the difference between goals and intentions

with the new year just around the corner, you’ve probably heard plenty about setting your goals and/or intentions for 2024. but what’s the difference? do we need to set both? we’re breaking it down for you so you can journal down what’s best for you.

1. intentions:

   • intentions refer to the overarching, guiding principles or values that shape your actions and decisions.

   • intentions are broader and more abstract than specific, measurable objectives.

   • intentions focus on the underlying purpose or direction you want to move toward in various aspects of life.

   • intentions are often tied to personal growth, well-being, relationships, and values.

   • they can provide a general framework for how you want to live your life and make choices.

2. goal setting:

   • goal setting involves the process of defining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. (SMART goals!)

   • goals are concrete and specific outcomes or achievements you strive to reach within a certain timeframe.

   • goals are usually more tangible and have clear criteria for success or completion.

   • they can be short-term or long-term and are often related to specific areas of life, such as career, health, education, or personal development.

   • goal setting provides a structured approach to accomplishing tasks and realizing desired outcomes.

to give you the skinny of it, intentions are the overarching principles and values that guide your actions and decisions, while goal setting is the process of defining specific, measurable objectives to achieve within a set timeframe. intentions provide a broader context for your actions, and goal setting helps you turn those intentions into concrete, achievable steps. both can be valuable tools for personal development and success, and they often complement each other in creating a well-rounded approach to life.