weight before we pursue a relationship.  But are these the real reasons that we're at a standstill?  Or are they just excuses for behavior we've "settled for"?

Human nature, often exhibited early on in life says, "It's not my fault!"  By assigning blame for what happens (or doesn't happen) in our life to someone else and/or uncontrollable circumstances, we attempt to get ourselves off the hot seat.  We're self-absolved and it isn't our lack of initiative or ambition that's the problem.  It's that other person or situation that keeps us from being all we can be.

When the obstacles are removed, one of these things happens:

1. We're grateful that we now have an opportunity to pursue our goals unencumbered, and proceed energized and confident of our success. 
   

2. We need to 'fess up to the fact that we never really intended or expected to pursue these goals.  After admitting this we also recognize and embrace the need to reassess our priorities and set more realistic goals.
   

3. We need to come up with a new excuse for lack of success.  Then we can continue the blame game and refuse to take any responsibility for our own lack of accomplishment. 

It's all too easy to define ourselves by our limitations.  The point is that we must be truthful with ourselves in order to realize our potential.  By focusing our goals rather than obsessing over the challenges to them, we are much more likely to succeed.

If it's time to rethink your goals, a reliable astrologer can help you assess your individual priorities and help you to formulate a workable timetable for the future.