Intention Setting vs. Goal Setting in Life and Business
Ever wondered what the difference was between setting goals and setting intentions?
Editor’s note: This article is a Latin Biz Today reader requested archive request. The Webster Dictionary describes it pretty clear. Goals are more clearly defined and have a more precise plan. Intentions are about having an idea or aim and not being so concerned with exactly the “how” in achieving it. It’s more about aiming in the general direction. I recently had an incident occur where intentions were set many years ago, no real plan on my end was rolled out and yet the stars lined up and a series of events unfolded right before my eyes many years later. Before I get into my personal experience of what happened and how it bordered a dreamlike state for me, it is critically important to understand the practical side of setting goals and the discipline behind the success of accomplishing any goal in life. The statement that says, “The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan.” is very true. Goal setting is easy, just like having a dream. It’s what you do with the rest of it that is the real work.There are 3 basic points that should come with every goal to ensure success.
Timeline, Action Steps, Measurement, (T.A.M). If any of those are missing, there’s a risk of failure and not achieving what you set out to do. In fact, it may not be a goal at all. It could be a dream, a fantasy, a vision or possibly an intention. Now, there is nothing wrong with any of these, we all have them and need them. They give room to exploration, creativity and help us in the development of deciding our goals.- First, to ensure the success of a goal once you’ve made up your mind, you must first give yourself a timeline. A goal without a deadline is again a dream.
- Secondly, you must have very specific action steps on how you will achieve it. If you just throw out something you want and have not figured out the “how” it’s impossible to expect anything to happen.
- Third, you must have a way by which to measure your success. If it involves numbers such as losing weight or saving money it’s easy. If however, it has to do with relationships or something less specific, the ability to measure it becomes more challenging.
