Throughout history, most successful people have agreed that setting goals and objectives has been a major strategy for success in life. These people have also known that if you really want to achieve your goals, you need to write them down.
Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But, if it’s so easy, why don’t more people write down their goals and then achieve them?
I truly believe that not fully understanding the difference between goals and objectives to begin with is part of the problem. So yes, it is very important to write down goals and objectives. But, before you do that, let’s make sure that you first understand the difference between the two terms before working on any specific plan of action.
While goals are important, objectives are equally important. Therefore, before setting goals and objectives, let’s clarify the difference between the two terms here.
When you are setting a goal, you are drawing up the broad picture of what it is you want to achieve. When you are setting an objective, you are planning a measurable action that moves you forward in the direction of your goal.
For example, your goal may be to become a writer. One of your objectives may be to submit an article to a magazine by October 1st.
In this example, the goal to become a writer is rather broad, whereas the objective of submitting an article was tangible and measurable. After all, the aspiring writer either did submit an article or did not.
And that means only one of two things: The person did make progress toward achieving the goal, or did not make progress.
Here is one popular method to help differentiate between goals and objectives. The word “goal” contains the word “go.” And, “go” is a verb. You “go” right, left, or straight through the traffic light. You can “go” to the store. So, when we talk about setting and achieving goals, we talk about going or moving in a desirable direction.
The word “objective” contains the word “object.” An “object” is a thing. It is tangible. You can see and touch an object. You can measure or weigh an object. Therefore, when we talk about setting objectives, we talk about a specific action step that helps us move in the direction of our goals.
Here are two more examples illustrating the difference between setting and achieving goals and objectives.
Goal: To get a pilot’s license. Objective: Sign up for flight lessons by August 31.
Goal: To earn $500 extra each month. Objective: Apply at 5 stores at the mall by Saturday.
As you may have already determined from these examples, there are likely to be many objectives that you can write to help you achieve your goals.
Once you have determined your “big picture” vision (your goal), and have come up with a number of measureable action steps to move you forward (your objectives), you are far more likely to actually make progress.
That’s because now you have some solid steps planned that you can act on. And as you complete each objective, you can cross it off your list, an activity that will also feel very good.
It is a good idea to spend some time every week reviewing your goals and objectives as part of your strategy for success in life. However, now that you understand the nuances of setting goals and objectives, don’t feel that they are unchangeable or rigid.
Take the time on a regular basis to review and note your progress, then make adjustments in your goals or objectives as you see fit. You may soon find that you can achieve your goals sooner than you thought you could.
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