Goals vs. Objectives

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A lot of people tend to use the term "goals," when they want to achieve or accomplish something. But I don't like the word. A goal, to me, is nothing more than a desire and often doesn't have a lot behind it. An objective, on the other hand is more specific and more defined. Granted, an objective may start with a goal. But unlike a goal, it has a plan. It is something that has been thought out in the process and that has gathered the necessary tools to actually do what the goal sets out to do. When you have a goal, sure, you want that something that it implies. But when you have an objective, you have a means to an end that has been set into actual motion. Think of it like driving a car. When you get in you have a goal to move the car forward. But nothing happens until you step on the gas and start steering to where you want to go. The goal is to get to Walmart to buy groceries. But the objective is to step on the gas pedal, back out of your driveway, go to 1st Street, make a right on 5th Avenue, and turn into the parking lot.