The main difference between intention and goal is that intentions are vague and broad, while goals are comparatively more specific as they involve the expectations, actions, and results you want to achieve.
Both goals and intentions describe what we want to achieve. An intention is an idea you plan to carry out, while a goal is an aim or objective that we work toward with effort and determination. We usually create goals based on our intentions.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is an Intention
– Definition, Features
2. What is a Goal
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Intention and Goal
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Intention, Goal
What is an Intention
An intention is an idea you plan to carry out. It’s something you mean to do, whether you carry it out or not. We can also describe an intention as an aim or purpose of an action. The Oxford dictionary defines intention as “a thing intended; an aim or plan,” whereas the Merriam-Webster defines it as “the thing that you plan to do or achieve.” Most of our actions have intentions. But sometimes, we might do something without intending to do it. For example, you might take a loaf of bread from the bakery and forget to pay. Here, you had no intention of stealing, although you might be accused of it.
We can also describe intentions as our overall willingness to do something. It’s the energy we put into action at the start of the action. When compared to goals, intentions are usually vague and non-specific. They are things you hope to do or achieve, but you may not have specific planned actions to achieve them. For example, you may have an intention of losing weight or being a better mother to your children. Note how these intentions are vague and do not have a specific timeline or doable plans.
What is a Goal
A goal is an aim or objective that we work toward with effort and determination. We can also describe goals as the desired outcome or the final result of an endeavor. The Oxford dictionary defines a goal as “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result,” whereas the Merriam-Webster defines it as “the end toward which effort is directed.” Here are some examples of goals.
Goals:
I will have my own website by the end of this year.
Our brand will be among the top five brands in the cosmetics market within the next five years.
I will earn $40000 in the next three months.
As you can see from the above examples, goals involve future projections. This is because they are things you want to achieve at some point in the future. They are more specific than intentions. Since they often involve actionable plans, you can achieve goals when you put enough energy into taking the correct action.
Difference Between Intention and Goal
Definition
An intention is an idea you plan to carry out, while a goal is an aim or objective that we work toward with effort and determination.
Nature
Intentions are broader and vaguer than goals. In addition, goals are more specific because they involve the expectations, actions, and results you want to achieve.
Timeline
While intentions involve present moments in life, goals are things you want to achieve at some point in the future.
Conclusion
The main difference between intention and goal is that intentions are vague and broad, while goals are comparatively more specific as they involve the expectations, actions, and results you want to achieve.
Reference:
1. “Intention.” Vocabulary.com
Image Courtesy:
1. “The word Intention on white background” By Marco Verch Professional Photography (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Goal-setting-goal-dart-target” (CC0) via Pixabay
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