Goals versus aspirations

Unlike goals, aspirations are not measurable and therefore they are objectively unobtainable.

You cannot hold yourself accountable for something that you haven’t figured out how to clearly recognize or measure.

Despite this, we often confidently speak of aspirations when asked about goals and — to our detriment — leave it at that.

I want to learn more is an aspiration, not a goal.

I want to work on my professional development is an aspiration, not a goal.

Aspirations are good for energizing us, but they fail to meaningfully channel that energy and ultimately bridge the gap between desire and reality.

An essential component of bridging this gap is transforming the aspiration into a goal with four elements: a definition, measure, target, and tactic.

Consider how these four elements can be applied to the original statement, “I want to learn more”.

What is meant by learning? Let’s say you consider reading as a form of learning, that’s your definition.

How do you evaluate your engagement with reading? You could evaluate based on the number of minutes you spend reading, or the number of pages read. Let’s say it’s pages read.

What’s your target? How many pages do you want to read and by when? Let’s say 300 pages in the next 30 days.

Finally, what’s your tactic — what can you do to increase the chances that you’ll meet your target? You can put the book you want to read next to your bed and schedule a daily reminder on your phone to read 10 pages just before bedtime. This an example of an action plan that, if you commit to it, will ensure your goal success.

Do not stop at aspirations — you are four questions and a commitment away from making progress instead of merely thinking about it.