I like to use destinations instead of goals , they might be the same thing in reality but the difference is the timing. As long as you are continuing towards that destination you haven't failed. But when goals are set there is or always seems to be a date set to achieve that goal and like you said life can get in the way.
No matter how many delays or twists and turns you encounter a person always get back on track to their destination.
That is why I choose destinations over goals.