How do you differentiate a goal from objective? / myLot

July 16, 2010 6:19pm CST

People do set goals and objectives in life. This topic is one of the best topics taught in my nursing course, but even until now, I noticed some people who don't know how to differentiate them. I don't think it's difficult, but I would like to know other people's ideas.

4 responses

wiggles18

@wiggles18 (2506)

• Canada

16 Jul 10

Objectives are small tasks, right? And a goal is a long term objective, that usually consists of many smaller objectives combined, right?

hanuma34

@hanuma34 (819)

• India

17 Jul 10

I think it is the otherway round. Goals can be set up and efforts to made to reach them to fulful a certain objective. Hope I am right.

wiggles18

@wiggles18 (2506)

• Canada

17 Jul 10

Mmm, no it makes more sense that the goal is the long term longer larger task. Think of it like a ladder: The top of the ladder is the goal you want to reach, and each individual step is an objective. Also, use this more realistic example: A person has a goal to be an astronaut; in order to become an astronaut that person needs to complete many smaller objectives, like becoming physically fit, intelligent, etc.

TheRealDawn

@dawnald (85135)

• Shingle Springs, California

16 Jul 10

I don't have a clue, looked up "objective" and it had goal as part of the definition. Maybe I should go back to school?

hanuma34

@hanuma34 (819)

• India

17 Jul 10

There is no need for such a drastic step. I fully concur with the definition of 'objective'. lol.

elmiko

@elmiko (6630)

• United States

17 Jul 10

i just ask my self some questions and the answers are more obvious.

hanuma34

@hanuma34 (819)

• India

17 Jul 10

One can have several objectives. In order to achieve the objective one has to set up a goal to reach. I think therefore, objective can be described more as the philosophy and goal is the practical approach.