I’m frequently asked about the difference between objectives and goals. My response: Who cares! This is not a distinction worthy of discussion. Here is why:
- Do you know what you are trying to accomplish?
- Is your definition of success sufficiently clear and specific so it will be obvious when you have achieved it?
- Do you have a reasonable deadline from which to work backward in scheduling your work?
- Are you committed to success, including knowing what is of lesser importance and may need to be put aside in order to succeed?
If yes to all four, you are in good shape whether you think you have goals, objectives, both, or neither.
If not, you won’t get anywhere regardless of whether you think you have goals, objectives, both, or neither.
Debating the difference between goals and objectives is as useless as most goals and objectives because most goals and objectives don’t meet these four criteria.
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