GOALS.4:4.3 - Compare continuations from the present situation

Consider the alternatives that can improve the current decision: continue, change means, obtain help, narrow or extend the aim, pause with a return condition, or end it. Include completed useful work, still-unfolding effects, remaining costs, displaced goals and commitments. Past effort explains the present state and can supply knowledge; it does not make future expenditure worthwhile on its own.

Distinguish the level of change. Abandoning one means can preserve the end; relaxing a particular target can preserve a wider purpose; ending a goal can release resources for a different purpose. For a pause, say what remains protected, what maintenance or restart costs arise, and what event or occasion makes reconsideration useful. Indefinite silent carryover hides an unresolved choice.

A difficult goal need not be unattainable for another continuation to be preferable. Compare its remaining value and feasibility with the actual alternatives, including what other participants will lose. For human personal aims, use GOALS.6 to include the person’s participation, competing purposes and available support. The owner’s judgement of these values cannot be replaced by a universal persistence score.